FarmTek Growers Supply 115554 User manual

1
Revision date: 01.27.20
©2020 FarmTek®
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
is prohibited without permission.
115554
Ebb & Flow System*
115554 2' x 4' System
*Photo shows a 2' x 8' system. Actual system is 2' x 4'. Some components shown are not included with kit. Actual system differs.
ATTENTION: ACTUAL TRAY IS BLACK. ORIGINAL
WHITE TRAY IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

2115554 Revision date: 01.27.20
REQUIRED TOOLS
The following list identifies the main tools needed to
assemble the system. Additional tools may be
needed.
• Level (4'– recommended)
• Wrench set to level frame
• Ratchet with 1/2" socket to assemble frame
• Adjustable pliers and small hammer
• Gloves to handle metal tubing
• 1" hole saw bit and drill
• Tool to cut 3/4" tubing
READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Thank you for purchasing the 115554 Ebb & Flo system. When properly assembled and maintained, this system will provide years of reliable service. These
instructions include helpful hints and important information needed to safely assemble the system. Please read and understand these instructions before you
begin. If you have any questions during the assembly, contact customer service.
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
Following the instructions as presented will help
ensure the proper assembly of your system.
The steps outlining the assembly process are as
follows:
1. Verify that all parts are included in the
shipment. Notify customer service for
questions or concerns. See below.
2. Read and understand these instructions and
the information included with the shipment
before you begin.
3. Gather the tools and assistants.
4. Assemble the system.
Important Information
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Wear eye protection.
• Wear gloves when handling metal pipes.
• Use a portable GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter) when working with power tools and
cords.
112838
Tek Screw
FALB34B
112770
113030S03
112477
FAME51B
FAG338B 100442
PICTORIAL GUIDE
Larger parts may not be shown.
111303 111698
111301
111302
112531 HEAVY DUTY TIMER
Consult the guide included with the 112531 timer for
installation, use, programming, and troubleshooting
details.
ATTENTION: Reservoir and lid style shown
throughout this guide may vary. When needed,
critical dimensions are noted for hole locations.
112531 Timer
AC2804

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Revision date: 01.27.20 115554
1ATTACH LEG TUBES
Assemble frame on a flat, level surface.
Attach Leg Tubes
Assemble as shown.
112477
FALB34B
Complete these steps to install each 112477 insert:
1. Add one FALB34B nut to threaded stud of each
113030S01 foot and attach one foot to each 112477
insert.
2. Slide one 112477 insert assembly into bottom of
each 28" vertical leg tube. Tap gently with a small
hammer if needed to seat in place.
3. Secure each insert to each tube using two (2)
112838 Tek screws. Install screws through leg
tube and wall of the 112477 insert and not the
open side of the insert. Install screws slightly off
center line of the leg tube to prevent contact with
threaded rod. See dashed line for center of tube.
4. Adjust 113030S03 leveler so it is seated against
threaded plate of insert and locknut. See diagram to
the right.
5. Secure leg tubes to 115554H tubes using FAG338B flat head
bolts and FAME51B washers.
Bottom
of Leg
Tube
112477
FALB34B
Locknut
113030S03
x
x
115554L
115554L
115554H
FAG338B
Hex Bolt
FAME51B
Washer
112838
Tek Screw
Steps 1 & 2
Steps 3 & 4

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4115554 Revision date: 01.27.20
2
Assemble Main Frame
ASSEMBLE MAIN FRAME
Assemble frame on a flat, level surface.
1. Use the FAG338B (5/16" x 3") hex head bolts and FAME51B flat washers to
complete the frame assembly. Tighten all connections until snug.
2. Install one 112770 finishing cap in each vertical frame tube. Gently tap into
tube if needed.
3. Level the frame as needed. Tighten locknut against the insert plate to secure
leveler.
112770
STEP 2
STEP 3
115554C
115554C
STEP 1
FAME51B
FAG338B

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Revision date: 01.27.20 115554
3
Prepare Propagation Tray
PREPARE 111104 PROPAGATION TRAY (2' x 4')
Complete these steps to drill the holes in the propagation tray.
1. With assistance, carefully flip the tray over on the assembled frame so
the bottom is facing up.
2. At one end of the tray, locate the flat area with dimples that identify
hole locations.
3. Using a 1-3/8" hole saw bit and a drill, carefully drill the bulkhead
holes through the bottom of the propagation tray.
4. Clean debris from the tray and around the holes.
5. Continue with the installation of the bulkhead fittings.
Actual tray may differ
from what is shown.
Actual tray design may differ from example shown.
ATTENTION: ACTUAL TRAY IS BLACK. ORIGINAL
WHITE TRAY IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

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6115554 Revision date: 01.27.20
4
Install Bulkhead Fittings
INSTALL BULKHEAD FITTINGS
System is equipped with two (2) 111301 bulkhead fittings which are used to connect the tray to the lower reservoir.
Gather these parts and install the fittings:
• 111301 Bulkhead fittings (2)
1 3 4
2
1. Flip tray over so inside is facing
up and center tray on frame.
2. Take one 111301 bulkhead fitting
and verify that the fitting includes
a washer.
3. Insert the fitting with washer
through one of the holes.
4. Seat fitting tightly in the hole.
6
57
5. Take the bulkhead nut and turn it
onto the threaded shaft. Tighten
until fitting is snug.
NOTE: Use a large pair of
adjustable pliers if necessary. Do
not overtighten the nut!
6. Repeat the steps to install the
remaining bulkhead fitting.
NOTE: Check both fitting nuts to
ensure each is tight.
7. Inspect the assembled fittings to
ensure that a washer is present
on the inside between each fitting
and the tray.
8. Continue with the next procedure.
Washer

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Revision date: 01.27.20 115554
5
Assemble In-Line Valves
1. Place lid on reservoir and slide reservoir under
the frame. (Actual components may differ.)
2. Cut two (2) three inch (3") pieces
of 3/4" tubing (111627) and slide
one onto each AC2804 in-line
valve.
ATTENTION: Assemble both
valves the same.
3. Secure each connection using
one 111698 ratchet clamp.
Gently squeeze clamp until it
clicks indicating clamp is tight.
Do not overtighten. Doing so
will damage ratchet clamp
teeth.
4. Slide another clamp over each
valve assembly.
5. Attach one valve assembly to a
bulkhead attached to tray. This
will be the pump/supply fitting.
6. Verify that tube is seated tightly
on fitting and secure using
ratchet clamp.
7. Continue with next procedure.
ASSEMBLE IN-LINE VALVES

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8115554 Revision date: 01.27.20
6INSTALL PUMP AND SUPPLY TUBE
1. Slide lid back and set pump in
reservoir. Center pump under
supply valve and measure from
top of pump to in-line valve to
estimate supply tube length.
2. Cut a section of 3/4" tube to
length and check fit. Trim if
needed.
NOTE: Pump should sit on
bottom of reservoir with no stress
on tube or fittings once tube is
connected.
3. Take pump and slide supply tube
(cut in step 2) onto pump fitting.
Add a ratchet clamp.
ATTENTION: Pump fitting and
o-ring are included with pump.
Install correct pump fitting before
installing tube.
4. Gently secure clamp using a pair
of pliers. Do not over-tighten.
5. Set pump in reservoir. 6. Slide a ratchet clamp over supply
tube connected to pump.
7. Slide supply tube onto end of in-
line valve.
Install Pump and Attach Supply and Drain Tubes

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Revision date: 01.27.20 115554
6
Install Pump and Attach Supply and Drain Tubes
INSTALL PUMP AND SUPPLY LINE AND DRAIN TUBE—continued
10. Take the remaining valve
assembly and slide a ratchet
clamp over end.
11. Slide assembly onto remaining
bulkhead fitting and secure
connection as described early
(Step 8).
12. Measure from valve to top of
lid and add 2"-3" so tube when
installed extends below lid
surface.
13. Cut a 3/4" tube to the length
determined in previous step.
14. Attach tube to in-line valve
assembly attached to bulkhead.
15. Secure connection with clamp. 16. Inspect all connections to ensure
they are tight. Ensure valves
open and close as desired and in
the desired direction.
17. Continue with the next procedure.
8. Secure connection using pliers to
squeeze ratchet clamp.
9. Inspect assembly and ensure that
tube and pump are aligned.

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7
Prepare Porthole Cover
PREPARE PORTHOLE COVER
The porthole cover protects tank contents from light and debris, which helps prevent algae growth. During system operation keep this cover in
place at all times. The steps that follow describe one way to prepare porthole cover.
1. Place porthole cover on tank cover and slide toward the
3/4" tubing.
2. With tubing in the desired position, mark tube locations
on porthole cover using a pencil.
Actual components may differ from the example shown above.
3. Use a 1" hole saw bit to first drill through cover in marked locations.
Then finish removing cover material using a jig saw or small hand saw.
4. Clean debris from prepared porthole cover and check fit on reservoir
cover around tubes. Enlarge hole size using a round file as needed to
achieve the best fit around tubing and pump chord.
5. Continue with next procedure.
Drill with
hole saw. Finish removing
material using hand
saw or jig saw.
Porthole Cover Porthole Cover

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Revision date: 01.27.20 115554
8
Adjust Levelers
ADJUST LEVELERS
1234
Adjust levelers so tray slopes
slightly toward drain end.
Adjust levelers so tray is level side-
to-side. Check with a level.
Use the lower photos to determine how to set the slope of the frame. After adjusting each leveler as
needed, use photos 1-4 to lock leveler in place. A 9/16" wrench is needed.
Actual system may differ
from what is shown.
Actual system may differ from what is
shown. Leveling steps are the same.

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12 115554 Revision date: 01.27.20
9
Install Bulkhead Screen and Extensions
INSTALL BULKHEAD SCREENS AND EXTENSIONS
Photo above shows the bulkhead screens and extensions installed in
both bulkheads.
Photo above shows the bulkhead screen and extension installed in one
bulkhead. A screen without the extension is installed in the other.
111303 111302
Bulkhead screens and extensions allow you to manage nutrient solution level in the tray.
Screens can be used with or without extensions. Depending on the application, extensions can
be used with one screen on the drain tube to increase and maintain the nutrient solution level
in the tray. A screen installed on the pump tube deflects water to ensure an even, steady flow.
Install these items as needed to achieve the desired results.
Hand-tighten only during installation to allow for easier removal.
TEST AND USE EBB & FLOW SYSTEM
After assembly, fill reservoir to desired level. Cover entire pump with water. Connect pump to power and test system. Adjust flow and drain rates as desired.
Adjust frame as needed so tray drains properly. Review Section 9 to set water level in tray. After checking pump and drain operation, read the instructions
sent with the timer and connect it to the system. Set watering cycles according to timer instructions. The ebb and flow system is ready to use.

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Revision date: 01.27.20 115554
Sample System Photo
ATTENTION: Actual system may differ. Photo shows a 2' x 8'
tray and frame. Plumbing and assembly are the same. Some
components shown are not included with ebb & flow kit.
ATTENTION: ACTUAL TRAY IS BLACK. ORIGINAL
WHITE TRAY IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.