Hydrofarm ACTIVE AIR CO2 COSYS User manual

SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM
1.IMPORTANT! Before attaching the regulator to the CO2tank,
slowly open the tank valve wide for 3-5 seconds to blow out any
sediment. Close the valve tightly.
Whenever you are opening the tank valve, do it extremely
slowly to avoid damaging the inner seals in the regulator.
2. Make sure the washer is seated evenly in the regulator valve.
Insert one of the provided white plastic washers inside the large
brass nut. This will help prevent leaks. Replace the white plastic
washer with each tank change. This will ensure a tight fit, without
leaks, each time. Rubber replacement washers can be purchased
at your local indoor gardening store (item CORING).
3. Securely attach regulator assembly to tank. Use a crescent
wrench to make this connection. Do not use pipe thread tape or
lubricants when making the connection to the tank. Do not use
pliers or channel-locks to tighten the nut. Do not overtighten the
nut. DO NOT OPEN THE TANK VALVE YET.
NOTE: When attaching the regulator to the tank, do not hold on to
the clear plastic meter. Putting pressure on the clear plastic meter
will break the seal at the base and permanently damage the unit.
This will not be covered under the warranty.
4. Insert the shorter extension tube into the plastic fitting on the
back of the flow meter.
5. Insert the other end of the extension tube and insert it onto the
“T” fitting.
6. Do not touch the solenoid during or for at least 5 minutes after
operation, as it can reach temperatures of 80°C/176°F.
ATTACHING THE DISTRIBUTION RING
The distribution ring is designed to be suspended above the plants
in a circular pattern.
1. Screw in the eyelets according to the diagram.
2. Thread the tubing through the eyelets in a circular pattern over
your growing area.
3. Connect the return end to the other side of the “T” fitting.
CO2
is heavier than air and will spread downward from the distribution
points. Make sure the distribution tubing is secured and does not
interfere with your lighting or light movement systems.
NOTE: If you opt not to use the distribution ring, connect a 1/4" tube
to the regulator and run the tube into the grow room, then zip tie the
tube to the back of a wall mount fan to disburse the CO2. We also
recommend using the 12" Pivot Fan (item ACFV12HD) to blow air back
up towards the ceiling. This will help keep the CO2in circulation.
ADJUSTING THE REGULATOR
1. Before opening the valve on the CO
2
tank, slightly open (1/2 turn
counter-clockwise) the black flow rate adjustment knob on the
regulator to relieve the pressure from the gas being released.
Failure to do this can permanently damage the unit and void the
warranty.
2. Open the valve on your CO
2
tank 2 or 3 rotations. Check for CO
2
leaks at all connections by using soapy water.
3. To set the flow rate, turn the black flow rate adjustment knob.
The ball will move up and down inside the meter tube. Adjust the
knob to your desired flow rate. WARNING: Opening the black
dial completely, where the ball moves past the top of the flow
scale, can allow the CO
2
to flow too fast. This can cause freezing
of the regulator and will void the warranty.
If the psi (pounds per square inch) gauge doesn't read between 20
and 30 psi when the regulator is securely attached and set up, and
the tank is full, adjustment will be necessary. Remove the green
"CO2" sticker on the front of the unit (if applicable). Adjust the bolt
found under the sticker until the gauge reads between 20 and 30
psi. You will need a 4mm (5/32") hex key or a flat head screwdriver,
depending on which model you have.
Congratulations on your purchase of our carbon dioxide (CO2) system. Its unique
design and top quality components make it the best CO2enrichment system
available to the home gardener. Check all your parts carefully against the diagram
and components listed below.
PLEASE READ ALL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE SETTING
UP YOUR SYSTEM
COSYS
COSYS20
Congratulations on the purchase of our carbon dioxide (CO2) system.
Its unique design and top quality components make it the best CO2
enrichment system available to the home gardener. Check all your parts
carefully against the diagram and components listed below.
PLEASE READ ALL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY
BEFORE SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM.
Our CO2systems are guaranteed to the original owner for 3 years from the date of purchase. Misuse, abuse, or failure to follow
instructions are not covered. If you have a problem, recheck your system and timer to isolate the problem. If this doesn’t rem-
edy the situation, call the place of purchase to get a Return Authorization for the faulty part. Send only that part. Unauthorized
returns will not be accepted. Save your receipt/invoice — a copy is required for all warranty work.
THE HYDROFARM GUARANTEE
CO2Instructions
SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM
1. IMPORTANT! Before attaching the regulator to the
CO2 tank, slowly open the tank valve wide open for 3-5
seconds to blow out any sediment that may be in the tank
valve. Reclose the valve tightly. Whenever you are open-
ing the tank valve, do it extremely slowly to avoid damag-
ing the inner seals in the regulator.
2. Make sure the washer is seated evenly in the regulator
valve. Then attach regulator assembly to tank.
DO NOT OPEN THE TANK VALVE YET.
3. Insert the shorter extension tube into the plastic fitting on
the back of the flowmeter.
4. Take the other end of the extension tube and insert it onto
the “T” fitting as shown.
DISTRIBUTION RING
The distribution ring is designed to be suspended above the
plants in a circular pattern.
1. First screw the eyelets in according to the diagram.
2. Then thread the tubing through them in a circular pattern
over your growing area.
3. Connect the return end to the other side of the “T” fitting.
CO2 is heavier than air and will spread downward from the distri-
bution points. Make sure the distribution tubing is secured and
does not interfere with your lighting or light movement systems.
ADJUSTING THE REGULATOR
Once the system is securely attached and set up, your regulator
can be adjusted.
1. Plug your solenoid cord into the timer and rotate the dial
until the tabs are in an “ON” position.
2. Very, very slowly open the tank valve until it is fully open.
3. Now, using a screwdriver and a crescent wrench adjust the
PSI gauge so it reads 30 PSI.
4. Tighten the locknut.
5. Unplug the solenoid valve.
0.2
1.5
1
0.5
* NOTE: THIS UNIT IS NOT DESIGNED TO BE USED WITH ELECTRONIC CONTROLLERS. THE
CONSTANT SWITCHING ON & OFF OF THE CO2WILL CAUSE COMPONENTS TO FREEZE. THIS
COULD EMPTY THE TANK OR INHIBIT CO2 DELIVERY.
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
COSYS/COSYS20
COSYS/COSYS20

SETTING THE PROGRAMMABLE TIMER
Set your timer to go on continuously for 45 minutes each day when your lights turn on. This time period will bring your room level close to the
desired range. After this period, set the timer to go off for 15 minutes, then on for 15 minutes. Repeat this on/off cycle throughout the lighted
period until 1 hour before the lights turn off.
DETERMINING A FLOW RATE
This is the basic formula for determining flow meter settings:
cubic ft. of growing area x .0012 = A A ÷ 3 = B B ÷ 2 = flow meter setting
To determine the flow rate for your growing area, follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1 - Determine the cubic volume of your area:
Room height x width x length = cubic volume
Example: 8' high x 10' long x 10' wide = 800 cubic feet
Step 2 - Take desired level of CO2(1500 ppm) and SUBTRACT existing CO2: 1500 ppm - 300 ppm = 1200 ppm. This is the amount
of CO2you need to add to raise the level to optimum.
Step 3 - Multiply your room volume x .0012 (1200 ppm) to determine how much CO2to add to your area. Example: 800 cubic feet x .0012 = .96
cubic feet.
For practical purposes we will round this off to 1 cubic foot. This is the quantity of CO2to add in an 800 cubic foot size room to reach the desired
1500 ppm level.
Before continuing on to the next steps, the following assumptions need to be established:
FIRST ASSUMPTION: The average growing area enriched to 1500 ppm of CO2will return to normal levels in about 3 hours due to plant usage
and room leakage.
SECOND ASSUMPTION: When calculating the flow rate for any growing area, this usage and leakage of CO2should be compensated for in that
particular area.
Step 4 - Now for the 800 cubic foot room, we take the approximately 1 cubic foot of CO2and divide it up over the 3 hour average period into 1
hour increments. There are 3 one hour periods in 3 hours. 1 cubic foot ÷ 3 = 1/3 cubic foot of CO2(.333)
This means that every hour, an 800 cubic foot room needs 1/3 (.333) cubic foot of CO2to replenish it back up to 1500 ppm. Because our system
operates on a 15 minute ON / 45 minute OFF cycle, the flow rate setting should allow 0.33 cubic feet of CO2to be emitted within each 15 minute
ON cycle.
To arrive at the appropriate flow rate setting, we need to multiply 0.33 by 4 (because the flow rate is measured in cubic feet per HOUR, but the
ON period is only 15 minutes, the flow rate must be four times the amount needed) to reach the flow rate per hour (0.33 x 4 = 1.33 CFH). For
practical purposes, round this to 1.3 cubic feet. This is the flow meter setting.
After following the regulator adjustment steps, set the flow with the flow meter adjusting knob.
SYSTEM CHECK
Once the flow rate and programmable timer have been set, test the system by plugging it in. Plug the regulator's 120 volt power cord into the
provided timer or connect to a CO2control system like the Autopilot Digital CO2Controller (item APCECOD), the Autopilot Analog CO2Controller
(item APCECO), or the Analog 24 hour Recycling Timer (item APCTART). After plugging in the unit, slowly rotate the timer dial clockwise to check
the on/off of the solenoid valve. Check the flow of CO2 by using the flow meter setting.
www.hydrofarm.com
WARRANTY
Our CO2systems are guaranteed to the original owner for 1 year from
the date of purchase. Misuse, abuse, or failure to follow instructions
are not covered. If you have a problem, recheck your system and
timer to isolate the problem. If this doesn’t remedy the situation,
call the place of purchase to get a Return Authorization for the faulty
part. Send only that part. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
Save your receipt/invoice—a copy is required for all warranty work.
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. If any leakage is suspected, make sure all connections are tight,
and spray them with soapy water. If a leak exists, bubbling will be
seen.
2.
ALWAYS TURN OFF THE TANK VALVE BEFORE DETACHING ANY PARTS.
Check the solenoid valve’s function by plugging and unplugging it
directly to an outlet.
3. Any fitting leakage can be remedied by re-attaching firmly with
some teflon tape (available from your local hardware store.)
4. Plug the system back into the timer and slowly rotate the dial
clockwise to check its on/off functions.
5. If these steps don’t solve the issue, contact the place of purchase
to get a return authorization form.
NOTE: We also recommend our desktop CO
2
monitor (APCEM) to monitor
CO
2
levels, or our Digital CO
2
Controller (APCECOD) to automate them
completely (eliminates the need for the mer and calculaons).
Components list:
1 - High Quality Regulator
1 - Solenoid
1 - Precision Flow Meter
(the three above pieces are pre-assembled together)
1 - Timer (TM01015D)
2 - Distribuon Tubing (3'non-drilled, 15'drilled)
1 - “T” connector for tubing
6 - Eye screws
1 - 4 mm Hex Key
COSYS_instructions - Rev.5.5.15