Congratulations on the purchase of a Hydrofarm Megagarden system
Contents
1. Temperature and air circulation Most plants prefer temperatures between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit 70 80 degrees is closer to the optimum Humidity should not be below 45 percent or above 80 per cent Using an oscillating fan will help keep temperatures down when it s too hot strengthen the plants and bring in fresh air if you re growing in an enclosed area Don t blow them over but give them a gentle breeze for part of the day to promote air circulation Monitor the water temperature and avoid excessive heat to build in the root zone as this could damage the plants Harvest Harvest time is very near when the herbs or vegetables are almost fully ripened and are changing color Harvest the crop by cutting off the ripened produce PROBLEMS AND TROUBLESHOOTING The most common sources of problems result from over watering nutrient overdose insufficient lighting and extreme temperatures Re check your Inspect carefully for any insects fungus or mold IF you discover signs of these consult your indoor garden supply store for pest control methods ar Congratulations on the purchase of a Hydrofarm Megagarden system The MegaGarden is a high performance hydroponic growing system designed with simplicity in mind Anyone from the novice to the professional green thumb can use the MegaGarden with ease and get fantastic results This exclusive Hydrofarm design is compact yet very productive implementing automated2. flood amp drain ebb amp flow technology and using less water to grow more produce Crops grown in the MegaGarden experience dramatic growth rates as the roots are directly fed with oxygenated nutrient solution versus conventional soil gardening which requires the roots to search for food sources in the dirt With the assistance of a Hydrofarm grow light system such as the Sunburst or a T5 fluorescent the MegaGarden can provide year round production for all your gardening desires HYDROPONICS SIMPLE QUICK AND EASY Hydroponics is simply a more efficient way to provide nutrition and water to your plants In a soil garden nutrients and water are randomly scattered about throughout the medium and plants have to expend a lot of energy growing roots to find them In a hydroponic garden the nutrients and water are delivered directly to your plants roots by pumping solution on timed cycles Your plants can grow quicker and can be harvested sooner because they are absorbing nutrition at a faster rate MEGAGARDEN PARTS LIST Parts procedures and conditions to make sure you have followed all the directions Any fungicides or insecticides should be used at 10 15 the normal correctly rate Ifthe plants show signs of tip burning flush ith fresh water and nay deus e T JSA MarR ane cht Ifyou have used any new product that seems to have an adverse affect on your system flush the system Ifthe inflow tube is not flowin
3. Cleaning and Maintenance 1 Unplug the pump and disconnect it from the 12 fill fitting Remove it from the MegaGarden system and place it in a bucket or to the side for cleaning 2 Drain the entire reservoir using the view drain tube assembly 3 Rinse the reservoir propagation tray and pump using a high pressure spray nozzle A scouring pad might be necessary to remove nutrient salt build up from the plastic After all the components have been thoroughly rinsed re assemble the MegaGarden and pump assembly Sterilization Optional 5 Fill the reservoir up with a mixture of H202 hydrogen peroxide and water Dilute at a rate of loz per gallon of water 6 Turn the pump on once the reservoir is completely full Allow it to run for approximately 30 minutes to completely disinfect the pump and components 7 Drain the solution and rinse all the parts thoroughly Special Notes and Instructions Rockwool cubes should be treated prior to use Run plenty of fresh water through them and soak them in a 5 5 pH solution For best results seed germination should be done prior to operation of the MegaGarden A Germination Station CK64050 or Hot House 64060 will assist in successful seed germination from which seedlings can be transplanted into the MegaGarden to initiate the growth cycle Once a healthy root mass is established from the seedling or cutting plant the starter cube so the top of it is approximately 1 5
4. deep in the planter Maintain a pH value of 5 5 to 6 0 in the nutrient solution for maximum uptake A water temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for the root zone Watering cycles are automated by the timer included in the package Approximately 1 to 4 feedings per day is acceptable for most stages of crop development Running air stones in the reservoir will increase the available levels of oxygen and promote a healthier garden e When using a new nutrient system start off at 25 50 of the recommended dilution rate opposed to full strength Ex If the bottle calls for 15 ml per gallon start with 5 ml per gallon Empyy the reservoir completely and fill it with fresh solution at least once every 14 days e Other grow mediums such as rockwool blocks silica stone PET 1 perlite and other soilless hydroponic substrates are approved for use in the MegaGarden Lighting The more light you give your plants the faster they will grow considering that other grow room conditions are ideal If your growing season is short with cold temperatures it s best to give your plants an early start indoors under our T 5 lighting systems or Agrosun fluorescents Line the entire growing area with a white surface or mate rial to reflect the maximum amount of light Metallized film or white plastic are recommended Flat white paint also works very well A heavy duty grounded timer will make the light cycle automatic
5. g freely check the intake on the pump The Hydrofarm Guarantee The MegaGarden electrical components are guaranteed to the original owner for 1 year from the date of purchase Misuse abuse or failure to follow instructions is not covered If you have a problem recheck your system and pump If this does not remedy the situation contact the original place of purchase for a warranty assessment Unauthorized returns will not be accepted Save your receipt invoice a copy is required for all warranty work Rev 4 11 HYDROFARM 2011 Horticultural Products Reservoir 8 GAL x 1 View Drain tube assembly xl Propagation tray with holes zi Red porthole cap zi Hydrofarm planters x15 Drain hole filters x2 Clay Pebble Growing Media Tray support column xl 25L bag x r A submersible 1 included with some models x1 HS H MARRE aor a Va i 1 Clay Pebble Growing Media eee a 5L bag Nutrient sample pack xl included with some models x1 Hydrofarm timer zi Flood amp Drain assembly pH Test Kit 1 a 2 fill fitting xl 5 bee 4 b 34 drain fitting xl aE NDSS c 94 riser x1 d 14 riser x1 e Drain screens x2 Assembly Instructions 1 Remove all of the MegaGarden components from the packaging and ensure everything is accounted for by referencing from the PARTS list View tube Installation Figure A 1 Remove the grommet from the view tube assembly elbow 2 Install the grommet into the lower hole on the reservoi
6. r 3 Re insert the view tube drain elbow securely into the grommet Grommet Elbow Figure A Support Column 1 Place the support column over the round mold in the bottom center of the reservoir see Figure B Flood amp Drain Installation lood amp Drain Installation Fill drain fitting 1 To install the fill and drain fittings remove the thread Rubber ed nuts and rubber washer washer from each fill drain fitting Threaded mt 2 Insert both fittings through the top of the propagation tray into the two pre cut holes Replace rubber washer and threaded nut to each fitting from below The tray should be wedged between the two rubber washers on each drain fitting to prevent leak ing and secured into place with the threaded nut on the bottom Propogation tray 3 Take the 34 riser and slide into the top of the 1 14 riser complete this assembly by inserting fill screen on top Install this into the fill fitting to complete the overflow assembly Fill drain screen 4 Insert the remaining drain screen into the top of the fill fitting The complete flood amp drain assembly should appear as shown ae 4 riser in Figure C y Fill 14 riser fitting 4 Drain fitting Propogation tray Figure C 5 Install the 2 drain hole filters into the small pre fabricated holes located in the propagation tray and red por
7. thole cap see Figure D E Figure E Warnings Keep the overflow screen and drain hole filters free of debris to prevent overflow of the propagation tray Pump amp Tube Assembly 1 Remove the submersible pump and additional 12 fitting from the box 2 The 3 8 fitting that comes pre installed on the pump needs to be Remove replaced with the 1 4 y one Carefully clamp 4s onto the outlet and pull wo Add the fitting out of the pump The fit is snug but it can be removed Take care not to break it Flow Control if pliers are used for the Figure G removal see Figure G Ys black 3 The slider located on the pump tube Figure G dictates the water projection rate We recommend a faster fill rate opposed to a slower one but this is optional and customizable to suit your needs 4 Carefully attach the pump to the 4 fill fitting installed in the propaga tion tray using the piece of 1 2 black tube Figure H 5 Place the propagation tray on top of the reservoir making sure the PVC support column is in place Note DO NOT connect the pump to the power supply unless it is fully submerged in solution Failure to do so may cause permanent damage to the pump For a more precise reading ask your local Hydrofarm dealer about digital nutrient testers
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