FarmTek PolyMax Manual

Dutch bucket recovery drip system

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PolyMax® Dutch Bucket
Recovery Drip System
PolyMax® Dutch Buckets
Versatile PolyMax® Dutch Buckets are ideal for both small- and large-scale hydroponic growing.
©2019 ClearSpan™
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
is prohibited without permission.
1
Revision date: 05.01.19

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Summary of Contents for FarmTek PolyMax

  • Page 1 PolyMax® Dutch Bucket Recovery Drip System PolyMax® Dutch Buckets Versatile PolyMax® Dutch Buckets are ideal for both small- and large-scale hydroponic growing. ©2019 ClearSpan™ All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited without permission. Revision date: 05.01.19...
  • Page 2 Important Information READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO ASSEMBLE YOUR DUTCH BUCKET RECOVERY DRIP SYSTEM. Designing a Dutch bucket system is easy and can be accomplished with minimal guidance. Once you have determined what you want to grow, where you will assemble the system, and how large of a system you will need, simply compile a list of parts.
  • Page 3 Important Information PICTORIAL GUIDE The following graphics and photos will help you identify the different parts of the bucket system. Consult the Quick Start Guide for additional details and diagrams. (All parts are sold separately.) 110402 110832 110409, 110410, or 110411 2-Way Manifold Simer Utility Pump Woodpecker Drippers...
  • Page 4 Assembly Instructions A flat surface and a stable frame works best to support your Dutch bucket system. Surface should be safe for use in a greenhouse environment where water is present. Examine the diagrams in the Quick Start section to plan the layout of your system. Consider the following: •...
  • Page 5 Assembly Instructions Plan how you want to connect the return lines at the end where the reservoir tank will be located. Use the Dutch buckets to properly space the return lines during the assembly of the remaining tubes and fittings. Revision date: 05.01.19...
  • Page 6 Assembly Instructions Once you have determined a layout, arrange the buckets and return lines as desired on the bench and mark the bucket drain fitting location of each bucket on the PVC return line. Verify that the fittings of the return lines remain in the desired positions. Use a 1"...
  • Page 7 Assembly Instructions Before setting the buckets in position, take the siphon elbows (110049) and assemble as shown. Take the elbow assembly and install one inside each of the Dutch buckets. Two (2) elbows are used for each basket. Revision date: 05.01.19...
  • Page 8 Assembly Instructions Arrange a few of the buckets on the bench (at the drain end) by inserting the drain fitting of each into a hole in a return line. Verify that the buckets are in the desired position and that all return lines are running parallel with each other.
  • Page 9 Assembly Instructions Supply line plumbing typically consists of tubing and fittings similar to those shown in the steps that follow. In many instances, two rows of Dutch buckets installed opposite each other can share the same main supply line. These steps show one way to install the supply line plumbing for your Dutch bucket system.
  • Page 10 Assembly Instructions Supply line and return line plumbing can be secured in place using a variety of different fasteners. In this example, plastic ties are wrapped around the tubing and tightened. Regardless of what fasteners are used, install these carefully to prevent pinching the tubing, which can restrict the water flow to or from the reservoir.
  • Page 11 Assembly Instructions INSTALL THE MAIN CIRCULATION PUMP ATTENTION: The pump shown on this page is used with the 110044 threaded tees. It cannot be used with any woodpecker dripper fittings. Consult with your sales representative for additional pump information and details. Different pumps require Required tools and parts: different fittings and connections, which are not shown in the example below.
  • Page 12 Assembly Instructions Finally, complete the installation of the main supply line plumbing by connecting it to the remaining supply line tubing. The dashed line in the photo to the right shows the routing of the black supply line tubing. Secure the supply lines and return lines to the bench top if this has not been completed.
  • Page 13 Assembly Instructions After the supply and return lines are assembled and secured, install the fittings for the drip lines. There are different fittings available for your system. In this example, the 111044 tee fittings are used for the system. On the next page, the Woodpecker Drippers with a 2-way manifold are shown.
  • Page 14 Assembly Instructions An alternative to the 111044 tee fitting is the Woodpecker Dripper. These are available in different flow rates and have supply line pressure requirements. Consult with your sales representative to determine which dripper and pump are best for your application. Additionally, the 110402 2-Way manifold is needed to attach the drip lines to the dripper.
  • Page 15 Assembly Instructions There are different ways to keep the dripper lines anchored inside each bucket. In the example shown on this page, the 110413 dripper weights are used. After setting all buckets in place with the bucket drain fitting inserted into the return line, attach a 110413 dripper weight to each dripper line.
  • Page 16 Assembly Instructions If you used the 110413 dripper weights, fill buckets with the desired growing medium. In this example, clay pebbles are shown. Other growing mediums are available. Contact your growing specialist or sales representative for additional options. After filling the buckets with the selected growing medium, determine what nutrient solution is needed for your plants and mix this according to the instructions on the mixture.
  • Page 17 Assembly Instructions Alternatives to the 110413 dripper weights are the 110407 dripper stakes. These easy-to-use stakes are perfect for even and consistent nutrient delivery. After filling the buckets with the desired growing medium and planting your plants, attach a dripper stake to the end of each dripper line.
  • Page 18 Assembly Instructions OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES* Depending on the plant and application, using 110010 Tomato RollerHook Assemblies and the ® 110006 or 110007 clips can save time and labor. The RollerHook components are ® easily assembled by slipping the spool between the wire ends of the hanger. Position the spool so the lock is next to the lowest part of the wire spring.
  • Page 19 Assembly Instructions INSTALLING THE 110010 TOMATO ROLLERHOOK ASSEMBLY ® As plants mature, it may become necessary to provide adequate support. The 110010 Tomato RollerHook ® Assembly used with the 110006 or 110007 tomato clips provide the perfect support system, saving you time and money.
  • Page 20 Assembly Instructions ATTACH THE AIR PUMP AND AERATOR STONES 109260 Air Stone For optimal system performance and to extend the life of the nutrient solution through increased oxygenation, an aerator pump and aerator stones are recommended. These are placed at the bottom of the reservoir when installed.
  • Page 21 Quick Start Guide ATTENTION: To ensure proper return of the nutrient solution to the reservoir, raise the end of the table or bench so that it slopes toward the outlet end of the return line plumbing. RAISE THIS END OF THE TABLE OR BENCH TO ENSURE PROPER DRAINAGE OF THE NUTRIENT SOLUTION BACK TO THE RESERVOIR.
  • Page 22 Quick Start Guide FRONT VIEW Drip Line ® PolyMax Dutch Bucket Overflow Supply Line from Pump Return Line Reservoir Tank Return Line to Reservoir Air Pump Reservoir Tank Nutrient Solution Feed Line IMPORTANT: Install air pump 1/2” Tubing (typical) above the solution level in the tank.
  • Page 23 Quick Start Guide TOP VIEW Nutrient Solution Feed Line 1/2” Tubing (typical) Return Line Capped Drip Line ® PolyMax Dutch Bucket Overflow Supply Line Capped Feed Line Plugged Supply Line from Reservoir Return Line to Reservoir Revision date: 05.01.19...
  • Page 24 Quick Start Guide — Additional Photos Revision date: 05.01.19...
  • Page 25 Quick Start Guide — Additional Photos Photo shows using the 110010 RollerHook Assembly. ® Revision date: 05.01.19...

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