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FarmTek Growers Supply HydroCycle 4" Pro NFT Manual

Lettuce systems

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HydroCycle 4" Pro NFT Lettuce Systems
Designed to grow healthy plants without soil using mineral-nutrient solutions.
©2021 Growers Supply
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
is prohibited without permission.
STK#
112525
*Actual system may differ from what is shown.
1
Revision date: 01.14.21

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Summary of Contents for FarmTek Growers Supply HydroCycle 4" Pro NFT

  • Page 1 HydroCycle 4" Pro NFT Lettuce Systems Designed to grow healthy plants without soil using mineral-nutrient solutions. ©2021 Growers Supply All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited without permission. STK# 112525 *Actual system may differ from what is shown. Revision date: 01.14.21...
  • Page 2 Important Information READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU BEGIN Thank you for purchasing the HydroCycle Pro NFT hydroponic lettuce system. When properly assembled and maintained, this product will provide years of reliable service. These instructions include helpful hints and important information needed to safely assemble and properly maintain the system. Please read these instructions before you begin.
  • Page 3 Important Information PICTORIAL GUIDE The following graphics and photos will help identify the different parts of the hydroponic system. (Some parts may not be shown.) To prevent mixing of fittings, select only those that are needed for each procedure. Keep all fittings in the shipping bags until they are needed. Plastic Pipe &...
  • Page 4 Important Information PICTORIAL GUIDE (continued) 106808 & 112539 111074 WF1023 Filter (1) WF6682 WF3310 WG3840 112066 (1) Shut- Hanger off to attach to WF1023 filter. 115820 WF1530 WF3411 WF1386 WF2990 and WF2153 WF2160 Grommets WF6717 Porthole Cover ATTENTION: Reservoir and lid style shown 40 Gallon Reservoir Reservoir Cover throughout this guide may vary.
  • Page 5 Assembly Instructions ASSEMBLE MAIN SUPPORT FRAME Consult the Quick Start section of this guide for additional diagrams and photos. Complete these steps to get started: 1. With two (2) of the base pipes on a flat surface, slide three (3) tee fittings onto each 96"...
  • Page 6 Assembly Instructions ASSEMBLE MAIN SUPPORT FRAME (continued) 3. With a metal-cutting saw or tool, cut the legs for the support frame. Use the six (6) 131P036 pipes and cut as follows: — Two (2) legs at 33 1/2" — Two (2) legs at 34 3/4" —...
  • Page 7 Assembly Instructions ASSEMBLE MAIN SUPPORT FRAME (continued) 6. With assistance, arrange and stand the two (2) base assemblies so that the leg lengths of each base assembly are aligned (i.e., 36" with 36", 34 3/4" with 34 3/4", and so on). NOTE: It is best to construct the support frame in the area where it will be used so the frame can be leveled for final assembly.
  • Page 8 Assembly Instructions LEVEL AND SQUARE THE MAIN FRAME Level and square the support frame before adding the NFT channels. An uneven frame can affect the delivery and distribution of the nutrient solution. Improper flow may cause irregular crop growth. The following procedure helps to ensure that channels will sit squarely on the frame. Complete these steps to level and square the main frame: Level End View...
  • Page 9 Assembly Instructions ASSEMBLE ALL 8' 116211L096 CHANNELS 1. Using the assembled frame as a bench, place one 8' channel (116211L096) on the cross supports. 2. Using the 112509 adhesive, attach the plain end cap (no outlet–116214) to the end of the channel that is resting on the high side of the support table.
  • Page 10 Assembly Instructions A. Position bottom of hanger ATTACH DRAIN MANIFOLD HANGERS TO FRAME 1" below bottom of tee fitting. Before assembly, dry fit all pvc connections before applying the FA4470 (10) adhesive. Apply adhesive as instructed only. Tek Screw Use the photos to the right to attach the drain manifold mounting hangers to the frame using the FA4470 Tek screws and the 100442 driver.
  • Page 11 Assembly Instructions WF6717 WF6990 WF1386 ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH PVC DRAIN MANIFOLD PVC Cement & 113372 PVC Purple Primer Complete these steps: 1. Slide tank into position and set channels on frame as shown. 2. Using the photo and diagram at the right as guides, construct the horizontal pvc drain manifold from one 111560Z5 pvc tube.
  • Page 12 Assembly Instructions ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH PVC DRAIN MANIFOLD—continued 7. If needed, slide channels back and away from manifold to allow access to the top of the horizontal drain manifold assembly. 8. Snap a chalkline along the top of the horizontal drain tube from end-to-end.
  • Page 13 Assembly Instructions Drill the 2-1/2" Drain Tube Hole 2-1/2" Drain DRILL HOLES IN RESERVOIR COVER Tube Hole Supply Drill the 2-1/2" Drain Tube Hole Tube Hole 1. Determine in which corner you want to drill the drain tube hole. This is the corner directly under the tee fitting outlet in the drain manifold.
  • Page 14 Assembly Instructions ATTACH 1" HANGERS FOR NUTRIENT SUPPLY MANIFOLD Complete these steps: 1. Move to the end of the frame opposite the drain manifold. 106808 2. Measure 7-1/2" in from each frame tee fitting and mark the position on the underside of the crossbar. FA4470B #12 x 1"...
  • Page 15 Assembly Instructions ASSEMBLE NUTRIENT SUPPLY MANIFOLD AND ATTACH TO FRAME Complete these steps: 1. Cut a 28" piece of 3/4" pvc tube from a 10' section of WF4130 supplied with the system. 2. Slide a WF1530 elbow onto one end of the 28" pipe and a WF2990 cap onto the other end. Do WF2990 WF1530 not cement at this time.
  • Page 16: Helpful Hint

    Assembly Instructions DRILL HOLES TO INSTALL THE 115820 GROMMETS Step 2 Complete these steps: HELPFUL HINT: To maintain hole 1. Verify NFT channels are located in desired positions. alignment, along the 2. Along the bottom side of the manifold tube, mark one (1) hole location on the bottom side, snap a chalkline from one end supply manifold for each NFT channel.
  • Page 17 Assembly Instructions FINISH MANIFOLD 1. Once all gromets are installed, apply pvc primer and cement to each end of the pvc supply manifold and inside elbow and cap and reinstall. Be sure to align the marks to install the elbow in the correct position. WF6990 PVC Cement &...
  • Page 18 Assembly Instructions ASSEMBLE FILTER/VALVE, PUMP AND MAIN SUPPLY LINE 1. Take the 106808 hangers and attach two to the inside of the WR1095 FA4470B (10) crossbar at the drain end of the frame using the FA4470B Tek Tape Tek Screw screws.
  • Page 19 Assembly Instructions ASSEMBLE PUMP AND MAIN SUPPLY LINE Using the photos on this page and the notes that follow, WF6504A 111074 111698 Ratchet install the water pump and main supply line. 3/4" Black Hose Clamp Read, understand, and follow these notes to construct the 110722 Utility Pump main supply line and pump assembly:...
  • Page 20 Assembly Instructions Required parts and tools: • Channel Lids PREPARE LIDS FOR 1/4" FEEDER TUBES • Drill and 5/16" Drill Bit There are different ways to drill a 5/16" hole in each lid. For example, lids can be placed in small stacks and drilled •...
  • Page 21 Assembly Instructions Required parts and tools: CUT AND INSTALL THE SUPPLY TUBES • 111046 Poly Tubing • Plastic Pipe & Tube Cutter Photo below shows installed 1/4" feeder tubes. Use the information on this page to cut all 1/4" poly tubes to connect •...
  • Page 22 Assembly Instructions ATTENTION: Always position the air pump above the nutrient level to prevent siphoning of the reservoir. ATTACH THE AIR PUMP AND AERATOR STONES 109260 Air For optimal system performance and to extend the life of the nutrient solution through increased Stone oxygenation, an aerator pump and aerator stones are included.
  • Page 23 Assembly Instructions INSTALL VERTICAL DRAIN TUBE AND FRAME CAPS Install the WF2995 pvc caps to cover the end of each open pipe. The vertical drain tube (A) directs the nutrient solution back to the tank. Use WF2995 the remainder of the first 111560Z5 tube if it is long enough to reach an inch or so through the cover and into the tank.
  • Page 24 System Check System Check Column reserved for notes. After assembling the 112525 NFT system, take a few minutes to check the system. Complete these steps. 1. Verify that all electrical cord ends are outside the reservoir. 2. Ensure that the supply tubes are fully inserted in the channel lids. 3.
  • Page 25 OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION Clean the Filter Screen and Housing General Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions For best results, clean the filter screen regularly or when the flow rate For optimal performance and to increase yields, check and clean the NFT changes unexpectedly.
  • Page 26 OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION RESERVOIR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE Clean the reservoir periodically to maximize plant growth and to minimize system contamination. The steps that follow can be used to change nutrient solution and to pump the reservoir for cleaning and typical maintenance. Cleaning the filter is strongly recommended after cleaning the reservoir. 112066 Shutoff Valve...
  • Page 27 112525 FRAME SUPPORT FRAME DIMENSIONS AND VIEWS 38" On-Center Cross Support 42" on-center 38" on-center 42" End View on-center 38" 6" On-Center on-center Ground Level Revision date: 01.14.21 112525...
  • Page 28 ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Supply Manifold Photo shows the supply manifold and supply tubes of the NFT system. Drain Manifold Photo above shows a completed table as viewed from the drain end. Photo shows a side view of a completed 112525 table. Filter/valve assembly, pump union assembly, reservoir, and air pump are also visible.
  • Page 29 ADDITIONAL PHOTO ATTENTION: Reservoir and lid style shown throughout this guide may vary. When needed, critical dimensions are noted for hole locations. Revision date: 01.14.21 112525...
  • Page 30 PAGE RESERVED FOR CUSTOMER NOTES AND RECORDS 112525 Revision date: 01.14.21...
  • Page 31 PAGE RESERVED FOR CUSTOMER NOTES AND RECORDS Revision date: 01.14.21 112525...