Rain&Drain Contents: Kit box Instructions Oxy pump Oxy tube inc valve Ph Test Kit Measuring beaker Drip ring Emptying tube Delivery tube ph down Pipette Timer Overflow Drain Assembly and Maintenance Instructions
Assembly 1. Part fill the reservoir with water to help stabilize the reservoir before assembly and to ensure it is level. 2. Remove plastic nut and rubber washer from the overflow. Place the overflow into the large hole in the planter so that the thinner, paler end is facing up towards you in the planter and the fatter end is below the planter. Screw the rubber washer and plastic nut back on to the overflow to secure. 3. Push the drip ring into the delivery tube then push the delivery tube through the hole in the side of the planter and secure into position using the drip ring clip. 4. Remove rubber cap from the side of the pump and attach the air tube. At the opposite end of the air tube, turn the controller approximatly five full turns to open the controller as far as possible without it falling out. 5. Slide the turquoise flow control vent on the side of the pump fully to the right so that it is fully open. Shake the pump to displace any air bubbles. 6. Place the pump on the space provided on the base of the reservoir. Secure the lead in the moulded groove on the edge of the reservoir.
7. Insert the delivery tube into the pump outlet. Some force may be required. 8. Wash the pebbles to clean any dust and debris from them and fill the planter with the pebbles. 9. Fill the reservoir to the maximum level indicator. The Rain & Drain holds 15 litres. Run the pump to test. 10. Twist the dial on the timer until the arrowhead aligns with the current time. Make sure all the tappets are set on the off position (down). Flick the tappets on (up) for the desired number of feeds. Plug the timer into the socket and then plug in the planter. 11. Add the plants making sure that they are watered before putting them in the planter and that the rootball is covered with pebbles. Important: Ensure plants have plenty of white roots on the outside of the compost or rockwool cube before planting into the Rain & Drain. If your plants are not at this stage they will become too wet in the Rain & Drain.
Nutrient Dosage The small Rain & Drain reservoir holds 17 litres. The large Rain & Drain reservoir holds 50 litres. Add 2.5 litres of warm water to the nutrient bottles and shake to mix. Fill the Reservoir with water and nutrients using the dosage rates below. DO NOT mix the nutrients together. It is important to add water to the watering can and then add the A nutrients to the water followed by the B nutrients using the dosage rates below. Young plants or poor growing conditions Add 3ml of nutrient A and 3ml of nutrient B to every 1 litre of water Mature or strongly growing plant Add 5ml of nutrient A and 5ml of nutrient B to every 1 litre of water NEVER ALLOW THE WATER LEVEL IN THE RESERVOIR TO FALL BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE PUMP. 2.5L 2.5L A B SUPER CONCENTRATED 166x5L SUPER CONCENTRATED Makes 833L of feed 166x5L Makes 833L of feed
Suggested Timer Settings Adjust the watering cycle to meet your plants needs which will vary according to temperature, growth stage and plant size. Keep an eye on the reservoir levels, the more often you have to fill the reservoir the healthier your plants are. Young plant or poor growing conditions Mature or strongly growing plant 1 x 15 minute feed per day 4 to 6 x 15 minute feeds per day Only feed during daylight hours. Never feed more than once in a single hour The maximum number of feeds per hour is one. The first feed should always be at the start of the day. Feeds should be spaced fairly evenly during daylight hours but grouped slightly more towards the hottest part of the day. The last feed of the day should always be no later than one hour before the end of the daytime. The number of feeds per day should be increased gradually by 1 feed at a time. Watch for the reservoir level dropping by a larger volume each day (showing that the plants are taking up a greater volume of water). Never allow the pebbles to become completely dry if this starts to occur increase the feeding frequency. Slight under watering is better than over watering. If after increasing your feed frequency the plants don t seem to be taking up more water (if the reservoir level does not drop by more than it did before you increased the number of feeds) consider reducing the feeds again. The perfect number of feeds is the number that maximises the amount of water takenup by the plant because water usage is directly related to rate of plant growth. It is important to note that if you feed too frequently the roots can t access sufficient air and water consumption is reduced. Monitor your plants as they grow. If you spot any of the following conditions adjust the feeding frequency: Leaf curling Drooping stems Leaf drop Rotting roots
Maintenance Reservoir changes Empty and refill the reservoir every 3-4 weeks to ensure the nutrient solution does not become concentrated or depleted. 1. Switch off the pump and heater (if you have one) and remove the inlet drain from the pump. 2. Fit the emptying tube onto the end of the pump and turn the pump on. 3. Remove as much of the water as possible however don t worry if you can t completely empty the reservoir. 4. Replace the emptying tube with the inlet drain and secure the pump in the bottom of the reservoir. Refill the reservoir and check the ph and adjust if necessary. Testing and adjusting the ph of the nutrients and water The ph of the reservoir contents should be maintained between 5.8 and 6.8. Test the ph every two weeks in soft water areas and weekly in hard water areas. Empty and refill the reservoir every 3-4 weeks to ensure the nutrient solution does not become concentrated or depleted. 1. Switch off the pump (and heater) and take a 2ml sample from the reservoir using the phial provided. 2. Add 2 drops of the reagent to the phial and shake gently. 3. Compare the colour of the water against the chart provided. 4. If the colour of the water is outside the desired range, use the ph Down to make any adjustments.
5. Using the pipette add 1ml of ph down to the reservoir and leave for an hour to allow it to mix. Check the ph level again and if it requires adjusting add another 1ml of ph down and wait another hour for it to mix through. Remember to use the ph down sparingly; it is better to repeat the process than overdose. 6. If the test shows yellow add tap water. If the yellow colour persists, or in the case of accidental overdose of ph down, empty the reservoir and refill. Top Tips Keep a diary of planting out dates, topping up requirements and reservoir changes. The more water the plants take up the better they are growing. To keep your pump in good working order clean your pump when you perform reservoir changes. Use the pipette to measure 5ml of ph down for soft water areas and 10ml for hard water areas, and add to 1 litre of water in a plastic container. Run the pump in the container for 10 minutes. This solution can be stored for future use however be sure to label it correctly. The most common reasons for poor growth: 1. Plants placed in the planter too early ensure only strong healthy plants are used. 2. Heavy handedness with ph down. Take care not to add too much. 3. Incorrect nutrient dose used. Electrical Safety First 1. Ensure that your electricity supply incorporates an RCCB protection devise, or alternatively use a socket mounted RCCB power breaker unit. 2. Ensure pump and heater if employed, are connected in accordance with manufacturers instructions. 3. Always switch off electricity supply before making contact with nutrient solution in reservoir.
Any Questions? Contact our Gardening Angels We are here to help you to get the best from your plants, so if you have any questions about your Greenhouse Sensation Planter or the plants you are growing feel free to contact one of our Gardening Angels on. Call: 0845 602 3774 Email: info@greenhousesensation.co.uk Like Us Hints, tips and special offers search Greenhouse Sensation Watch our advice videos on our website and Facebook. Made in England Thank you for supporting independent British manufacturing VEG_INS_1012