IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION DO NOT DISCARD OPERATION MANUAL TM FREE instructional videos are available online at: youtube.com IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION DO NOT DISCARD OPERATION MANUAL
2 A F J G H B C D A - Gas Inlet B - Water Outlet C - High Water Pressure Relief D - Water Inlet F - CO2 Output Adjustment G - High/Low Burner Setting H - Water Cooling Adjustment I - CO2 Exhaust J - Flame Sight Glass 2 I 3 (1) 12 Propane Hose 1 2 3 4 5 6 3/4 4 5 Packing List: (1) HydroGEN PRO Unit (1) 12 Propane Hose (1) Propane Regulator (2) 3/4 Hose Barb Adapters (2) Rubber Gaskets (1) Warranty Card 1 (1) HydroGEN PRO Unit 6 (1) Warranty Card Installation Instructions Hanging Method: The HydroGEN PRO can be suspended from the ceiling using chains and S hooks. First securely fasten two chains 14 apart to a rafter, brace, beam, etc (not just into the sheetrock). Keep in mind that there is a flame inside and when we say securely fasten we mean it. Notice there are ¼ holes at the top center of the sides. These holes are there to allow for installations of S hooks that can then be attached to the chains at least 2 from the ceiling or any other obstruction. Wall Mount Method: The HydroGEN PRO can be screwed into a wall brace, stud, or beam using the brackets located at the top and bottom of the unit. Remember 2 from the top of the HydroGEN PRO to the ceiling or any other obstruction. Ducting CO2: When mounting the unit inside the grow room, no ducting is required. If you choose to mount your HydroGEN PRO outside your grow room, a 3"double-wall ducting from your local hardware store is recommended. Note that this is NOT aluminum dryer vent, it's double-walled, insulated steel of the same type used in hot water heater applications. The vent piping should travel at an upward pitch to ensure that CO2 will travel into the grow room. When installed at an upward pitch CO2 will travel up to 5 feet. We do not recommend using a booster fan as they can affect flame efficiency, but a very low cfm fan can be used if forced to duct CO2 further than 5 feet from the unit. DO NOT use a fan more powerful than 20 cfm. Also, when using the CO2 generator outside the grow room, we recommend mounting a carbon monoxide detector in the room with the generator. This can be purchased at your local discount store for about $10. We recommend this because even though the majority of CO2 is being ducted into the grow room, some will still be released into the room in which the generator is housed, and gas levels should be monitored to ensure safety. The odds of CO levels rising to dangerous levels is very, very slim but it's much better to be safe than sorry. Propane Hose: The propane hose should be in good condition free from cracks or kinks. The hoses fittings and regulator should also be in good condition and should not be used if any damage has occurred. First inspect the gas connection on the HydroGEN PRO for any damage and make sure that is clean and free of any sealant. Attach the supplied propane hose to the HydroGEN using a properly sized wrench WITH A BACKUP WRENCH on the unit itself. Make it snug, but don t break it. Over tightening can cause a gas leak. Attach the other end of the hose to a 20 lb propane bottle that is in good condition. Do not use propane bottle that has a damaged, old, or leaky valve. After installing, open gas valve and check for leaks by first smelling for gas and then by applying soapy water to all connections, which will tell you right away if there is a leak. You MUST apply soapy water to ALL connections before using the HydroGEN PRO. If there is a leak, readjust the connections as needed and retest. Do not use the HydroGEN PRO if there is a gas leak of any kind. Attaching Water Hoses: Snugly screw both supplied hose barb adapters onto the water inlet and outlet. MAKE SURE THE RUBBER GASKET IS INSTALLED! Attach 3/4 ID HEAVY DUTY REINFORCED TUBING to the hose barbs and install hose clamps. Cold water inlet should be clearly marked along with the hot water outlet. Pump for recirculation cooling method: You must connect the unit to a submersible or inline pump with a proper lift rating. All pumps have a lift rating printed on their packaging, and for the HydroGEN PRO to operate properly you must choose a pump with at least 15' of lift. GPH is inconsequential but lift of 15' or higher is absolutely necessary. Acceptable reservoirs: In-ground pools, above-ground pools, kiddie pools, bath tubs, hydroponics reservoirs, hot tub/jacuzzi, barrels, trash cans, or any other water-tight container. An above-ground pool, which can be purchased at your local discount store for less than $100, functions as a great reservoir when placed outside. Night air is also a very effective cooling method. Acceptable Water Sources: Clean water of course, used nutrient water, RO waste water, well water, municipal water supply, swimming pool or hot tub, collected rain water, etc. You can store your old nutrient water and/or RO waste and run it through the unit prior to discarding down the drain. If using sources other than tap, we recommend using a simple sediment filter of some kind that can be located at any hardware store. There is also a protective screen at the water intake on the unit to keep large debris from running through the unit. We recommend checking and/or cleaning this intake screen and your water filter (if using) at least monthly to ensure continued adequate water flow. If water flow diminishes, a dirty filter or clogged screen is the most likely culprit. Adjusting CO2 output and water flow valve: There are two knobs that ultimately control the CO2 output. At the lowest setting for both knobs the unit generates 15 cubic feet of C02 an hour and 45 cu/ft/hr at the highest settings for both knobs. For more cooling turn the water flow up and when less is needed, in the winter for example, you can turn the water flow down to retain some of the heat. The most efficient setting for removing the most heat is the minimum setting for the gas and the maximum output for the water. Drain to waste cooling method: When the power supply for the HydroGEN PRO is plugged in to a constant power source, the HydroGEN PRO's burner will be activated by water flow. The water flow must exceed 1.5 gpm and at least 3 P.S.I. of pressure to operate. For this method, use our HydroGEN water valve between the unit and a pressurized water source like your municipal water supply. The HydroGEN water valve (purchased separately) is a 120v electric on/off gate valve that can be used to activate the HydroGEN PRO when CO2 is needed, and is only used for the drain to waste method. The valve's power supply is plugged in to your CO2 monitor/controller's switched power outlet. When CO2 is needed the water valve opens, allowing flow, which activates the unit. When optimal co2 levels are achieved the water valve will close and the lack of water flow will turn off the unit (see page 8 for diagram). The valve has 3/4" NPT inlets and outlets that can be plumbed in using tubing, water hose, pvc, or copper pipe, depending on which fittings are used. Recirculation cooling method: Pump for recirculation cooling method: You must connect the unit to a submersible or inline pump with a proper lift rating. All pumps have a lift rating printed on their packaging, and for the HydroGEN PRO to operate properly you must choose a pump with at least 15' of lift. GPH is inconsequential but lift of 15' or higher is absolutely necessary. When using the recirculation cooling method the pump should be left running while the lights are on and the HydroGEN PRO's power supply should be plugged in to the CO2 monitor/controller's switched power outlet. When power is supplied to the HydroGEN the unit will activate SINCE WATER IS ALREADY FLOWING. When the power is turned off to the unit the flame will extinguish. Starting unit: Once there is power and adequate water flow you should hear clicks, which is the automatic ignition lighting the burner. If the unit does not light right away this is most likely caused by air in the propane hose. Turn off the water supply and then on again. This is normal and it may take several attempts to remove all the air from a new unit. If you still are having problems see our troubleshooting section. 3
WATER CHILLER WATER CHILLER The HydroGEN PRO burns propane like other units but has a few added features, the main one being the heat exchanger mounted above the flame that is used to water-cool 86% of the heat produced. Cool water is pumped through the heat exchanger and back to a reservoir or is drained to waste. If using a reservoir you would either need a water chiller, heat exchanger or a large reservoir (all outside the grow room) to remove the heat from the water. The method that consumes the most power is using a chiller with a small reservoir. While the chiller does use a lot of electricity, it s still significantly less energy than that consumed by your air conditioner when compensating for the heat created by a standard CO2 generator. It s also extremely effective at keeping reservoir temperatures low, and is very convenient because you can use a very small reservoir (as small as 5 gallons) with a properly sized chiller. The most efficient way to use this method is to attach the chiller cold water outlet to the cold water inlet of the HydroGEN PRO so that the coldest water possible is entering the unit. Since chillers are designed to run under constant water flow, the HydroGEN PRO will be getting constant water flow as well. Using a pump with 15' of lift and 3/4" tubing will allow you to successfully run everything from one pump. You must have the power cord for the HydroGEN PRO plugged in to the CO2 monitor/controller and not rely on water flow to start the unit, or the HydroGEN PRO will stay on constantly as well. TIP Whatever cooling method you choose be SURE that anything that is warmer than your desired room temperature is mounted outside your growing environment. These things include water chillers, hot reservoirs and heat exchangers. If these items are inside your environment there is no heat exchange happening. Just remember the heat has to go somewhere! A 55 gallon barrel of 100 degree water is basically a 55 gallon heater. Your reservoirs should be located inside your garden environment only if the water that they contain stays near or below room temperature. These are only cooling suggestions. There are actually several ways to set up your cooling system. CO2 MONITOR WALL CHILLER WATER CHILLER The most efficient way to use this method is to attach the chiller cold water outlet to the cold water inlet of the HydroGEN PRO so that the coldest water possible is entering the unit. IMPORTANT NOTE CHILLERS REQUIRE CONSTANT WATER FLOW. IF USING A CHILLER INLINE WITH YOUR HYDROGEN, BE SURE TO READ THE "WATER CHILLER " TO PROPERLY SET UP YOUR SYSTEM. Reservoir And Chiller Method CO2 NEEDED PER HOUR RESERVOIR SIZE CHILLER SIZE.1 to 1.5 cubic ft./hr. 20-40 Gallon 1/10th hp 1.5 to 4.5 cubic ft./hr. 40-70 Gallon ¼ hp chiller 4.5 to 9 cubic ft./hr. 70-100 Gallon ½ hp chiller 9 to 17 cubic ft./hr. 100-150 Gallon 1 hp chillers 4 5
HEAT EXCHANGER HEAT DRAIN EXCHANGER TO WASTE Heat Exchanger Cooling Method: This method utilizes a small radiator and fan to cool the exiting water before it reaches the reservoir. The heat exchanger can be used inline on the HOT water discharge hose. The hot water would pass through the heat exchanger which allows the fan to remove a majority of the heat before the water returns to the reservoir. The heat exchanger and fan must be mounted OUTSIDE the grow room and must be installed in the hot water discharge of the HydroGEN PRO to be the most effective. This would be recommended for someone that uses the HydroGEN PRO more than 30 minutes an hour since it is only cooling while water is flowing through the HydroGEN PRO unit. These are only cooling suggestions. There are actually several ways to set up your cooling system. The most economical way to cool the unit is drain to waste but is only recommended if using waste water to cool with. Store RO waste water, old nutrient water, and even rain water to use to cool the HydroGEN PRO before disposing down the drain. CO2 MONITOR COLD TAP 6 CO2 MONITOR HOT COLD WALL HEAT EXCHANGER AND FAN HEAT EXCHANGER The hot water would pass through the heat exchanger which allows the fan to remove a majority of the heat before the water returns to the reservoir. HOT VALVE DRAIN Drain To Waste / Storage / Reuse WATER USAGE CO2 PRODUCTION 13 Gallons / hour 1.5 cubic feet / hour 26 Gallons / hour 3 cubic feet / hour 38 Gallons / hour 4.5 cubic feet / hour 75 Gallons / hour 9 cubic feet / hour *At minimum water flow setting. 7
CO2 MONITOR COLD HOT WALL LARGE RESERVOIR Another efficient cooling method is to circulate cool water from a large reservoir used outside your grow room. Barrels, plastic tubs, and even small above ground swimming pools can be bought for less than $75 and make excellent reservoirs. During the off cycle the reservoir is allowed to naturally cool down, so obviously this idea works great for cooler areas. F E A - Hut B - CO2 Generator C - Reservoir and Pump D - Chiller or Heat Exchanger E - CO2 Duct F - Wall G - Water Inlet H - Water Outlet I - CO2 J - Heat B G C D J H Reservoir No Chiller Method CO2 NEEDED PER HOUR 1.5 cubic feet / hour 100 Gallon 3 cubic feet / hour 200 Gallon 4.5 cubic feet / hour 300 Gallon 9 cubic feet / hour 600 Gallon SUGGESTED RESERVOIR SIZE *For 12 hour CO2 cycle. Reservoir sizes are suggested only and can be larger or smaller depending on your application. I A 8 9 HUT DIAGRAM
H H I F B G IN ROOM DIAGRAM C D J I F E THROUGH WALL DIAGRAM B G C D J A - Hut B - CO2 Generator C - Reservoir and Pump D - Chiller or Heat Exchanger E - CO2 Duct F - Wall G - Water Inlet H - Water Outlet I - CO2 J - Heat A - Hut B - CO2 Generator C - Reservoir and Pump D - Chiller or Heat Exchanger E - CO2 Duct F - Wall G - Water Inlet H - Water Outlet I - CO2 J - Heat 10 11
WARNING HydroGEN PRO Troubleshooting Guide If you smell gas Discontinue use until the gas leak is discovered and corrected or the unit is replaced. Check the regulator and its connections using soapy water. Tighten if necessary. Check the hose connection to the unit using soapy water (this connection does not require Teflon tape, it seals with a flare fitting). If there is a gas leak coming from the hose connection try to tighten but use a backup wrench and don t over tighten. If there is still a leak at the hose connection remove the hose and inspect the brass gas inlet, it should be smooth with no nicks or gouges and should be clean. If there is a problem with this adapter either clean it off if it is dirty or contact Hydro Innovations for a replacement adapter. Check the gas adapter that comes installed on the unit with soapy water. If there is a leak at this connection use a backup wrench on the unit and remove the gas adapter. Clean the threads of any sealant and reattach using Teflon tape. Do not over tighten. If no external leaks were detected using soapy water and the smell of gas is coming from inside the unit do not use and contact Hydro Innovations. If you have water dripping out of the bottom of the unit Most likely you are experiencing condensation dripping from the copper tubing inside the unit. This is caused by incoming water temperatures being too low, humidity in your garden being too high, or a combination of both. This is similar to a cold glass of water sweating and happens when the water cools the tubing below the dew point in the room. Measures have been taken to reduce the condensation and the damage that it causes by insulating as much of the tubing as possible and moving electronics so that they won t be damaged by it. Because we have done everything possible in the design of the unit to prevent damage and because we don t have control over the humidity in your garden or your water temperature we do not cover damage to the unit caused by condensation, which would only be a problem if it were excessive. How to curb or eliminate condensation The water must be warmed to above the dew point or the humidity must be lowered in the garden which lowers the dew point to below the water temperature. If using a recirculation system turn up the chiller slowly until the condensations stops. For drain to waste cooling the water can be stored in a reservoir and allowed to warm up to room temperature; you would use a pump to supply water to the HydroGEN PRO and the water would still be drained to waste. The incoming water for the HydroGEN PRO can be run through our Ice Box heat exchanger with a fan attached. The exiting water from the Ice Box should be connected to the inlet of the HydroGEN PRO. With the fan running and the water flowing heat from the grow room will slightly warm the water that is used to cool the HydroGEN PRO typically raising it above the dew point. As an added bonus cold air is blown in to your garden. This will typically cause the Ice Box to sweat which does not cause any damage and this water can be collected and removed from your grow room bringing down humidity levels. If using drain to waste the cooling the user can be switch to a recirculation system to completely stop condensation. HydroGEN PRO has a water leak, it s not condensation Contact Hydro Innovations. HydroGEN PRO does not try to light or relight, no clicking is heard. Check to make sure that the unit is plugged in and that the outlet has power. Make sure that the HydroGEN PRO power cord is plugged into the correct outlet and not the powered outlet for the optional HydroGEN heat scrubber. Check to make sure that the power cord is securely attached to the unit. Check to make sure there is adequate water flow and water pressure. See below to learn how to test. Check to see if your water lines are attached correctly, gas on the left, water outlet in the middle and water inlet on the right. HydroGEN PRO lights and does not stop clicking Make sure that the HydroGEN PRO power cord is plugged into the correct outlet and not the powered outlet for the optional HydroGEN heat scrubber. HydroGEN PRO lights but the flame dies right away or shortly after. Check for gas leaks, there is a sensor that detects internal gas leaks and if a leak is detected the unit will not run. Turn the unit off and smell for gas, if you smell gas coming from inside the unit, discontinue use and contact Hydro Innovations. Check to make sure that the propane bottle valve is on. Check bottle level, keep in mind bottles feel heavy even when empty. Make sure there is adequate oxygen in the area in which the unit is housed; there is an oxygen depletion sensor for safety. Check the inlet screen located just inside the water inlet for debris by removing the inlet hose barb, the screen is located just inside the inlet on the unit. Remove the screen, inspect, and clean if necessary. Even when using a recirculation system with clean water this screen can get clogged, even if using drain to waste there can still be debris in the lines. Make sure that the water isn t over 125ºF/50ºC or the overheat sensor will shut down the unit. You may not be flowing enough water to run the unit on high and could trip the overheat sensor. Test this by turning the burner to the lowest setting and turn back on the HydroGEN PRO. If the unit continues to run properly then this is most likely your problem. If you want to run the unit on the higher settings you will need to increase water flow. Check to make sure there is adequate water flow and water pressure. See below to learn how to test. Check for kinks in the gas line Check to make sure that the unit does not have direct airflow from a fan. Too much airflow around the unit can cause the flame to blow out. HydroGEN PRO stays lit only on the lowest gas settings. There is most likely not enough water flowing through the unit and the water is getting too hot. Your choices are to run the unit on a lower setting or increase the water flowing to the unit. HydroGEN PRO stays lit only on the lowest water setting. Check to make sure there is adequate water flow and water pressure. See next page to learn how to test. 12 13
What to do if you suspect low water flow or low water pressure. If using a pump make sure that it has at least 15 of lift. This is a powerful pump and is necessary for the HydroGEN PRO to operate. This is the most common problem that customers have. If not using a pump with 15 of lift (marked on the pump packaging) replace the pump. This is a standard recommendation and the pump size may vary if there is an installation that is not typical. This would be pumping more than 6 to 8 or pumping for longer distances, usually over 30 total hose length for the supply and the return. If using a pressurized water source make sure that the HydroGEN water valve is mounted in the correct direction. There are arrows on the top of the valve. Check the inlet screen located just inside the water inlet for debris by removing the inlet hose barb, the screen is located just inside the inlet on the unit. Remove the screen, inspect, and clean of necessary. Even when using a recirculation system with clean water this screen can get clogged, even if using drain to waste there can still be debris in the lines. If the distance from the pump to HydroGEN PRO is over 15 (30 total supply and return) the tubing may need to be larger or may require a larger pump. A water hose works well. If you have checked everything listed above and you unit still doesn t operate properly. If using a recirculation system attach the HydroGEN PRO water inlet DIRECTLY to a water faucet with a water hose. If using drain to waste bypass the HydroGEN valve. Turn the water faucet to full open and if the unit works properly most likely there is an issue with one of the items above since there is adequate pressure and flow from any municipal water supply. What do you do if you have tried everything, how do I contact Hydro Innovations? Do not return to the store, contact Hydro Innovations first. For a quick response contact us at support@hydroinnovations.com. To find out more information about these and other HYDRO INNOVATIONS products, Visit our website: FREE instruct n al videos are availaio ble youtube online at:.com IceBOX Water Cooled Heat Exchanger Engineered for maximum efficiency. High flow design. Safe and affordable. Available in 6 and 8 sizes Can connect to ducting or your reflector. HeatShield Reflector Covering Helps reduce the temperature of your growroom. Heavy duty, quality construction. Also available in duct and fan size covers. HydroGEN Water Valve Automatically controls the flow of water. Heavy duty brass construction. 1 Year Warranty. HydroGEN CO2 Monitor Simply all you need to regulate CO2. Indicator lights to show CO2 levels. Quality SenseAir brand CO2 detector. Self calibrated and maintenance free. 14 15