AeroFlo
2
36
P.O. Box 1576 • Sebastopol, CA 95473
Phone (707) 824-9376 • Fax (707) 824-9377
www.generalhydroponics.com
Frequently Asked Questions.
1. How often do I add nutrient? What is “topping-off”?
Add nutrient every time you drain your system. “Topping-off” is a term that
describes adding water to the system. Remember, during hot spells plants transpire
excessive amounts of water leaving behind nutrient salts. These salts can cause
ppm levels to sky-rocket creating a toxic environment for your plants. Keep your
ppm at a lower level during these times of extreme transpiration.
2. How often should the water be changed?
That depends upon the growth (stage and rate) of your plants. When plants are
seedlings every three weeks should suffice. Once the plants start to approach
maturity it is best to change the nutrient mixture completely every two weeks, or
even more often for better results. Between nutrient changes it is important to “top-
up” the reservoir with fresh water. Add more nutrient only if the conductivity or ppm
drops. Generally the conductivity (nutrient strength) should be maintained between
800 to 1,200 ppm (parts per million).
3. Should I invest in a ppm or conductivity meter?
Yes, a conductivity meter is an essential tool for measuring nutrient strength. By
knowing the conductivity level for a specific variety of plant, the grower can adjust
nutrient strength to meet specific crop needs.
4. When should I adjust the overflow tubes up or down?
When plants are small and their roots are not well developed, the overflow tubes
should be at the maximum height to allow nutrient rich water to reach the bottoms
of the net cups. Once the roots have grown in length and are immersed within the
flowing stream of nutrient, the overflow tubes can be pushed down to increase
oxygen within the nutrient and growing chamber.
5. Can I turn off my system for any length of time?
Generally it’s best for the system to run 24 hours per day – always on. However,
many people do put their AeroFlo
2
systems on a timer to save electricity. The
AeroFlo stays on during the light cycle and turns off for the night cycle, except for
an hour of spray in the middle of the night cycle.
6. What is the optimal temperature range for the nutrient solution?
Optimal temperature is generally between 65º and 75º F.
7. At what pH level should my system be maintained and why?
pH levels should be between 5.5 and 6.5 because at this pH level, nutrients are
more readily available for the plant.
Ordering parts and supplies
To order Grow Cups, nutrients, Hydroton, or parts for your AeroFlo
2
system, see
your General Hydroponics retailer, or call General Hydroponics, Inc. for listings.
1-800-374-9376 Monday thru Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm, PST.
TM
10/30
F
or quite a while now, satisfied AeroFlo users
have requested a compact AeroFlo
2
model
designed expressly for indoor lighting. General
Hydroponics is pleased to offer the trim line Model 36
with a large 40 Gallon reservoir. The Model 36 is
designed to fit an indoor grow light.
© GENERAL HYDROPONICS 2003
