RainForest
36
Assembly Guide
®
RAINFOREST 36 PARTS
Congratulations on your new RainForest
Model 36 aero-hydroponic system.
This system enables you to rapidly and
successfully root cuttings and germinate
seeds. Once rooted you can transplant
to any growing system like the General
Hydroponics PowerGrower. You will be
amazed by the kinds of plants that can
be propagated from cuttings using the
RainForest. These include even the most
difficult fruit and nut trees, ornamental
shrubs, vegetables, and flowers - many
of which have never been propagated
from cuttings before. Of course, easily
propagated plants will root quickly and
grow phenomenally in the RainForest.
The RainForest secret is the patented
aero-hydroponic method of delivering
the nutrient solution. Oxygen-charged
nutrient solution is sprayed through the
air onto the cuttings, seeds, and newly
formed roots. This oxygen-rich nutrient
solution constantly circulates within the
RainForest reservoir, so that a lot more
oxygen reaches the root boundary zone
than with other hydroponic systems.
The roots absorb optimal levels of both
oxygen and nutrients, so that the entire
plant thrives. The RainForest Model
36 is at the cutting edge of technology
with technical features to satisfy professional growers and scientific researchers,
and a simplicity that makes it ideal for
hobbyists, as well.
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RAINFOREST 36 PARTS:
1: Hex Lid with Spray Diffuser
2: Hex Reservoir
3: Drain Level Tube
4: Pump Assembly
6
5: 9 L Clay Pebbles
6: 3” CocoTek Caps
7: 3” CocoTek Liners
8: 3” Net Pots
9: Flora Kit 8 oz each
ASSEMBLY
STEP 1
Place the Pump Assembly inside reservoir. The pump output should point straight up
and hit the spray diffuser under the center of the Hex Lid.
STEP 2
Place the Hex Lid on top of the Hex Reservoir and route the pump cord through the slot
provided in one of the 3” openings.
ASSEMBLY
STEP 3
Place the 3” Net Pots in the openings of the Hex Lid.
The Net Pots can be used with the
CocoTek Caps for cuttings
or with the CocoTek Liner and
Clay Pebbles for seedlings.
ASSEMBLY
MAXIMUM
MINIMUM
STEP 4
IMPORTANT! Only plug the pump in when there is a proper level of
water in your Rainforest 36 or you will damage the pump.
The proper operating water level is between the marks on the Drain
Level Tube. Plug your Rainforest 36 into any standard household
electrical outlet. If you are using your Rainforest 36 outside, use only
extension cords and outlets designed for outdoor use.
HELPFUL GUIDELINES
FILLING
When filling the system with a nutrient
solution it is best to mix the nutrients
in a known volume of fresh water and
pour into the RainForest 36 until the
system reaches the desired level. The
RainForest 36 holds approximately 4
gallons.
PLANTING CUTTINGS
You can start 1 to 5 cuttings in each of
the RainForest 36 growing sites. If you
start several cuttings in one growing
site, plan to separate them soon after
roots have formed and before their
roots become entangled. For large
plants and plants that you will raise
to maturity, use the center hole in the
CocoTek Cap.
Always use fresh, clean cuttings that
are free of disease and/or soil contamination; soft green stems work best,
while woody stems are slower to
establish roots. Place a CocoTek Cap
on each growing cup and poke out
the precut holes in the cap. Trim each
cutting to the correct length. Each
cutting should have a leaf node very
near the bottom end of the cutting.
Trim so that 2” of the cutting can
extend below the CocoTek Cap and
near the bottom of the Net Pot. Be
sure the cuttings are well separated.
Insert the cups firmly in the holes in
the Hex Lid. Cover any unused growing
sites to retard water loss by spray.
PLANTING SEEDLINGS
To prepare a seedling or a plant for
trans-planting, remove all soil and/
or organic material from around the
roots. Plants must be sturdy with
established roots before transplanting
into the RainForest 36. Choose
seedlings because it’s more difficult
to successfully transplant older plants.
If your plant has been growing in soil
or peat moss, gently remove the plant
from its pot and carefully rinse as much
soil as possible from the roots before
transplanting. Although this method of
transplanting from soil to hydroponics
is somewhat risky, (soil may contain
disease organisms that proliferate in
the rich hydroponic solution), we have
been very successful in implementing,
particularly with culinary herbs and
encourage you to try it.
HELPFUL GUIDELINES & TROUBLE SHOOTING
OPERATION
Place the RainForest 36 in a warm, well-lit location. The optimum temperature for
starting cuttings is 20°-25° C (70°-75° F). Keep the plants in bright, indirect sunlight
or use color-corrected, or sunlight-simulating, lamps placed close to the cuttings
(fluorescent lamps are best, if you are using “metal-halide or high-pressure sodium,
place them well above the cuttings so they do not burn).
If using artificial lights, set the light timer to simulate a normal day/night cycle. If
using a motor timer, connect and set the timer. Plug in the sprayer motor. When
starting cuttings, the RainForest 36 should be ON 24 hours/day. Once roots extend
into the nutrient solution, you can use a timer to run the RainForest 36 intermittently. Set the timer to run the motor through the day and off at night (it should be
turned ON for about 1 hour midway through the night).
PREPARATION FOR REPLANTING
After harvesting and before replanting your RainForest 36, dismantle the system
and clean all parts with hot water. Rinse Hydroton in very hot water and soak
overnight. It is a good idea to dis-assemble and wash the drip ring assembly and
pumping tube from time to time in hot water.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
If white salt deposits form on the Hydroton:
1. Try using a milder nutrient solution and topping off with plain water only.
2. Occasionally drain your system, refill with plain water and run the pump
overnight. After the overnight rinse, empty reservoir and refill with
fresh nutrient.
If Plants are not growing well and you suspect “hard” water:
1. Use FloraMicro Hardwater in place of FloraMicro.
2. Try distilled or purified water. You should see a significant improvement
in plant health and growth within one week.
3. Collect rainwater for use in your RainForest 36.
If nutrient solution stops flowing from the drip ring:
1. Check to ensure that pump is plugged in and reservoir is filled with
nutrient solution.
2. Disconnect airline from the air inlet and check whether the air is coming
through (put end under water and look for bubbles if you are not sure).
No air flow could mean that the pump is broken and must be replaced or
that the airline is loose or blocked. Try cutting an inch off each end of the
line to provide a tighter fit.
3. Blow into the air inlet to check whether it is clogged, and rinse the pumping
column in hot water. This type of clogging is usually an indication that you
have hard water or too strong a nutrient solution.
4. Check whether emitter holes in the drip ring are clogged. To clear,
disassemble drip ring by pulling it apart at the tee, rinse drip ring and tee
in hot water and clear the holes with a toothpick.
FLORASHIELD
Many growers report that using FloraShield in your RainForest
will prevent disease. They also report that FloraShield helps
control mildew problems, as well. Another popular use of
FloraShield is to sterilize equipment and media. FloraShield
can be used at any stage of growth.
®
FLORANOVA
FloraNova represents a break-through in fertilizer
technology. FloraNova gives users both the strength of
a dry concentrate and the ease of a liquid. This unique
formulation of highly purified minerals and natural
additives combines the benefits of both organic and soil
less gardening methods. Optimum nutrient absorption
is aided by natural humic extracts for increased quality
and superb yields. FloraNova is a one part formula that
is pH stabilized outstanding for all plant types.
®
POWERGROWER
The new PowerGrower system can be
arranged in an 8 pack configuration or as
a 7 pack, where the hexagonal units are
arranged in a “honeycomb” shape to easily
fit under one light. The new 5/8” split tees
connecting the individual units ensure
uniform delivery of nutrient solution to
every plant for explosive growth.
The PowerGrower Controller consists of
an integrated 17 gallon reservoir and a 17
gallon controller unit. These containers can
be very easily converted to a Rainforest
system with the addition of a lid kit and
Vortex sprayer for a complete modular
system from propagation to mature plants.
®
8 PACK
Harness the Power!
707-824-9376 Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm PST
©2007 GENERAL HYDROPONICS
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