PLANT!T gemini Bedienungsanleitung Seite 3

filling the gemini
There are three options of how much water/nutrient
solution is required to fill your gemini tank:
1. With floor insert – the tank can be filled to the
maximum fill-point of the level indicator (approx
15 litres). This is the recommended option for
normal circumstances.
2. Without floor insert – the tank can be filled to
the halfway point of the level indicator (approx 8
litres). This might be preferred for potentially very
large or heavy rooting plants that prefer a greater
root depth.
3. Without floor insert but larger reservoir
volume required – the reservoir can be filled
to the maximum fill-point of the level indicator
(approx 12 litres), where greater root depth is
required but frequent topping-up is difficult.
nOte: To offset the fact that once established,
deeper roots will be submerged for extended
periods, we recommend use of an air-pump with
air-stone placed in the bottom of the planter.
During this initial filling, the water/nutrient solution
should be added just before planting. The water/
nutrient solution should then be poured through
the clay pebbles, re-wetting them and ensuring
immediate availability of nutrients to the plant.
tiP: For young plants, a low/half dose of hydroponic nutrient
is advised – refer to individual nutrient bottle instructions.
Running the gemini
Thirsty plants and water marginal plants will not
mind continuous flow, but most plants will prefer dry
periods and only short timed flow periods – the use of
a timer is therefore recommended; a simple segmental
timer with 15 minute segments, or a digital timer are
equally suitable.
For young plants, please do not over water, only
one or two flow (on) periods (of 10-15 minutes)
per day is required until established – dry conditions
will encourage faster root development. As the
plant grows, increase the frequency to keep up with
plant demand. Once fully established, tailor flow
regime to what maximises water use (allowing for
environmental conditions) as water use is directly
related to plant growth.
nOte: For some plants, excessive flow frequency may lead to a drop-off in water use, suggesting 'over-watering', so be
prepared to cut back.
Ongoing Maintenance
Topping-up should be done as frequently as possible, ideally
maintaining as close to chosen 'full' volume as possible.
The lowest level line on the level indicator should be treated
as the minimum level. Topping-up can be done through the
pebbles to prevent build-up of unsightly mineral salts.
Solution changing will be necessary to prevent build-up
of impurities and to maintain the balance of nutrients in
the solution.
this can be done in two ways:
1. Occasional full solution change – requiring a complete
emptying and refilling of the tank. Recommended at
least fortnightly.
2. Frequent partial water changes – requiring removal of a
couple of litres every time prior to topping-up.
Disconnect the pump from the socket/timer and the delivery
tube. Use the system pump and a short length of hose or
tube to run water out of the tank when changing solution.
Alternatively, the complete planter can be removed and
placed on a shallow tray while the tank is emptied, to avoid
drips and spillages.