AirCube Active Oxygen Grow System

Instruction Manual

Distributed by GROWACE.COM

Welcome to the AirCube System

Congratulations on the purchase of the AirCube Active Oxygen Grow System. The AirCube system is the only Ebb & Flow grow system on the market that combines the benefits of air pruning with a fully automated Ebb+Flow system. With the AirCube's proprietary fabric pot in bucket design, this system is guaranteed to outgrow any other Ebb + Flow system on the market. The results speak for themselves – grow MASSIVE roots that result in MASSIVE fruits!

What's Included: 6 Buckets Starter System

AirCube Advanced Brain Controller Module: 1 x 7-Gallon Controller Brain Module.Description: A black control unit with a digital display and buttons.
Connectors: 7 x 3/4 Straight Connectors, 6 x 3/4 T Connectors.Description: Various plastic fittings for tubing. Straight connectors are L-shaped, T-connectors are Y-shaped.
Stoppers: 4 x 3/4 Stopper.Description: Small plastic caps for sealing tubing ports.
Grommets: 8 x 3/4 Rubber Grommets, 6 x 3/4 Rubber Grommets.Description: Flexible rubber rings used to create seals for tubing connections.
Tubing: 1 x 15' Length Tubing, 1 x 25' Length Tubing.Description: Coiled black flexible tubing.
Vacuum Break: 1 x Vacuum Break Barbed Elbow.Description: A plastic elbow fitting with a small valve, designed to prevent siphoning.
Tools: 1 x Tubing Puncture Tool.Description: A tool for making holes in tubing.
Pumps: 2 x 317 GPH Water Pump.Description: Submersible water pumps.
System Buckets: AirCube Active Oxygen 6 Bucket System (6 x 5-Gallon Active Oxygen Grow Buckets).Description: Light blue, square grow buckets.
Grow Medium Holders: 6 x Air Pruning Fabric Pots.Description: Black fabric pots designed for air pruning.
Reservoir: 1 x AirCube Poptank Collapsible Reservoir 25 Gallon (Optional: 60 Gallon and 105 Gallon Reservoir Upgrade).Description: A black, collapsible reservoir bag.

System Expandability Options

The AirCube system can be expanded to accommodate different grow sizes. The reservoir capacity should be matched to the number of buckets.

6-Bucket System

Requires a 25 Gallon Reservoir.

Diagram: Shows 6 buckets connected in two rows of three, linked to a central controller and a reservoir.

12-Bucket System

Requires a 60 Gallon Reservoir.

Diagram: Shows 12 buckets connected in two rows of six, linked to a central controller and a reservoir.

24-Bucket System

Requires a 105 Gallon Reservoir.

Diagram: Shows 24 buckets connected in four rows of six, linked to a central controller and a reservoir.

36-Bucket System

Requires a 105 Gallon Reservoir.

Diagram: Shows 36 buckets connected in six rows of six, linked to a central controller and a reservoir.

Setting Up the Grow System

Step 1: Set up Reservoir

Place the Brain Controller in front of the reservoir with the timer facing away from it.
Measure and cut tubing to reach from the top of the Brain Controller to the bottom of the inside of the reservoir.
Assign a water pump as "Fill Pump", place it at the bottom of the reservoir, and connect one end of the tubing to it.
Use the Tubing Puncture Tool to make a small hole in the tubing inside the reservoir near the top. Insert the Vacuum Break Barbed Elbow into the hole with the valve facing downward to prevent water from siphoning.
Plug the Fill Pump into the outlet on the side of the Brain Controller labeled "Fill Pump."

Step 2: Set up Brain Controller

The Brain Controller has 2 upper water level float valves on an adjustable mount. Adjust these float valves to your preferred level, ensuring they do not exceed the height of the top of any buckets.

Insert grommets into the 6 holes on the bottom of the Brain Controller.
Insert 2 straight connectors into the front 2 grommets on the bottom of the Brain Controller, ensuring they are fully inserted. Insert 4 stoppers into the rear 4 grommets (these can be removed to add additional buckets).
Insert grommets into the holes on the Brain Controller lid.
Insert straight connectors into the grommets on the Brain Controller lid.

Step 2 (Continued): Set up Drain Pump and Tubing

Place one water pump, the "Drain Pump," on the inside bottom of the Brain Controller.
Measure, cut, and connect tubing to attach the Drain Pump to the straight connector under the Brain Controller lid. Ensure the tubing has sufficient slack for the Drain Pump to sit at the bottom.
Plug the Drain Pump into the outlet on the side of the Brain Controller labeled "Drain Pump."
Plug the tubing connected to the Fill Pump (from Step 1) into the straight connector on the top of the Brain Controller lid that is not connected to the Drain Pump.
Measure and cut tubing to reach from the remaining straight connector on the Brain Controller lid to the bottom inside of the reservoir. Attach this tubing to the connector and place the other end into the bottom of the reservoir.

Step 3: Set up Buckets

Insert grommets into the bottom of each bucket.
Insert T Connectors into the grommets on the bottom of each bucket.
Set up your bucket configuration.
Cut the tubing into 6 x 2-ft pieces and a 1 x 3-ft piece.
Connect buckets to one another using the tubing. It is recommended to create a complete loop, using the 3-ft tubing as the connector to the row ends. If a full loop is not possible, use the 90-degree Elbow Connectors for row ends.
Connect the tubing ends to the first 2 straight connectors on the side of the Brain Controller.

Step 4: Configure Timer on Brain Controller

There are two settings on the Brain Controller Timer: Automatic Watering and Manual Watering.

Automatic Watering

Automatic Watering is the preferred setting for most growers. Each pin on the timer dial equals 15 minutes of watering time. Turn the adjustable clock to set the current time. Determine how many 15-minute intervals you want for the water to fill the buckets. Push the white pins outwards for periods when you want the water to fill; inward pins are for drain cycles.

Manual Watering

The red switch controls Manual Watering. Flip the switch up to turn on the Fill Pump. It will fill until it reaches the float valve, then turns off. Flip the switch down to turn on the Drain Pump and flush out the water.

Suggested Watering Schedule

Factors that affect fill and drain times:

Plant Size: Larger plants require more frequent fill and drain cycles.
Light: Stronger, closer, and longer light sources increase the need for more frequent watering.
Temperature: Seasonal temperature variations affect water evaporation speed; adjust fill and drain times accordingly.
Humidity: Fill and drain plants more often when the air is drier.
Grow Medium: Different grow mediums have varying water retention rates.
Size of System: Larger and deeper buckets require less frequent filling and draining.
Type of Plants: Some plants need more frequent watering than others. Adjust times to suit plant preferences, especially when growing a variety.

Suggested Watering Times (Starting Point):

It is recommended to monitor your plants to determine the optimum watering times for your grow.

Clay Pebbles: Drain quickly. Fill and drain 4-8 times daily (approx. every 2-4 hours).
Rockwool: Holds moisture efficiently. Fill and drain 1-5 times daily.
Coconut Coir: Retains water moderately. Fill and drain 3-5 times daily (approx. every 3-5 hours).
Soil: Not recommended due to high water retention. If used, fill and drain once every couple of days.

How to tell if you have your flood intervals right?

If plants wilt between flood cycles, increase watering frequency. Monitor the grow medium: if it's still very wet before the next cycle, you are watering too often. If it's extremely dry, water more frequently. If plants appear droopy but perk up immediately after watering, increase watering frequency.

Additional Information

DO NOT remove fabric pots during the "Fill" cycle, as flooding will occur.
DO NOT fill fabric pots with grow medium or add plants while the fabric pot is inside the grow bucket, as grow medium may spill and clog tubing.
DO NOT attempt to service the Brain Controller; there are no serviceable parts. For issues, call toll-free at (888) 621-0062.
DO NOT top off water into the reservoir during the fill cycle. Overflow may occur after water is pumped back during the drain cycle.
Using a small amount of soap or vegetable oil will ease tubing and grommet insertions.
Set up the reservoir, controller, and buckets all on the same flat surface.
Always place fabric pots with plants into grow buckets to prevent spilling of medium into buckets.
Manually soak each pot to prevent floating during the first fill cycle.
Check your power source for proper voltage before plugging in your Brain Controller.
Ensure all tubing is securely connected to connector tees and elbows past the barbs to prevent leaks.
Allow pumps to release air built up before first use.
Tie cords inside the Brain Controller to prevent blocking of sensors.
Drain and flush the system every 2 weeks for best results.
Change the nutrient solution in the reservoir every 7-10 days.
Check for obstructions in tubing if buckets are not filling all the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How long should the system stay filled?: Answer: Allow just enough time for the buckets to fill completely before draining.
Question: When should I fill the reservoir?: Answer: Top off the reservoir as much as possible. Nutrients can become too concentrated if the water level falls too low. Wait 30 minutes after the latest drain cycle to fill the reservoir. Overflow can occur if you fill the reservoir during the drain cycle.
Question: When should I add nutrients?: Answer: Add nutrients every time you fill the reservoir.
Question: Should I check and adjust the pH level?: Answer: Check the pH level every day. The pH should stay close to 6.3.
Question: Should I drain and flush the system?: Answer: Yes, drain and flush the system and replace nutrients every 2 weeks. Fill the reservoir halfway with water, fill the buckets, then drain the water back out and discard it.
Question: Do I need a larger Brain Controller if I add more buckets?: Answer: No, the same Brain Controller can be used for up to 36 buckets.
Question: Can I add more than 36 buckets?: Answer: Yes, but it is not recommended as it takes too long to fill and drain, reducing oxygen to roots and slowing growth. Run an additional Brain Controller if you need to add more than 36 buckets.
Question: What size plants can I grow?: Answer: Without a support system, plants are limited to about 5 feet. A trellis can increase the maximum size indefinitely.
Question: Can I grow different types of plants in the same system?: Answer: Yes, but you may need to adjust watering times to find a compromise that suits all plant types.