Tropf-Blumat Tub Planters Set 2

• 12 Tropf-Blumat without drip tubing + T-connector
• 10 m water supply tubing, black, 8mm
• 10 m drip tubing, 3mm
• 10 T-connectors, 8-3-8 mm
• 1 end piece, 8-3 mm
• 5 mini-tubing connectors, 3-3 mm
• 5 mini-branch connectors, 3-3-3 mm
• 1 corer
• 1 pressure reducer
  (setting fix 1 bar, connections 8 mm clamp screws, ¾ inch inner threading)

Set is enough for (alternative examples)

• 12 tub planters of 30-(40) cm, each with 1 TB-Maxi
• 6 tub planters of 40-50 cm, each with 2 TB-Maxi
• 4 tub planters of 50-60 cm, each with 3 TB-Maxi
• 6 larger solitary plants in a bed, each with 2 TB-Maxi
• 12 tomato plants, planted in a green house, intensive watering
   

Directions for usage see “Use”

Setting-up Tropf-Blumats – number required

Tropf-Blumat Maxi waters more intensively than normal Tropf-Blumats, it should be inserted to a depth of ca. 15-18 cm into the root mass, dripping will take place less often, but therefore, for longer periods (normal setting).
The watering of planting tubs (or larger pots) begins above a container size of about 30 cm high, rarely somewhat smaller. In this case, 1 TB-Maxi is generally enough.
The final number of TB-Maxi is dependent on the size of the plant as well the needs of a particular plant species and sometimes the substrate. Often 2 TB-Maxi are enough for tubs of 40-50 cm and 3 TB-Maxi for 50-60 cm size containers. The danger that plants overgrow or are damaged due to overwatering is higher than the opposite.
For watering planting boxes (such as used on balconies), only the normal sized Tropf-Blumat is suitable. However, in larger troughs with mixed plantings, the TB-Maxi can be used to water the large solitary plants. Similar to trough plantings, solitary shrubs planted in beds in solariums or near a house are well suited for watering with TB-Maxi, depending upon the size, 1-3 per plant, inserted in the outer root mass. Also, Tropf-Blumat-Maxi is suitable for use with tomatoes planted in greenhouses- 1 TB-Maxi per plant.

Unique Features of this Set

This Tropf-Blumat set comes without drip tubing and T-connectors. Therefore, the tubing can be cut to fit individual needs, it is then inserted through the watering head (open adjusting screw completely), leave an overhang of about 10 cm when fixating the tubing. (Also see Suggestions for Adjusting).
The mini-branch connectors make it possible to branch the tubing in a tub for 2 or 3 TB-Maxi using only 1 drip tubing connection to the water supply. The mini-connector also has the advantage of allowing for the simple removal of the tub for relocation. The corer is a simple tool for making a hole in which the TB-Maxi can be easily inserted.  

Connection to Tap Water

The required pressure reducer fits a standard water faucet with ¾ inch outer threading. The water faucet must be kept constantly open for operation of the system. If the tap is to be used for a garden hose in addition, then it is practical to use an optional 2-Way-Branch Connector, this allows for the watering functions (hose or Tropf-Blumat) to each be used separately.
The pressure reducer sets the pressure at 1 (0.8) bar, the pressure from the water source should not exceed 6 bar. It is also possible to connect to a house tap with less upstream pressure.
It is important, that the pressure reducer be stored over winter protected from frost, or for the purpose of winter operation, that the water connection is located in a frost-free cellar.

Tubing Installation

The 8 mm-water supply tubing should be placed along the bottoms of the planters which are to be watered or possibly a bit further away for the purpose of hiding the tubing under an edge (depending upon the amount of tubing available). The tubing is then led up onto the pots or planting tubs.  At the location of the tub, the tubing is cut and a T-connector is inserted into the two ends of tubing (for the last Tropf-Blumat at the end of the tubing, use an end piece instead of a T-connector).
When connected to a water faucet, the installation can be laid out as desired, the tubing can be branched, and there can be some variation in elevation within the layout, for example, from the point of the faucet upwards max. 4-(6) m and downwards ca. 2-(3) m. In general, drip tubing should not exceed 150 cm in length, an occasional control and flushing of the tubing is suggested.
The water supply tubing can be mounted using support pins, which are an accessory to the system, but it can also be mounted using any wire fasteners or nail clamps.

System

"Tropf-Blumat" (Tropf = Drip) works using pressure as its basis, it requires a minimum pressure for the correct functioning of the watering head and to avoid cloggage.
The Tropf-Blumat is the heart piece of the entire system and acts as a moisture sensor and dripper at the same time. Every dripper location is therefore sensor controlled according to the tensiometer principle. Also included in the system are fittings to connect the tubing.

Procedure

Fill the Tropf-Blumat with water (part of the sensor function only!) – see Directions for Use  – and insert into moist soil. As the soil becomes drier, water is sucked out of the feeler which is a porous clay cone. This creates a sub pressure (partial vacuum). As the pressure develops, a membrane in the watering head is released (before then it is squeezed together), opening the thin dripper tubing; the tubing begins slowly to drip. The water seeps through the soil once again to the clay cone, causing a lessening of the sub pressure, the valve closes; the dripping slowly stops.

Adjusting

The Tropf-Blumat is adjusted using the brown knob; it should be set so that when the soil is optimally wet, the dripper has just stopped dripping. When first using, the sensor requires a certain settling period. Therefore, adjusting should be carried out only after a day of use. The general recommended adjustments are described in the Directions for Use or in our Recommended Settings. It is important that the adjustment is correct from the beginning! 

Maintenance

The water being used must be clean (there is no filter in the system), it can contain completely water soluable fertilizer. It is recommended to treat water that is extremely hard (over ca. 30°dH) by softening or to use rainwater, if possible. Light lime deposits in the tubing can be removed by rubbing. 
The water inside the sensor should be occasionally checked. However, in general, the water will not need to be topped off during the watering period. Under certain conditions, winter operation is also possible.

Warranty

Blumat Manufacturer Warranty Information