Hydrofarm ACTIVE AIR CO2 COSYS

To Next Page

SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM

1. IMPORTANT! Before attaching the regulator to the CO

tank,

slowly open the tank valve wide for 3-5 seconds to blow out any

sediment. Close the valve tightly.

Whenever you are opening the tank valve, do it extremely

slowly to avoid damaging the inner seals in the regulator.

2. Make sure the washer is seated evenly in the regulator valve.

Insert one of the provided white plastic washers inside the large

brass nut. This will help prevent leaks. Replace the white plastic

washer with each tank change. This will ensure a tight fit, without

leaks, each time. Rubber replacement washers can be purchased

at your local indoor gardening store (item CORING).

3. Securely attach regulator assembly to tank. Use a crescent

wrench to make this connection. Do not use pipe thread tape or

lubricants when making the connection to the tank. Do not use

pliers or channel-locks to tighten the nut. Do not overtighten the

nut. DO NOT OPEN THE TANK VALVE YET.

NOTE: When attaching the regulator to the tank, do not hold on to

the clear plastic meter. Putting pressure on the clear plastic meter

will break the seal at the base and permanently damage the unit.

This will not be covered under the warranty.

4. Insert the shorter extension tube into the plastic fitting on the

back of the flow meter.

5. Insert the other end of the extension tube and insert it onto the

“T” fitting.

6. Do not touch the solenoid during or for at least 5 minutes after

operation, as it can reach temperatures of 80°C/176°F.

ATTACHING THE DISTRIBUTION RING

The distribution ring is designed to be suspended above the plants

in a circular pattern.

1. Screw in the eyelets according to the diagram.

2. Thread the tubing through the eyelets in a circular pattern over

your growing area.

3. Connect the return end to the other side of the “T” fitting.

is heavier than air and will spread downward from the distribution

points. Make sure the distribution tubing is secured and does not

interfere with your lighting or light movement systems.

NOTE: If you opt not to use the distribution ring, connect a 1/4" tube

to the regulator and run the tube into the grow room, then zip tie the

tube to the back of a wall mount fan to disburse the CO

. We also

recommend using the 12" Pivot Fan (item ACFV12HD) to blow air back

up towards the ceiling. This will help keep the CO

in circulation.

ADJUSTING THE REGULATOR

1. Before opening the valve on the CO

tank, slightly open (1/2 turn

counter-clockwise) the black flow rate adjustment knob on the

regulator to relieve the pressure from the gas being released.

Failure to do this can permanently damage the unit and void the

warranty.

2. Open the valve on your CO

tank 2 or 3 rotations. Check for CO

leaks at all connections by using soapy water.

3. To set the flow rate, turn the black flow rate adjustment knob.

The ball will move up and down inside the meter tube. Adjust the

knob to your desired flow rate. WARNING: Opening the black

dial completely, where the ball moves past the top of the flow

scale, can allow the CO

to flow too fast. This can cause freezing

of the regulator and will void the warranty.

If the psi (pounds per square inch) gauge doesn't read between 20

and 30 psi when the regulator is securely attached and set up, and

the tank is full, adjustment will be necessary. Remove the green

"CO

" sticker on the front of the unit (if applicable). Adjust the bolt

found under the sticker until the gauge reads between 20 and 30

psi. You will need a 4mm (5/32") hex key or a flat head screwdriver,

depending on which model you have.

Congratulations on your purchase of our carbon dioxide (CO

) system. Its unique

design and top quality components make it the best CO

enrichment system

available to the home gardener. Check all your parts carefully against the diagram

and components listed below.

PLEASE READ ALL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE SETTING

UP YOUR SYSTEM

COSYS

COSYS20

Congratulations on the purchase of our carbon dioxide (CO

) system.

Its unique design and top quality components make it the best CO

enrichment system available to the home gardener. Check all your parts

carefully against the diagram and components listed below.

PLEASE READ ALL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY

BEFORE SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM.

Our CO

systems are guaranteed to the original owner for 3 years from the date of purchase. Misuse, abuse, or failure to follow

instructions are not covered. If you have a problem, recheck your system and timer to isolate the problem. If this doesn’t rem-

edy the situation, call the place of purchase to get a Return Authorization for the faulty part. Send only that part. Unauthorized

returns will not be accepted. Save your receipt/invoice — a copy is required for all warranty work.

THE HYDROFARM GUARANTEE

Instructions

SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM

1. IMPORTANT! Before attaching the regulator to the

CO2 tank, slowly open the tank valve wide open for 3-5

seconds to blow out any sediment that may be in the tank

valve. Reclose the valve tightly. Whenever you are open-

ing the tank valve, do it extremely slowly to avoid damag-

ing the inner seals in the regulator.

2. Make sure the washer is seated evenly in the regulator

valve. Then attach regulator assembly to tank.

DO NOT OPEN THE TANK VALVE YET.

3. Insert the shorter extension tube into the plastic fitting on

the back of the flowmeter.

4. Take the other end of the extension tube and insert it onto

the “T” fitting as shown.

DISTRIBUTION RING

The distribution ring is designed to be suspended above the

plants in a circular pattern.

1. First screw the eyelets in according to the diagram.

2. Then thread the tubing through them in a circular pattern

over your growing area.

3. Connect the return end to the other side of the “T” fitting.

CO2 is heavier than air and will spread downward from the distri-

bution points. Make sure the distribution tubing is secured and

does not interfere with your lighting or light movement systems.

ADJUSTING THE REGULATOR

Once the system is securely attached and set up, your regulator

can be adjusted.

1. Plug your solenoid cord into the timer and rotate the dial

until the tabs are in an “ON” position.

2. Very, very slowly open the tank valve until it is fully open.

3. Now, using a screwdriver and a crescent wrench adjust the

PSI gauge so it reads 30 PSI.

4. Tighten the locknut.

5. Unplug the solenoid valve.

0.2

1.5

0.5

* NOTE: THIS UNIT IS NOT DESIGNED TO BE USED WITH ELECTRONIC CONTROLLERS. THE

CONSTANT SWITCHING ON & OFF OF THE CO

WILL CAUSE COMPONENTS TO FREEZE. THIS

COULD EMPTY THE TANK OR INHIBIT CO

DELIVERY.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

COSYS/COSYS20

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Hydrofarm ACTIVE AIR CO2 COSYS and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Setting Up Your CO2 System

Attach Regulator Assembly

Connect the regulator assembly to the CO2 tank securely using a crescent wrench, ensuring the washer is seated.

Connect Tubing and Fittings

Insert extension tubes into the flow meter and T-fitting, ensuring proper connection for gas distribution.

Solenoid Operation Safety

Avoid touching the solenoid during or immediately after operation due to high temperatures.

Distribution Ring Setup

Install Distribution Ring

Screw in eyelets and thread tubing in a circular pattern above plants for CO2 dispersal.

Alternative Tubing Connection

Connect tubing directly to a fan if the distribution ring is not used for CO2 dispersal.

Regulator Adjustment and Calibration

Pre-Adjustment Valve Relief

Slightly open the regulator knob counter-clockwise before opening the tank valve to relieve pressure.

Tank Valve Operation and Leak Check

Open the CO2 tank valve slowly and check all connections for leaks using soapy water.

Setting CO2 Flow Rate

Adjust the flow rate knob to set the desired level, ensuring the ball stays within the meter scale.

Gauge Pressure Adjustment

Adjust the regulator bolt to achieve a gauge reading between 20-30 psi for proper operation.

Timer and Flow Rate Configuration

Programmable Timer Settings

Set timer for initial 45 min ON, then 15 min ON/15 min OFF cycles during the lighted period.

Determining Flow Rate Calculation

Calculate CO2 needed based on room volume, desired ppm, and system cycle for accurate flow meter settings.

System Operational Check

Verify solenoid function by plugging the unit into the timer and checking CO2 flow via the meter.

Troubleshooting and Support

Leak Detection and Repair

Check connections with soapy water for leaks and tighten fittings, using Teflon tape if necessary.

Solenoid Valve Function Test

Test the solenoid valve directly by plugging it into an outlet to check its on/off function.

System Malfunction Resolution

If issues persist after checks, contact the place of purchase for a return authorization.

Warranty Information

Warranty Coverage and Claims

The CO2 system is guaranteed for 1 year; misuse or failure to follow instructions voids warranty.

Return Authorization Process

Contact the place of purchase for a Return Authorization for faulty parts; unauthorized returns rejected.

The Active Air CO2 system is designed for enriching indoor growing environments with carbon dioxide, aiming to optimize plant growth. It is presented as a high-quality, comprehensive solution for home gardeners.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Active Air CO2 system is to deliver controlled amounts of CO2 into a grow room. CO2 is a crucial component for photosynthesis, and enriching the atmosphere with it can significantly enhance plant development. The system utilizes a CO2 tank (not included) connected to a regulator assembly, which precisely controls the flow rate of CO2. A programmable timer automates the CO2 release schedule, ensuring that plants receive CO2 during their light cycle and at optimal intervals. The CO2 is distributed evenly throughout the growing area via a distribution ring, which is suspended above the plants. The system is designed to maintain desired CO2 levels (e.g., 1500 ppm) by compensating for plant usage and room leakage.

Important Technical Specifications:

The system includes several key components:

High Quality Regulator: This component connects to the CO2 tank and reduces the high pressure of the tank to a usable level for the system. It features a psi gauge to monitor tank pressure and an adjustment bolt (accessible by removing a "CO2" sticker) to set the gauge reading between 20 and 30 psi.
Solenoid: An electrically controlled valve that opens and closes to allow or stop the flow of CO2. It can reach temperatures of up to 80°C/176°F during or after operation, so caution is advised.
Precision Flow Meter: This clear plastic tube with a ball indicator allows for visual monitoring and adjustment of the CO2 flow rate. A black flow rate adjustment knob controls the ball's position within the tube, indicating the cubic feet per hour (CFH) of CO2 being released.
Timer (TM01015D): A programmable 120-volt timer that automates the ON/OFF cycles of the solenoid, ensuring CO2 is released according to a set schedule (e.g., 15 minutes ON / 45 minutes OFF).
Distribution Tubing: Consists of 3 feet of non-drilled tubing and 15 feet of drilled tubing, designed to evenly disperse CO2 throughout the grow area.
"T" Connector for Tubing: Connects the distribution tubing to the regulator assembly.
Eye Screws (6): Used to suspend the distribution ring above the plants.
Hex Key (4mm): Used for adjusting the regulator's internal bolt.

The system is designed to operate with a CO2 tank (not included). The flow rate calculation involves the cubic volume of the growing area, desired CO2 levels, and compensation for CO2 usage and leakage. For an 800 cubic foot room, the system aims to replenish 1/3 cubic foot of CO2 per hour, translating to a flow meter setting of approximately 1.3 CFH during the 15-minute ON cycle.

Usage Features:

Easy Setup: The manual provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for attaching the regulator to the CO2 tank, connecting the distribution ring, and setting up the timer.
Programmable CO2 Release: The included timer allows users to set specific ON/OFF cycles for CO2 release, typically during the light cycle of plants. A recommended schedule is 45 minutes ON continuously at lights-on, followed by 15 minutes OFF / 15 minutes ON cycles until one hour before lights off.
Adjustable Flow Rate: The precision flow meter with its adjustment knob enables users to fine-tune the CO2 output to match the specific needs of their growing area, based on calculated flow rates.
Even Distribution: The distribution ring, suspended above the plants, ensures that CO2, which is heavier than air, spreads downward evenly across the growing area. Alternatively, a 1/4" tube can be run directly into the grow room and zip-tied to a wall-mount fan for disbursement.
Leak Detection: The manual advises using soapy water to check for CO2 leaks at all connections after setup, which will produce bubbles if a leak is present.
Compatibility with Controllers: The system's regulator can be plugged into the provided timer or integrated with advanced CO2 control systems like the Autopilot Digital CO2 Controller (APCECOD), Autopilot Analog CO2 Controller (APCECO), or Analog 24-hour Recycling Timer (APCTART) for more automated control.

Maintenance Features:

Washer Replacement: The white plastic washer inside the large brass nut of the regulator should be replaced with each CO2 tank change to ensure a tight, leak-free seal. Replacement washers (item CORING) are available at indoor gardening stores.
Leak Troubleshooting: In case of suspected leaks, users are instructed to check all connections for tightness and use soapy water. Teflon tape can be used to remedy fitting leakages.
Solenoid Check: If the solenoid's function is in doubt, it can be tested by plugging and unplugging it directly to an outlet.
Timer Function Check: The timer's on/off functions can be checked by plugging the system into the timer and slowly rotating the dial clockwise.
Warranty: The system comes with a 1-year warranty for the original owner, covering defects but not misuse, abuse, or failure to follow instructions. For warranty claims, users must contact the place of purchase for a Return Authorization and provide a copy of their receipt/invoice.
Preventative Measures: Users are warned against overtightening connections, holding the clear plastic meter when attaching the regulator (to prevent seal damage), and opening the tank valve too quickly (to prevent damage to inner seals). Also, opening the black dial completely on the flow meter can cause freezing of the regulator and void the warranty.
CO2 Monitoring: While the system provides controlled release, the manual recommends using a desktop CO2 monitor (APCEM) or a Digital CO2 Controller (APCECOD) for continuous monitoring and automation of CO2 levels, eliminating the need for manual timer adjustments and calculations.