TROPF-BLUMAT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In time-controlled systems, a computer controls the water discharge and a preset amount of water is always dispensed at a certain time. Neither the special features of the plant’s location (exposure to sunlight, current level of soil moisture) nor how much water each individual plant needs are taken into account. Tropf-Blumat only reacts to the soil’s moisture level.
What is the difference between Tropf-Blumat and time-controlled systems?
GENERAL
No, always leave the water supply on. If the rain supplies your plant with sufficient water, then Tropf-Blumat will not dispense any water.
SHOULD I TURN OFF THE TAP WHEN IT RAINS?
What happens if there is an interruption to the water supply?
To start with, nothing will happen. However, if the water supply is cut off for any length of time, the roots could draw all the water out of the sensor. Then air would enter the system and the valve would no longer open. In this case, refill the Tropf-Blumat.
Is Tropf-Blumat suitable for watering the lawn?
No, Tropf-Blumat is only designed for localised drip irrigation. You need a watering system designed to cover a large area for your lawn (sprinkler, rain guns etc.).
Can I water vegetables, fruit and herbs with Tropf-Blumat?
Yes, the Tropf-Blumat system can be used to water fruit and vegetables without any worries. All parts carrying water have been tested according to the standards of the Austrian drinking water ordinance and are within all permissible limits. All Tropf-Blumat products are free from BPA and phthalates.
Tropf-Blumat products have been tested according to the standards of the Austrian drinking water ordinance and are within all permissible limits. However, the products are designed for watering plants and not for carrying drinking water. They are not certified for this purpose.
Are Tropf-Blumat products suitable for drinking water?
Yes, the Tropf-Blumat sensors control their watering independently of each other, individually for every plant.
Can I combine different plants (e.g. flowers and vegetables) in one system?
PRESSURE REDUCER
Why do I have to use a Pressure Reducer?
The Tropf-Blumat system is designed for a water pressure of 1.3 bars at the most. If the pressure is higher, there is a risk the tubes may come adrift from the connectors.
How tightly should I screw on the Pressure Reducer?
Screw the pressure reducer on well by hand. Do not use a plumber’s wrench or another tool under any circumstances as this might damage the thread.
What happens when the connection between the tap and the Pressure Reducer is no longer watertight?
This usually means the rubber seal of the dirt filter has become brittle. Replace the sealing filter with a new one, it is available as an original accessory. However, any suitable sealing filter from a bathroom retailer can be used. Do not use force or a tool to unscrew the Pressure Reducer further under any circumstances otherwise you will damage the plastic thread. Also check whether the contact area for the sealing filter on your tap is corroding, covered in limescale or scratched.
Should the Pressure Reducer be connected in a certain position?
No, the Pressure Reducer can be connected in any position, the 8 mm outflow can also either be directed upwards or sideways.
TANK
HOW BIG SHOULD MY TANK BE?
That depends on the number of plants and their water needs and how long you do not wish to top up the tank.
It doesn’t matter what it is made of. It is best to use an opaque tank to prevent the growth of algae. Place a lid on the tank to prevent leaves or insects from getting into the water.
What material should my tank be made of?
It is best to attach the Tank Connector a few cm above the base of the tank. Then suspended particles can settle without getting into the tubes. If you have a large tank, it is best to set up a larger and sealable outlet at the lowest point so that you can easily flush out the tank when required.
Where is the best place to put the Tank Connector?
The Blumat system is designed for a water pressure of 1.3 bars at the most. If the pressure is higher, there is a risk the tubes may come adrift from the connectors. For every metre of height, the pressure rises by 0.1 bar. If your tank is 12 metres above the plants and if the water in the tank is 1 metre high, the pressure for your plants will be 1.3 bars.
Why may the tank only be 12 metres higher than the plants?
No, that won’t work unfortunately. The tank connector needs 2 side pegs to hold the filter securely.
Can I use the water filter with my old tank connector?
Does a tank work with rain water?
Yes, of course the tank can be used with rain water. Make sure that no leaves get into the tank with the rain water and block up the connector. It’s best to use the water filter additionally.
FEEDING TUBE
Lay the tubes so that they do not constitute an obstacle. Make sure that the tubes are not kinked. Don’t pull them too taut as they will contract somewhat in winter.
What should I bear in mind when laying out the tubes?
Why can’t you use any lubricants to assemble the Feeding Tube?
These substances corrode the tube and make it brittle. To make assembly easier, you can wet the tube or warm it slightly with a hairdryer.
DRIP TUBE
The length of the drip tube between the T-piece/end-piece and the Tropf-Blumat may be up to 2 metres. This allows a very flexible and inconspicuous laying of the feeding tube to the Tropf-Blumat. Make sure that the tube is not kinked and that no objects are standing on it as this could cut off the water supply.
How long may the drip tube be at the most?
DISTRIBUTION DRIPPERS
The black screw should not be adjusted. This ensures all Distribution Drippers react the same way. If a Distribution Dripper is visibly dispensing less water, you should clean it.
Can I regulate the water discharge of a Distribution Dripper?
Unscrew the screw completely and lay both parts in lukewarm water, add some vinegar or descaling agent. Also remove incrustations on the screw with an old toothbrush.
How do I clean the Distribution Drippers?
If you have hard water, a build-up of limescale cannot be prevented. You will simply need to clean the Distribution Drippers more frequently.
My Distribution Drippers regularly become blocked with limescale, what can I do about it?
SETTING
The moisture can be regulated by the length of the drip tube protruding after the Tropf-Blumat. The standard setting is 8 cm. The shorter the tube protrudes, the drier it will be in the pot because the water returns to the clay cone faster. The longer the tube protrudes, the wetter it will be in the pot because the water returns to the clay cone more slowly. A maximum length of 12 cm may not be exceeded, and the length should not drop below a minimum of 5 cm.
How can I regulate the moisture in the plant pot?
FERTILISATION
Yes, that works. Follow the dosing instructions of the fertiliser (over-fertilisation will harm the plants). Experience has shown that liquid fertiliser crystallise in the pipes and block these in time. They must be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Annual cleaning with chemicals is possible; the legal environment regulations must be observed here.
I want to add liquid fertiliser to the water in the tank. Will that work?
Yes, that works but only with very high-quality fertiliser admix devices. Experience has shown that liquid fertiliser crystallise in the pipes and block these in time. They must be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Annual cleaning with chemicals is possible; the legal environment regulations must be observed here.
I want to add liquid fertiliser to the water before or after the pressure reducer. Will that work?
WINTER
Yes, the Pressure Reducer needs to be unscrewed before the first frost.
Do I need to dismantle the Pressure Reducer in winter?
No, the tubes can be left outside in winter.
Do I need to dismantle the feeding tubes in winter?
The Tropf-Blumat sensors can remain in the soil in winter. When you switch off the water supply, they will run empty and are therefore frost-proof. However, we recommend taking the sensors out of the soil, cleaning them and storing them in a dark, dry place in the winter to extend their service lives.
Do I need to dismantle the Tropf-Blumat sensors in winter?
The Tropf-Blumat Maxi is sometimes so thickly enclosed by the roots that it is difficult to remove. It is therefore built so robustly that it does not need to be removed in winter. Switch off the water supply and remove the watering head long enough for only a little water or no water at all to be visible in the casing. Then screw the watering head back on so that no dirt can get in. However, if it is easy to remove the Maxi, we recommend thorough cleaning in the same way as the normal Tropf-Blumat and then storage in a dry place over winter protected from the light.
Do I need to dismantle the Tropf-Blumat Maxi sensors in winter?
PROBLEM SOLVING
The Tropf-Blumat is delivered closed. If it has been kept on the shelf for a long time, the drip tube may have stick together near the adjustment screw. Pull the tube out and massage the gummed up section for a while.
No water is coming out of my new Tropf-Blumat even when I have completely unscrewed the screw.
When temperatures drop by 5 degrees, the membrane of the Tropf-Blumat becomes harder and consequently does not shut off as quickly. Close the adjustment screw down by 2-3 marking arrows.