A: No, since they have a constant pressure, no need to soak.
A: No, you can just refill with water.
A: Tropf means drip in German and is a way of differentiating these from our “Classic” Blumats which are designed for houseplants. Tropf sensors act as dynamic moisture sensing valves with variable flow rates.
A: Yes - you can use Blumats with both tropical and desert plants. The best way to adjust for the differences is to extend or decrease the distance between where the Blumat drips and the sensor. The further away it is, the longer before the water will turn off. So for tropical plants, it's best to have it further away (4-5") and for desert plants you would want it much closer, maybe only 2-3." You can also adjust by turning the screw on the top
A: One carrot without drippers can water a 1-5 gallon pot. A carrot with some additional drippers offers the best coverage for 3-20 gallon pots.
A: The pressure required for Tropf Blumats with or without distribution drippers is 1 psi. The pressure needed for Tropf Blumats with Blusoak is 2 psi.
A: There could be a clogged pressure reducer or other component. Trace the system backwards until you find free flowing water.
A: Technically yes. However, we recommend to use the tropf sensor as the control mechanism for the drippers for best results.
A: They are tuned the exact same way. Make sure to disconnect the 3mm line between the carrot and the first distribution dripper to find the “hanging drip.” Once that is dialed in, connect the distribution drippers again.
A: If you’re only at the point of adding one, it’s better to use two Blumats as insurance. If everything is dependent on just one and something gets clogged, crimped, or stuck; your plant won’t get any water at all. A second sensor acts as an insurance policy.” In larger pots though, it’s better to add distribution drippers rather than a sensor.
A: 9” carrots are designed to be used in pots and beds with more depth. The two react to moisture levels at different depths of soil and respond appropriately. They work very well in tandem for larger pots and beds.
A: If using distribution drippers or directly from the carrot, 1-2 ft min. If using blusoak, 5ft min. Click >here for more information.
A: Yes. The total drop, from top of water column to top of soil level is the relevant distance.
A: No, but it’s important to not let them dry out. If the soil gets too dry it will suck water out of the Blumat cone. You can prevent this by hand watering before disconnecting.
A: If your Blumats are performing well there is no reason to readjust the carrots. There is no need to recalibrate unless the reservoir goes dry or you are noticing issues.
A: If planting in native soil settings (in the ground) we tend to use different strategies above an acre of planted space. If planting in containers, such as raised beds or pots, there is no limit to the space that can be irrigated with Blumats.
A: Generally no. Plants tend to grow around the Blumat system and incorporate the components into their organic structure in a symbiotic relationship.
A: Our most experienced customers tell us that the main reason people need to “flush” water their plants is because they’ve over-fertilized. In recommended amounts of fertilizers that companies suggest on their products, they’re assuming that a high percentage of the nutrients will wash away with over-watering. In a properly dialed-in Blumat system, you won’t lose any of those expensive nutrients and will not have to flush. You will use 50- 75% less nutrients and this could pay for your total Blumat system in just a few weeks.
A: Yes, provided that it is a fully soluble nutrient mix. Any particulate matter will clog the lines.
A: Click here for detailed instructions.
A: Yes. If you experience any issues, make sure to use a pure coco well to sink the carrot into. Too much perlite touching the ceramic can cause incorrect readings.
A: Yes. Blumats love a coco based medium.
A: Use Drip clean for salt build up and Bio-film buster for organic build up. Click here for more information.
A: Ideally it would not be necessary, however in case of unforeseen circumstances it is not a bad practice.
A: Yes, you can make them up to about 19”
A: Assume one foot of Blusoak for every square foot of growing area. However we generally don’t recommend blusoak in containers less than 30 gallons.
A: Yes you can, but the bottom of the tray must be flat.
A: Adding a second carrot increases the sensitivity of your system and generally improves results.
A: This gives you flexibility in placing your Blumat carrot. If you don’t want to use the distribution dripper, you can place your carrot closer to the Blusoak to ensure that it is accurately sensing the amount of water it is outputting.
A: Yes. blusoak tubing can be buried at different depths for different results. A mulch layer is useful stopping evaporation and conserving water.
A: Pots and beds should always have adequate ability to drain. If water catchment is needed make sure the pot or bed is above it. When Blumats are properly tuned in they do not generally overwater to the point of run-off.
A: Use a blusoak coupler. Click here for more information.
A: Unscrew it and check the inlet side. There is a screen that tends to get clogged.
A: Yes, up to 5 gallons. Though the soil media needs to be at least 50% peat or coco. Click here for more information.
A: Click here for a guide to the Digital Moisture Meter.
A: Yes. If inaccurate readings are suspected, used the coco/peat well described above.
A: The analog meters are made in a specialty manufacturing plant in Germany, and thus have a higher production cost. They also last longer and offer more consistent readings.
A: Generally Soils that wick water efficiently, such as those high in coco,peat, or compost work the best with tensiometer meters like the digital moisture meter.
A: Yes. If inaccurate readings are suspected, used the coco/peat well described above.
A: The measuring device is an analog gauge vs. a digital sensor. The Irrometer gives results more quickly.
A: The ceramic tips on the irrometers must be soaked for 30 minutes or so just prior to use just like the digital moisture meters.
A: Possibly. We’ve used it in wood chip beds with great success. The trick is a consistent media surrounding the ceramic tip.
A: We have a kit with detailed instructions here.
A: We receive a high amount of quote requests, please wait for at least a week before reaching out to us.
A: They come with the PVC fittings but not the PVC sticks.
A: Check out our informational site at www.irrigation.equipment
