- Description
- Specifications:
- FAQ's:
- Returns and Warranties:
- Why Buy From Us
Description
THE ULTIMATE RECIRCULATING DEEP WATER CULTURE SYSTEM
Welcome to the future of hydroponics. The powerful V-SYSTEM™ has been designed to help you grow trees with brand-new technology never seen before in the industry. Years have been spent developing this highly-oxygenated RDWC system that will give you the healthiest root zones and massive yields.
In an industry first, the V-SYSTEM doesn't use an air pump to oxygenate the nutrient solution, using Venturi valve technology instead. Simple, yet effective- and no more clogged airstones!
Using precision design, the water flow creates a whirlpool vortex that oxygenates and circulates the fluid content of the entire pot, rather than just the area around the airstone. No matter where your roots are growing in the pot, they will receive the highest oxygen and nutrient levels to grow exceptional crops.
Ultra-wide, customizable length, 5" return-flow tubing minimizes issues with roots clogging the pipes, and the Vortex pump creates a free-flowing system that simultaneously injects each pot with fresh nutrient solution from the header. Whether you have a 4 or 20 pot system, the nutrients supplied to your plants will be equal in every pot, giving you a consistent crop. Direct injection gives a vastly faster response to nutrient/pH dosing compared to other RDWC systems!
The massive 15-gallon / 58 liter V-SYSTEM pots create giant root zones allowing for huge plants and the highest yields. Expertly designed, the sloped shape of the pot bottom allows you to drain the entire system so you'll only grow in the freshest water.
Unlike other hydroponics systems, the V-SYSTEM's JET-STREAM® Vortex water pump is located outside the header pot and air-cooled, so less heat is transferred to the fluid. Cooler water temps mean less chance of root rot and other pathogens affecting your crop. The pump is also easier to clean!
Now is the time to be part of the new wave of hydroponics systems that will make it easier for you to grow bigger and better than ever before.
Specifications:
Pot Spacing / Plant Centers
The V-SYSTEM's pots can be spaced to allow for plants of different sizes, depending how large you want to grow your plants. The optimal set-up will have the same distance between the plant / pot centers as the width of a single plant when mature, otherwise growing space is wasted or the plants compete with each other for space. It is important to keep in mind that the total canopy area- the total area the plants take up when mature- is going to be larger than the footprint of the V-SYSTEM itself. Just because you can technically squeeze a certain size V-SYSTEM into your growing area, it doesn't benefit you to skimp on the total canopy area as you won't be getting the maximum yields possible with the system. Total canopy area is probably the most important thing to consider when trying to determine which V-SYSTEM setup is right for you.
The pipe that comes with a standard V-SYSTEM kit allows for plant spacing from 25.6 inches (65cm) to 39.4 inches (100cm). Special-order lengths of pipe allow plant spacing up to 67 inches (5' 7" / 172cm) between plants in a row and up to 127 inches (10' 7" / 322cm) between rows; contact us for more information.
Header and Pump Location
The header pot and pump can be positioned in multiple ways, depending on your needs.
Inside the Canopy Area
Placing the header and pump between the rows of pots allows for the most-compact total V-SYSTEM footprint, which is useful if you're placing the system on a rolling bench or if you're trying to fit the entire system inside a grow tent. This option does require a minimum pot / plant center spacing of 35 inches (89cm) between the rows on either side of the header pot. It is also slightly less convenient to access the header pot and filters in this configuration, as they will be underneath the plants' canopy as the plants get larger.
Split: Pump Inside, Header Outside the Canopy Area
This option allows easy access to the header pot for nutrient monitoring and dosing. The pump and filters are still located under the plant canopy, but not so far in as to be inconvenient to clean. To allow the pump to fit between the pots, a minimum pot / plant center spacing of 30.5 inches (77cm) is required between the rows on either side of the header.
The split configuration also allows for the header pot to be placed outside of a grow tent or further away from the plant canopy in a room, though this may require a few pieces of pipe longer than what comes in the standard V-SYSTEM kits. Having the header pot outside a grow tent allows for nutrient monitoring and dosing without disturbing the plants in the lights-off period. With custom-ordered pipe lengths, the header can be up to 5 feet (150cm) from the Tee in the 5" return-flow manifold; contact us for more information.
Outside the Canopy Area
This configuration keeps both the pump and header completely outside the plant canopy area, making maintenance as convenient as possible. This configuration option also allows for the closest pot / plant spacing if desired- down to 25.5 inches (65cm) between the rows on either side of the header pot's 5" return connection Tee; outside row spacing can be even closer at 22 inches (56cm).
As with the split option, the header and pump can be moved farther away- up to 5' from the Tee in the 5" return manifold, though this may require custom-ordered pipe lengths; contact us for more information.
Rows, Aisles and Total Pots
The V-SYSTEM supports 2, 3 or 4 rows of pots, with an optional aisle between rows, and from 2 up to 10 pots per row.
2-Row Systems
With 2 rows, 4 to 20 total pots (2 to 10 pots per row) are supported with the standard V-SYSTEM kits.
3-Row Systems
Configured with 3 rows, the standard kits support 6 to 24 total pots (2 to 8 pots per row).
4-Row Systems
8 to 28 total pots (2 to 7 pots per row) are supported with the standard 4-row V-SYSTEM kits.
Aisles
An aisle can be introduced between rows to give easier access to your plants. Depending on pot spacing along the rows, the standard kits support aisles up to 78.75" / 200cm between plant centers; with special-order pipe lengths an aisle up to 10' 6" / 320cm is possible. Contact us for more information about custom-ordered pipe lengths.
Pot / Plant Spacing
| V-System Spacing Between Pot / Plant Centers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Place: | Minimum Spacing |
Maximum (standard kit) |
Maximum (special order) |
| Along a row: | 23" / 58cm | 39.4" / 100cm | 5' 7.75" / 172cm |
| Between Rows NOT on either side of the header: | 22" / 56cm | 39.4" / 100cm | 5' 7.75" / 172cm |
| Spacing between row pot / plant centers on either side of the header: | |||
| Configuration: | Minimum Spacing |
Maximum (standard kit) |
Maximum (special order) |
| Pump and header outside canopy area: | 25.5" / 65cm | 40" / 100cm | 10' 6" / 320cm |
| Split: pump inside, header outside the canopy area: | 30.5" / 77cm | 40" / 100cm | 10' 6" / 320cm |
| Pump and header inside the canopy area: | 35" / 89cm | 40" / 100cm | 10' 6" / 320cm |
FAQ's:
- Is there a shipping cost?
No! Free Shipping to the contiguous 48 United States and Canada (excluding the Yukon, Northwest Territory, Nova Scotia and Nunavut).
- Do I need a chiller?
Yes, unless you're keeping your grow room between 65-68°F at all times- which is colder than we would recommend.
- What temperature should the nutrient solution be?
The nutrient solution temperature should be maintained between 66-69 °F (19-20 °C) to discourage pathogenic bacteria and fungi while maximizing oxygenation.
- What level should the nutrient solution be filled to?
The V-SYSTEM pots have a fill indicator line inside each pot that shows the optimal nutrient solution level. When first placing small plants without dangling roots into the system, the nutrient solution level should be kept slightly higher for a few days to keep the roots wet while they grow down into the pot- simply inspect the roots with the handy inspection lids on the V-POT to know when your plants are ready to take off.
- Should the water pump run 24/7?
Yes, the pump should be kept running at all times when plants are in the system, except when completely draining the system for a nutrient change-out. Never run the pump when dry- this damages the pump in the long term.
- What if power fails?
In the event of a power failure, the ultra-oxygenated liquid around the plants' roots in the V-Pots provides a safe buffer for a relatively long time; depending on the plants' size (larger plants are thirstier for nutrients and oxygen) you have many hours to a day or more before other measures are required to keep the plants happy without the water flowing. Compared to other media-less hydroponic methods, recirculating deep water culture (RDWC) systems, as used in the V-SYSTEM, are the most resilient to power-failure situations.
- How frequently are nutrient change-outs needed?
To keep the plants in the freshest, optimally-balanced nutrient solution, change-outs should happen every 7-10 days, or more frequently if pH levels are drifting significantly from from day to day.
- Is it necessary to completely drain the whole system for a nutrient change-out?
- What is the ideal nutrient solution pH?
- How should pH be adjusted?
Don't pour concentrated pH-up or pH-down solutions directly into the header pot as this can shock plants in the system. We recommend diluting the pH-adjustment solution in water (about 30ml / 2 Tablespoons per gallon of water) before slowly adding it to the header pot. Wait a few minutes for it to distribute through the system (with the V-SYSTEM, distribution is much faster than with other RDWC systems!) and test and re-test the pH; once it has stabilized, you can add more adjustment solution if needed and repeat the procedure until the optimal pH has been achieved.
- How can the system be completely drained?
- Can I use organic nutrients with the V-SYSTEM?
While everything about the V-SYSTEM is designed to prevent clogging, organic nutrients, sugars and bacterial additives tend to cause build-up and eventual clogging in the distribution pipes. Mineral or "salt-based" nutrients are recommended over "organic" nutrients for the V-SYSTEM.
- Can I expand my V-SYSTEM?
Returns and Warranties:
30 Day Return Policy:
If you are unsatisfied with any ALIEN hydroponic system, you can return it for a refund within 30 days from the original purchase date. A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) must be issued before returning any products and the product shipped/postmarked within 30 days of the original date of receipt. Returns are limited to one (1) system or part per customer. All items must be returned in "as new" condition (pipe must not be cut, and the system must never have been filled with water) in the original packaging and include all accessories. Commercial and custom orders are not returnable. Parts that have been broken, damaged or altered are not returnable. "Damaged" includes but is not limited to water damage and damage resulting from being dropped and/or incorrect electrical connection. Returns will be charged a 25% restocking fee. Shipping charges are non-refundable. We recommend using a carrier that has tracking capabilities when sending returns. The customer assumes responsibility for return shipping fees, insuring the return shipment, and filing any necessary claims for damaged or lost returns.
When returns are received, they will be inspected and the item in question will be repaired, returned, replaced, or refunded at the discretion of BDHTC. If a credit memo is issued, the funds will be returned on the original form of payment. Refunds can take up to 2 billing cycles to appear on your credit card or bank statement, depending on the process of your financial institution. All communication regarding these processes will be handled via our help desk ticketing system.
Shipping Damage:
Shipping damage and defective products must be reported within 48 hours of receipt of shipment (not including weekends and holidays). When sending in a product for return or repair all shipping fees, shipping insurance costs, and shipping damage is the sole responsibility of the customer.
Cancellations:
Cancellations are only offered in the event that your item has not yet shipped. If your product has not yet shipped, it can be cancelled at no charge with a full refund. After 30 days from original purchase date, all sales are final.
Warranty on Parts other than Pumps:
ALIEN hydroponic system parts (excluding pumps) are warranted against manufacturer defects to the original owner from the date of original purchase for 3 years. In the event of defective materials and/or workmanship, Black Dog Horticulture Technologies & Consulting, Inc. (BDHTC), will repair or replace, at its option, the defective product within 45 days from receipt of the defective product for the first three years after purchase. After 3 years BDHTC will offer repair services or parts as long as parts are available; the cost of repairs and parts after 3 years are the sole responsibility of the customer. Shipping of the defective product to BDHTC is the sole responsibility of the customer. Return shipping of the repaired or replaced parts is covered by BDHTC up to $50 per incident for the first six months after purchase. In the first six months after purchase, if return shipping will exceed $50, the customer will be notified and are responsible for paying any amount of shipping over $50 prior to the product being shipped back to the customer. After six moths, all shipping costs, both inbound and outbound, are the sole responsibility of the customer. The Warranty does not apply to damage resulting from, but not limited to, improper care, misuse, exposure to caustic or corrosive chemicals including but not limited to fumes caused by burning sulfur, or normal wear and tear, which includes but is not limited to improper installation, and/or failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance, improperly packaging and shipping parts back to BDHTC, etc. We highly recommend that any shipments are made using a traceable method such as UPS or FedEx.
Warranty on Pumps:
JET-STREAM™ pumps are warranted against manufacturer defects to the original owner from the date of original purchase for 1 year. In the event of a defective pump, Black Dog Horticulture Technologies & Consulting, Inc. (BDHTC), will repair or replace, at its option, the defective pump within 45 days from receipt of the defective pump for the first year after purchase. After 1 year BDHTC will offer repair services or replacement pumps as long as parts are available; the cost of repairs and pumps after 1 year are the sole responsibility of the customer. Shipping of the defective pump to BDHTC is the sole responsibility of the customer. Return shipping of the repaired or replaced pump is covered by BDHTC up to $50 per incident for the first year after purchase. In the first year after purchase, if return shipping will exceed $50, the customer will be notified and are responsible for paying any amount of shipping over $50 prior to the pump being shipped back to the customer. After a year, all pump shipping costs, both inbound and outbound, are the sole responsibility of the customer. The Warranty does not apply to damage resulting from, but not limited to, improper care, misuse, exposure to caustic or corrosive chemicals, allowing the pump to run dry, or normal wear and tear, which includes but is not limited to improper installation, and/or failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance, improperly packaging and shipping pumps back to BDHTC, etc.
If you are unsatisfied with any ALIEN hydroponic system, you can return it for a refund within 30 days from the original purchase date. A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) must be issued before returning any products and the product shipped/postmarked within 30 days of the original date of receipt. Returns are limited to one (1) system or part per customer. All items must be returned in "as new" condition (pipe must not be cut, and the system must never have been filled with water) in the original packaging and include all accessories. Commercial and custom orders are not returnable. Parts that have been broken, damaged or altered are not returnable. "Damaged" includes but is not limited to water damage and damage resulting from being dropped and/or incorrect electrical connection. Returns will be charged a 25% restocking fee. Shipping charges are non-refundable. We recommend using a carrier that has tracking capabilities when sending returns. The customer assumes responsibility for return shipping fees, insuring the return shipment, and filing any necessary claims for damaged or lost returns.
When returns are received, they will be inspected and the item in question will be repaired, returned, replaced, or refunded at the discretion of BDHTC. If a credit memo is issued, the funds will be returned on the original form of payment. Refunds can take up to 2 billing cycles to appear on your credit card or bank statement, depending on the process of your financial institution. All communication regarding these processes will be handled via our help desk ticketing system.
Shipping Damage:
Shipping damage and defective products must be reported within 48 hours of receipt of shipment (not including weekends and holidays). When sending in a product for return or repair all shipping fees, shipping insurance costs, and shipping damage is the sole responsibility of the customer.
Cancellations:
Cancellations are only offered in the event that your item has not yet shipped. If your product has not yet shipped, it can be cancelled at no charge with a full refund. After 30 days from original purchase date, all sales are final.
Warranty on Parts other than Pumps:
ALIEN hydroponic system parts (excluding pumps) are warranted against manufacturer defects to the original owner from the date of original purchase for 3 years. In the event of defective materials and/or workmanship, Black Dog Horticulture Technologies & Consulting, Inc. (BDHTC), will repair or replace, at its option, the defective product within 45 days from receipt of the defective product for the first three years after purchase. After 3 years BDHTC will offer repair services or parts as long as parts are available; the cost of repairs and parts after 3 years are the sole responsibility of the customer. Shipping of the defective product to BDHTC is the sole responsibility of the customer. Return shipping of the repaired or replaced parts is covered by BDHTC up to $50 per incident for the first six months after purchase. In the first six months after purchase, if return shipping will exceed $50, the customer will be notified and are responsible for paying any amount of shipping over $50 prior to the product being shipped back to the customer. After six moths, all shipping costs, both inbound and outbound, are the sole responsibility of the customer. The Warranty does not apply to damage resulting from, but not limited to, improper care, misuse, exposure to caustic or corrosive chemicals including but not limited to fumes caused by burning sulfur, or normal wear and tear, which includes but is not limited to improper installation, and/or failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance, improperly packaging and shipping parts back to BDHTC, etc. We highly recommend that any shipments are made using a traceable method such as UPS or FedEx.
Warranty on Pumps:
JET-STREAM™ pumps are warranted against manufacturer defects to the original owner from the date of original purchase for 1 year. In the event of a defective pump, Black Dog Horticulture Technologies & Consulting, Inc. (BDHTC), will repair or replace, at its option, the defective pump within 45 days from receipt of the defective pump for the first year after purchase. After 1 year BDHTC will offer repair services or replacement pumps as long as parts are available; the cost of repairs and pumps after 1 year are the sole responsibility of the customer. Shipping of the defective pump to BDHTC is the sole responsibility of the customer. Return shipping of the repaired or replaced pump is covered by BDHTC up to $50 per incident for the first year after purchase. In the first year after purchase, if return shipping will exceed $50, the customer will be notified and are responsible for paying any amount of shipping over $50 prior to the pump being shipped back to the customer. After a year, all pump shipping costs, both inbound and outbound, are the sole responsibility of the customer. The Warranty does not apply to damage resulting from, but not limited to, improper care, misuse, exposure to caustic or corrosive chemicals, allowing the pump to run dry, or normal wear and tear, which includes but is not limited to improper installation, and/or failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance, improperly packaging and shipping pumps back to BDHTC, etc.
The ALIEN V-SYSTEM offers great flexibility in layout options to fit your growing area and needs. Besides being able to choose different numbers of pots and rows, the high-quality reinforced pipe is flexible and not glued together, allowing you to customize the layout in many different ways and even easily make adjustments in the future.
Why Buy From Us
We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers. Here's why we think you should shop with us at ProduceLife.
- Free Shipping Continental U.S. No extra charges. Ever.
- Price Match Guarantee. Best prices online guaranteed.
- 30 Day Easy Returns. Not happy with your product, we'll take it back.
- Great Service. We pride ourselves on the best service anywhere. Make sure to give us a call, email us, or use the chat feature if you need anything!