Technology and Equipment, Page 4

Are you looking for the perfect water pump timer? The Dutch manufacturer raised the bar in irrigation timing to a completely new level when it launched innovative digital second and interval irrigation timers for exceptionally reliable, precise and user-friendly switching. In this article, you will learn what these perfected digital timers from the Netherlands can do, and we will also explain the differences between the individual variants. 

To begin with, it is important to highlight the fact that, especially with regard to the advanced technical solution and top-quality workmanship, all TechGrow timers are available at a very favourable price. Not to mention that truly reliable modern timers are associated with further energy savings.

TechGrow second and interval timer

This is the cheapest variant from the trio of digital timers from the Techgrow brand, ideal for efficient water distribution. It stands out from other digital timers mainly thanks to its built-in light sensor. What are its advantages?

• You can choose whether you want to use the timer only during the day, only at night, or for the full 24 hours. This means you can choose from 3 modes straight away.
• You can just as easily switch the sensor off as on, depending on current needs.
• As soon as you switch off the light sensor, the timer automatically operates in interval mode indefinitely.

These digital timers allow a greater number of settings for the required switching intervals, and with exceptional precision. For example, for timing a pump, this function is truly invaluable.

The number of switching moments is not limited in any way. The range for setting the period during which the timer is on or off, which can also be set in seconds for the on function, is as follows:

• On time is adjustable in the range of 1 – 340 seconds. 
• Off time is adjustable in the range of 1 – 340 minutes.

This makes it easy and efficient to set ideal intervals for switching on and off, for example 120 seconds on / 100 minutes off.

This second and interval timer is protected by a 6A fuse. In practice, you will certainly also appreciate the LCD display, which gives you an immediate overview of the current status of the timer. LED indicator shows when the timer is active.

TechGrow second timer PRO

To the second! That is exactly how these professional timers can switch various growing electronics on and off, such as circulation pumps, duct fans or other ventilation equipment or even powerful artificial plant lighting.

As with the previous variant, here too we find an LED diode indicating whether the device is currently active. However, the clear LCD display is twice as wide so that you can comfortably and fully use the extensive menu, which allows easy programming of switching times on a weekly, daily or weekend basis. The fourth option is to programme the timer for half of the week. The programmed cycle then repeats continuously until you set a new programme. The menu of this innovative digital controller offers a total of 50 switching times for setting. You can therefore set up to 25 on and 25 off times.

Right at the beginning of this article, we mentioned an important aspect not only of indoor plant cultivation, namely the economical operation of mutually cooperating growing technology. The display backlight therefore switches off automatically after one minute.

In addition to reliability, precision and variability in terms of setting individual programmes, these digital timers also impressed us with their intuitive operation, which will suit enthusiastic beginners, but experienced users will of course appreciate it too. One press and a turn of the knob is all it takes! The smart software takes care of everything else for you.

It is also worth highlighting the extra-heavy relay with an above-standard capacity of 10 A. That is, after all, why these timers can easily handle even powerful growing electronics such as LED lamps.

TechGrow Pro second timers are also supplied with a spare 10A fuse, which you can replace in no time.

TechGrow interval timer PRO

This interval irrigation timer from the TechGrow brand also has a heavy-duty relay and therefore allows reliable switching of growing electronics up to 10 amps.

The LCD display is the same size as on the Second Timer Pro. You can also count on easy installation and operation in a Plug & play style.

The main specific feature of this TechGrow timer variant is therefore switching in interval programme mode, with users being offered a whole range of schemes for precise on and off time settings:

• seconds / seconds
• seconds / minutes
• seconds / hours
• minutes / seconds
• minutes / minutes
• minutes / hours
• hours / hours
• hours / minutes
• hours / seconds

Quite variable, wouldn’t you say? Another specific feature of this device is that it can work solely on the basis of detecting daylight using a built-in light sensor. Therefore, just as in the case of the second-interval timer, it is entirely up to you whether you let the digital timer work at night as well, or only during the day. This brings us back to the benefit of 3 modes. And if you want to allow it to work continuously for an indefinite period, there is nothing easier than simply switching off the light sensor.

Now to the actual range of time unit settings. Nothing complicated. Both the on time and the off time are adjustable on a scale of 1 to 99. It is only a question of whether this refers to seconds, minutes or hours.

Techgrow timers are still among the long-awaited new products that many of you asked us about. We hope this article has helped you to get a clear overview of the basic information and differences between these unique digital timers from the Netherlands. And if you still have any questions or are still not sure which variant is right for you, write to us by email. We look forward to your questions at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

We also recommend these products:

• TechGrow Connect Micro distribution board, 2x600W
• TechGrow S-2 CO2 sensor (2000ppm)
• Tbox Timer Box 1M

What to read next:

• WHISPERBLOWER: professional fans with unrivalled efficiency
• 100W full-spectrum supplementary light Lumatek BAR 2.9
• Hydroponics made easy: drip irrigation (drip)

Are you interested in the main differences between EC fans and AC fans? Then read this article, in which we will not only explain them, but you will also find out why, from a professional point of view, it usually pays to pay extra for a quality fan fitted with an electronically commutated direct current motor (EC). We will also recommend proven products to you. Every experienced indoor grower knows that ventilation equipment, which can boast a combination of properties such as long service life, quiet operation and low electricity consumption, belongs among those investments that pay back with every further harvest.

While AC fans, driven by an asynchronous electric motor with a traditional design, are generally used more for occasional ventilation of the growing space, EC fans work much more efficiently, and therefore in cultivation practice you can also use them much more to ensure your plants continuously have ideal conditions for vigorous development thanks to a perfect microclimate inside the grow tent or room throughout the entire growing cycle.

Advantages of EC fans

EC fans are driven by modern electric motors with higher output and efficiency. Compared with AC fans, they offer especially an average of 3x lower electricity consumption! That is certainly a sufficiently strong argument in itself, but because the purchase price of EC fans is usually considerably higher than that of AC fans, it is necessary to emphasise that the list of benefits does not end there. These are therefore further reasons that, despite the higher price tag, speak in favour of EC fans:

• Many times longer service life
• Significantly lower operating costs (costs for energy efficiency)
• Low noise and zero “hum/humm noise” even at low rpm
• Smaller size for the same output
• Simple and precise output control using digital controllers without reducing service life

Our TIP: Discover the number one in the field of speed control! Use controllers from the top Dutch manufacturer TechGrow.

In the picture on the right you can see one of the best-selling controllers for fan speed from the TechGrow brand.

EC control for EC fans:

• GSE Controller with LCD display for 2 EC fans

This digital controller from a renowned German manufacturer was made exclusively for EC fans. It allows up to 15 individual settings using just 3 buttons and easy control depending on temperature, humidity, day phase and hysteresis. Technically, it is also equipped with a clear LCD display and a built-in light sensor.

• A simpler and cheaper alternative is the proven GSE controller for EC fans.

How do EC motors work?

Electronically commutated direct current motors, which we classify among synchronous motors, have a so-called commutation circuit, which is an electronic speed control system that keeps the fan at optimal rpm. The EC motor consists of a stator and a rotor fitted with permanent magnets made of ferrite material. The rotor and stator form a pair of elements, both of which create their own magnetic field. These fields act on each other and the result is torque on the rotor. The rotor speed in these synchronous motors (for example Ziehl-Abegg) is therefore identical to the speed at which the electromagnetic field rotates. As a result, there are also no slip losses, which are typical for asynchronous motors (AC), where the electromagnetic field rotates faster than the rotor. (With AC motors, this would not even be possible without slip, because without it no magnetic field would arise.)

Prima Klima fans with EC motor

The control electronics, including the connections and capacitor, form in the case of these fans of German manufacture one compact unit, protected by an impact-resistant and non-flammable nylon housing.

Our TIP: If you are thinking about getting an EC fan and are interested in the best efficiency on the market, you can go straight to the separate article about WHISPERBLOWER professional fans, which are practically without competition in this respect.

Fans of the Prima Klima brand are manufactured in the Czech Republic, but to German quality standards. That is also why they have long been among the most popular with growers on the market, whether we are talking about the more efficient ones - fitted with a synchronous (EC) motor, or the cheaper Prima Klima fans with lower efficiency and shorter service life, driven by an asynchronous (AC) motor.

That is why, in cooperation with our specialists and also on the basis of our customers’ experience, we have selected a few key models beyond the above-mentioned WHISPERBLOWER range:

• A small but highly efficient radial duct fan with an improved aerodynamic shape is, for example, the Prima Klima PK160EC-TC. This quality fan with thermostat is driven by a premium motor from ZIEHL-ABEGG with a rotor whose blades are curved backwards.
• The long-term best-selling EC fan from the popular Prima Klima manufacturer is a real ace, bearing the designation PK125EC-TC, with an air flow capacity of 680 m3/h. This EC fan is also equipped with a thermostat. It therefore allows users to conveniently regulate the temperature in the growing space.

• More than double the air flow capacity is also offered by another long-term Prima Klima bestseller in the category of duct fans with EC motor, namely PK250EC-TC, which allows you to regulate both speed and temperature.

• The royal BLUE LINE range is fitted with ECblue motors from Ziehl-Abegg, which were subjected during development and subsequent production to the strictest tests, whether for IP protection rating or increased humidity. An example is the model for which the ECO K2607 filter together with combiflex ducting or quiet sonoflex ducting and cable ties are suitable. Exceptionally powerful, large fans with an air flow of 8000 m3/h are fantastic for large commercial operations. 

Silenced EC fans of the Q-Max range from Can-Fan RUCK 

The main added value of these reliable and high-quality EC fans is undoubtedly discreet operation.

It would be a great pity not to introduce, in connection with the topic of EC fans, at least a pair of the best-selling models from this silenced range, which differ from each other in air flow capacity, while both axial fans offer absolutely the highest aerodynamic efficiency and unrivalled electricity consumption thanks to the new 3D rotor and stator:

• Silenced fan Q-Max EC 2000 m3/h, 250 mm (see detailed parameters)
• Silenced fan Q-Max EC 3247 m3/h, 355 mm (see detailed parameters)

In addition to the incredibly quiet operation, which is the result of perfect acoustic insulation of the metal casing, these fans also offer other advantages:

• High output and long service life.
• Even flow without turbulence.
• EC motor speed controller.
• Easy installation thanks to integrated hangers.

You will achieve the best results when growing in a grow box by combining them with Can-Filters. Can-Fan RUCK EC fans can also be perfectly combined with these original controllers from the same manufacturer:

• Can-Fan EC temperature and speed controller
• LCD EC Can Fan controller - EC fan speed controller: in addition to the large LCD display, this digital controller for Can-Fan EC fans stands out especially thanks to a special probe, thanks to which the device reacts immediately to the slightest changes in the optimal conditions inside the growing space.

We hope this article has helped you decipher the answers to the most common questions and that you now have an idea of which type of fan will be the right one for you. Whether it is worth buying an EC fan, or whether an AC fan will be sufficient. Be assured that we enjoy your questions, so do not hesitate to ask us anything at the well-known e-mail address info@higarden.eu. We are here for you!

We also recommend these products:

• PRIMA KLIMA EC WHISPERSBLOWER fan 450m3/h, 125 mm, EC motor with smooth control (PK125-WHSP-ESM)
• PRIMA KLIMA fan 800m3/h, 160 mm, with thermal control (PK160-TC)
• Garden High PRO - PROFAN TT 125 mm, 220-280m3/h, 2 speeds

What to read next:

• How powerful a fan do you need?
• Prima Klima CARBOCONE: innovative activated carbon filters
• Differences between axial and radial fans. What and why?

In grow tents and rooms, in short, everywhere we need to circulate warm air, growers often use practical circulation fans, which also have uses beyond gardening. We know them well from homes and offices too, where they help maintain our alertness and comfort during hot summer months. These room fans with a transparent rotating propeller, which blow air either onto our plants or directly at us, are available in a wide range of variants. And because you often ask us which one will be right for you, in this article we will focus on the individual types of circulation fans and their features.

If we focus purely on the use of circulation fans for indoor plant growing, we can say that they are the right hand of extract (outlet) and, where applicable, intake (inlet) fans connected to ventilation ducting.

The importance of circulation fans in indoor growing environments

• Fresh air circulation: For your plants to be in perfect condition and to grow inside the grow tent as you expect, they need enough oxygen and carbon dioxide in the immediate vicinity of the leaves. Combined with lighting, this gives us the basis for successful photosynthesis. While classic fans (EC, AC), connected to ventilation ducting, ensure that there is a constant supply of fresh air in the enclosed space, the task of circulation fans or small fans is to ensure its constant movement around the plants. Thanks to them, the plant never manages to use up the CO2 around the leaves completely. And that is exactly what is desirable. Otherwise, growth and overall vitality would deteriorate. Without circulation fans, warm air in various places in the grow box would stagnate, which is certainly not beneficial for herbs or other plant species, as a static climate increases the likelihood of pests appearing in the growing environment.

Equalising the temperature inside the grow box: Returning to the source of artificial lighting, especially high-pressure and sodium discharge lamps (HPS, MH) produce a considerable amount of heat, which circulation and oscillating fans help to disperse effectively at the same time.

Choose according to output, features and installation type

Our shop range includes around thirty models with different outputs. It depends on your needs and also on the size of the growing area. It is simple: the larger the space, the more output is required.

Larger and more powerful fans can be supplemented with smaller ones in large growing spaces. Small fans are sufficient for small grow tents. Robust floor fans can also be supplemented with clip-on fans, which you can easily attach to the frame of the grow box in its upper parts, where long pedestal fans can also reach. There are also robust floor fans suitable for larger growing spaces, which also allow hanging from the ceiling or wall, such as the VF stainless steel fan, which our regular customers call nothing other than the “typhoon”.

The improved new product for 2022, the Pro Fan v2.0 from Garden Highpro, also offers the possibility of easy and secure installation at any height. As the image shows, it also comes in an unusual design.

If you know that the circulation fan will be running almost constantly, it is worth paying extra for quality workmanship (for example ball bearings, a 100% copper motor, stainless steel construction, etc.), which means a longer service life, and energy efficiency can also play a role.

Simulate a natural breeze for your little plants!

Among indoor growers, oscillating fans are very popular. These are room fans with an automatic base rotation function at an angle of up to 90°, thanks to which the air circulates in several directions. Better air distribution is also reflected in better condition of the cultivated plants, for which the automatic oscillation of the fans simulates a favourable real breeze, as if they were growing in nature. Their stems and side branches are therefore more resistant to breaking.

Division of circulation fans by installation type

This part of the article cannot be introduced by any fan other than the multifunctional 3-in-1 “combo” from the VF brand - a circulation fan combining the features of pedestal, wall and floor fans. This means you can use it exactly as you need. In any position, quiet operation and reliable blowing are guaranteed thanks to the powerful motor and automatic horizontal oscillation at 90°. A fully-fledged alternative is the STURM3.

• Pedestal fans: This type of circulation fan requires placement on a firm surface. Thanks to the solid circular base, its main advantage is stability. Pedestal fans usually have an adjustable neck, which makes it possible to direct the airflow at the desired height inside the growing space. A perfect example is the RAM Heavy Duty pedestal fan, whose profile you can see in the image.

• Wall fans: As the name suggests, these circulation fans are intended for installation on a wall. The advantage of this type of installation is undoubtedly space saving. You need a proper fan that you can mount on the wall easily, but which will hold as if nailed in place. That is exactly what the RAM Heavy Duty circulation wall fan brings to growers and others alike. It also includes an oscillation mode and effective protection against injury. In addition, you can also mount it on the ceiling without any problem.

• Floor fans: In the case of this type of fan too, the name already tells us what their main advantage is. Thanks to the lower profile, they allow somewhat easier handling in the space than pedestal models. Floor fans are also among the most powerful. Particularly popular is the quiet RAM floor fan (see the introductory photo) with a protective grille and the option of rotating around its own axis.
• Clip-on fans: Many growers swear by the so-called clip fans in smaller sizes, as they allow them to change their position at any time in a short moment, exactly according to the current needs and the space inside the grow box. They consume a negligible amount of electrical energy. In addition to economical operation, another major advantage is their extra-quiet running. When choosing a specific model, also consider how thick the bars of your grow tent frame are. If you require the longest possible service life, choose a fan equipped with ball bearings. We select products for you very carefully, which is why, not only in the case of fans with clips, we dare to say that you cannot go wrong with any fan from our range; it depends purely on your priorities.

For owners of grow tents from Secret Jardin, the Monkey Fan circulation fans are specially designed. However, as another new product this year proves, the 2-speed Monkey Fan v3.0 oscillating fan with 20 W output means that a Secret Jardin grow box is not a necessary condition for you to benefit from the excellent price-performance ratio these fans offer users. You can easily install them horizontally or vertically in any grow tent.

Speed control

In the vast majority of circulation fans, you will find switching between at least 2 speed modes. Proof of this is, for example, this small but powerful long-term bestseller with a clip and 2 speed modes from the renowned RAM manufacturer (Rapid Air Movement).

Three-stage speed control is offered, among others, by the RAM ECO Fan, and the RAM Heavy Duty pedestal fan even has 4 speed settings, so there is certainly plenty to choose from in terms of speed too. So take a look at the other models we have in stock as well.

We will be happy to advise you on choosing a circulation fan. Do not hesitate to ask us anything via the well-known e-mail address info@higarden.eu. We look forward to your questions!

We also recommend these products:

• Cyclone 40cm, 3 speeds
• RAM pedestal fan 40cm, 3 speeds
• Garden Highpro Clip Fan 15CM / 5W

What to read next:

• How powerful a fan do you need?
• WHISPERBLOWER: professional fans with unrivalled efficiency
• 100W full-spectrum supplementary light Lumatek BAR 2.9

The high-tech innovation in grow lights in the form of individual supplementary LED bars with a full light spectrum from the British brand Lumatek is described by the manufacturer in just two words – perfection and versatility. Through this article, discover the roots of these ambitious descriptions, which are certainly not exaggerated.

A very practical full-spectrum LED bar, made by pioneers in the field of LED grow lights, was developed for a wide range of applications within indoor plant cultivation and thus greatly simplifies the process of optimising herb growth for growers like no supplementary lamp before it. What practical uses does it therefore have?

• The main light source for clones and seedlings, or for seed germination in a propagator.
• Supplementary lighting for shaded areas in a grow tent or room.
• Support lighting on the top, bottom or side wall of the growing space.

You may already know that Lumatek is among the manufacturers that publish truly relevant data on the performance of their products, and the following parameters will certainly appeal to you as well:

• Very high ppF output for high intensity of 295 μmol/s.
• Very high efficiency of up to 2.9 μmol/J has no competition on the market in relation to the purchase price. The efficiency of this fixture will vary depending on the input voltage used.

The following factors significantly contribute to the stated values:

• The latest generation of LED diodes from the upper bin (Osram, lumileds). These top-quality diodes not only produce a balanced light spectrum, but are also fully dimmable with 1% increments in light intensity without loss of efficiency for different cultivars or plant development stages.
• Another advantage of these supplementary fixtures is excellent passive cooling that reduces the temperature of the LED diodes.

• New Clear Glue housing technology on the LED bar. Together with the IP65 rating, this results in:
• 99% higher light transmission
• Prevention of light losses
• Extended LED diode lifespan
• Extra resistance to corrosion
• Water resistance
• Dust resistance

This individual supplementary LED bar therefore represents an exceptionally powerful standalone unit for growth and flowering and provides the same output of full-spectrum light radiation, which perfectly imitates natural sunlight for plants, as every bar from the latest fixtures in the ZEUS 2.9 series, but with the difference that it is a completely independent device with its own 100-watt remote driver included in the price. By driver here we mean the ballast for LED panels and bars. (You can also read a separate article Comparing TOP LED lights... about the ZEUS 2.9 series in comparison with the original ZEUS series.) The reliable 100W original Lumatek driver makes the full-spectrum bar a flexible and dynamic LED solution for higher yields.

External control and compatibility with universal control systems

Lumatek LED Full-Spectrum 100W BAR 2.9 can be conveniently controlled only externally using universal 0–10 V controllers or the compatible DIGITAL PANEL PLUS 2.0 controller, which you may already have been using for some time to control the new fixtures in the ZEUS or ATTIS series, and which allows control of up to one hundred devices:

• Light timing
• Automatic dimming
• Safety temperature control
• Memory backup
• Popular SUNRISE and SUNSET modes

The British manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty on these fixtures 5 years. Naturally, exceptionally economical, cost-effective operation is a given. Simply put, and as we have come to expect from Lumatek, high performance with low consumption and long service life. Do not hesitate to ask us anything you would like to know about this new product at the well-known e-mail address info@higarden.eu.

We also recommend these products:

• SMALL propagation set
• ViparSpectra PRO Series P600
• LUMii Black Digital 600W kit

What to read next?

• Organics Nutrients: the natural way to big yields
• BioNova Boost Pack for luxurious flowers and fruits
• TBOX: a new product that pays off!

Indoor grower can harvest crops in the comfort of home throughout the year thanks to a controlled growing space, which is provided by a quality grow tent. However, without ensuring optimal conditions for cultivated plants using various electrical devices, the cultivation of herbs, fruit or vegetables would not make much sense. That is why you should read how to switch growing electronics on and off regularly. Automating these growing processes ultimately always saves both your time and your money.

Let us begin with an overview of the basic growing electronics that can be included in the automation of growing processes. These are mainly the following devices:

• Lighting
• Fans
• Heating
• Pumps
• Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
• Carbon dioxide generators
• Temperature, humidity and CO2 sensors

The above-mentioned growing electronics and other devices are used by indoor growers according to their needs and experience to easily achieve in the growing space the maintenance of the correct temperature, humidity, CO2 level, pH and EC. It is probably not difficult to guess that keeping all these values constantly under control would be almost unthinkable, and at the very least very difficult, without automation and regulation of key electrical devices when growing indoors, and not at all fun either. The correct values in the areas mentioned create an ideal environment for plant development together. This means that the following will improve significantly:

• photosynthesis
• water loss through the surface of plant leaves (transpiration)
• nutrient uptake
• growth, flowering and ripening, as well as other aspects important for healthy plant development.

Timers, time switches

Growers’ needs in terms of automation and regulation of growing electronics usually increase in line with ever greater experience and possibilities. At the beginning, you will need to control at least lighting so that plant cultivation is truly efficient in indoor.

• If you use classic discharge lamps for lighting in a grow tent or room, we recommend choosing distribution boxes straight away, which we will focus on in the next part of this article.
• For fluorescent tubes, CMH lamps, or LED lights, reliable timers will also serve well as a basic solution. They are also capable of ensuring regular irrigation in watering systems by switching the pump on and off. At the beginning or for hobby purposes, mechanical timers are often sufficient; they allow you to switch any electrical device on or off at the required time and are easy to set. The simple but reliable TBox Timer Box 1M best meets these parameters. In addition, the Spanish brand Tempobox also manufactures top-quality distribution boards, which we will cover a little further below. It is definitely worth reading the complete range in the separate article TBOX: a new product that pays off!

• A different league of switching - that is how we can, without exaggeration, call the second and interval timers from the renowned Dutch manufacturer TechGrow, which already allow easy and at the same time very precise setting of intervals for controlling a given electrical device, thanks to an extra-heavy relay with a capacity of up to 10 A. The technically advanced TechGrow time switches are equipped with a built-in light sensor, which makes growing herbs in a grow box considerably easier, because it gives you the choice of whether you want to use the timer only during the day or also at night. 

Control units, distribution boards, controllers and other equipment for regulation

We are now getting to the regulation of growing electronics equipped with a contactor, which can handle a considerable inductive load, allowing growers in practice to reliably switch even a larger number of powerful appliances. This is also the fundamental difference compared with time switches. And as we have already mentioned, if you use high-pressure or sodium lamps as the source of artificial lighting for plants in a grow tent, then the safest choice is precisely control units or distribution boards, also known as switchboards.

Likewise, wherever one or two timers are sufficient at the beginning, the number of devices that need to be regulated and incorporated into the automation of growing processes usually increases with growing experience. Some switching distribution boards also offer, for example, a temperature sensor for fan regulation and other useful functions. Here we also begin to distinguish the boundary between where “ordinary” distribution boards end and sophisticated automatic control units begin, meeting the needs of experienced professionals as well.

For example, GSE Smart Grow Controller replaces a whole range of expensive devices, from light timers to heating controllers and fan controllers. This device is a well-known mainstay in the field of growing electronics regulation on the market. It is equipped with a temperature, humidity and light sensor.

The same applies to other GSE controllers and regulators, with which maintaining the ideal temperature, humidity or carbon dioxide level in the growing space is truly effortless. For a long time, these devices had practically no competition. That changed recently when products from a direct and more than worthy competitor entered the Czech market - the Dutch brand TechGrow, from which we have already introduced the time switches and, in terms of price in relation to performance and quality, we definitely also recommend other top-quality devices, such as regulators for temperature, humidity, negative pressure and minimum fan speed. The hysteresis regulator - the temperature range - is very useful, as it can regulate the fan output in such a way that the temperature inside the grow tent never exceeds the set temperature range. If the temperature inside the grow box were to fall, the fan speed would be reduced to the set minimum. With these high-tech innovations for regulating growing electronics, automating all growing processes is child’s play!

• Distribution boards:
• TechGrow distribution board Basic Micro, 2x600W,
• TechGrow distribution board Connect Micro, 2x600W
• TechGrow distribution board Connect, 6x600W

• Air technology regulators (temperature, humidity, negative pressure and speed)

• Sensors and probes for climate adjustment
• TechGrow temperature probe
• TechGrow temperature and humidity sensor
• TechGrow S-4 CO2, temperature and humidity sensor (2000ppm)
• TechGrow S-2 CO2 sensor (2000ppm)

• Generators and dispensers of CO2

Our TIP: We have prepared complete sets for CO2 dosing and measurement in the growing space for customers, divided into three variants so that all categories of growers can choose:

• TechGrow CO2 KIT BASIC
• TechGrow CO2 KIT MEDIUM
• TechGrow CO2 KIT PROFI

The modular control units GroLab are here to make sophisticated control over the growing environment available not only to commercial but also to enthusiastic home indoor growers! Take a look at the video directly from the manufacturer.

Automatic regulators are simply an indispensable helper for anyone who wants to achieve a rich harvest of the highest quality indoors. There are many reasons for ongoing optimisation of the growing environment. It is worth summarising the most important ones at the end:

• Ideal climate conditions in the grow box, from temperature and humidity through fresh air flow to the correct concentration of carbon dioxide, are a prerequisite for high yields and overall greater success in the process of indoor plant cultivation.
• Optimising these processes also means better management of water, fertilisers and electrical energy, and in the long term you will therefore save a considerable amount of money, which later allows you to move up another level again. As is well known, time is money. It is therefore also necessary to emphasise the significant saving of time.
• A perfectly managed environment in which your plants develop does not give pests or diseases many opportunities, so you can look forward to a healthy harvest of the highest quality without unnecessary complications that would spoil your enjoyment of growing.

As you can see, there are many options for optimising your grow room, and therefore you should choose mainly according to which devices and in what number you currently need to control and monitor. If you want to be sure of making the right choice, our specialists are available to you at the well-known e-mail address info@higarden.eu.

We also recommend these products:

• TBox distribution boards (TEMPOBOX)
• GSE Digital Temperature and min. extract speed regulator
• Prima Klima WHISPERBLOWER

What to read next:

• Torus Hydro perfectpH: a revolutionary pH stabiliser
• Organics Nutrients: a natural way to high yields
• How powerful a fan do you need?

We are pleased to present another interesting new addition to our range, this time from the German manufacturer of first-class ventilation equipment and lighting Prima Klima. Our specialists were impressed by a completely new design, developed in cooperation with ebm-papst Motoren, delivering incomparably better measurement results than we have been used to so far. Read more!

Continuous development has been Prima Klima’s number one priority for many years, and so we once again had the opportunity to test one of the tangible proofs bearing the name WhisperBlower. 

• We can now say that if you are looking for a truly professional, meaning exceptionally powerful and at the same time discreet fan in proven robust quality, this advanced fan makes your options considerably more interesting.
• At Prima Klima, they have completely rethought the existing principles of airflow and transformed the new findings into a functional design, which from a practical and economic point of view means the following for users:
• Optimised airflow under significantly higher pressure.
• Actual consumption still remains at levels that are fully comparable with conventional, less efficient fans.
• The fan’s operation is also even quieter (approx. 2.5 times)
• The manufacturer compares the operation of Whisperblower fans in practice to a ride on a roller coaster. If you have ever ridden one, it is all the easier to imagine how the fan design is adapted with regard to airflow under high pressure. The results are also well illustrated by the graphs.

• The most interesting and technically most advanced fan in the WhisperBlower product range features an adjustable thermostat and allows a maximum airflow of 750 m3/h. 
• The revolutionary Whisperblower fan range also meets the real needs of all growers, as it is produced in three speed variants:
• Single-speed
• Two-speed
• With stepless speed control

The main advantages of WHISPERBLOWER fans in brief:

• Patented SuperSilent EMB-papst RadiCal
• New blade geometry
• Highly durable and heat-resistant nylon housing (UL94)
• Maintenance-free ball bearings for long service life and exceptionally quiet operation

We believe that the most modern range of fans for indoor plant cultivation, developed by the German company based in the Czech town of Radnice, impressed you at first sight just as it did us. And if choosing a new fan for your grow tent or room is currently relevant for you, we will be happy to advise you at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

We also recommend these products: 

• Prima Klima Lucilu SHUTTLE 6 LED 240W Dimmable light fitting (14 999 Kč)
• PRO-ECO VF carbon filters (from 899 Kč)
• Lumatek ZEUS 600W PRO 2.9 (23 999 Kč)

What to read next? 

• Comparison of top LED lights from Lumatek: ZEUS PRO vs. ZEUS PRO 2.9
• PRO-ECO VF carbon filters for reliable neutralisation of unwanted odours
• Dutch Mammoth in a new coat: taller and better!

What do you expect from an odour filter? Prima Klima Carbocone is a product that our customers value most, because it can boast the longest service life on the market, thanks in part to its patented design. It is time to learn more about this innovation!

The designers and technicians from the renowned German company Prima Klima have once again excelled themselves, and the newly improved patented conical design of the inner basket is an innovation that ultimately brings growers several benefits, as one naturally follows from the other:

• Extended service life. Compared with standard filters, any carbon filter from the premium Carbocone range will reliably serve you 30% longer. The average service life is up to around 3 years! In addition to the improved construction, high-quality metal pressure elements also contribute to this.
• Increased filtration efficiency by up to 30%! Highly effective adsorption of odour particles to an unmatched degree also means, among other things, 30% greater saturation of the growing space with oxygen, which can then take the place of the odour particles. And your plants will appreciate that!
• Why waste 100% virgin CTC 65 activated carbon, which you may also know from the Industry Line, right? However, the sophisticated design of the Carbocone range ensures the even saturation of the activated carbon layer with odour particles, or in short, its maximally even use and surprisingly low consumption.

Odour filters from the CARBOCONE product range also come with a pre-filter against dust as standard.

Compatibility of the Carbocone range

Below we provide links to the recommended Prima Klima fans that are compatible with these innovative carbon filters:

• PK160-A
• PK160-L
• PK160-2
• PK160-TC
• PK160EC-TC
• PK160-ECblue

OUR TIP: The technologically most advanced Carbocone carbon filters also pair perfectly with Prima Klima WHISPERBLOWER fans, which deserve the same label, as they too are among the hot new products and will certainly raise the efficiency and economy of the air handling in your grow tent or room even further.

If you have any questions about this innovation, or if you would like to quickly find your way around the wide range of fans, our specialists are available to you at the well-known address info@higarden.eu. 

We also recommend these products: 

• PRIMA KLIMA WHISPERBLOWER fan 750 m3/h, 125 mm, EC motor with thermal regulation (7 490 Kč)
• Prima Klima Lucilu SHUTTLE 6 LED 240 W - dimmable light fitting (14 999 Kč)
• Lumatek ZEUS 600W PRO 2.9 (23 999 Kč)

What to read next? 

• SHOGUN: The best British fertilisers with an emphasis on research
• Trichoderma, or the natural way to a rich and healthy harvest
• WHISPERBLOWER: professional fans with unrivalled efficiency

The correct concentration of mineral salts in the nutrient solution is essential for healthy plant development and is one of the most important values a grower needs to monitor during the cultivation cycle. This concentration is indicated by the EC value (Electric Conductivity). How do we measure it, and which values are best for a juicy harvest?

Based on the electrical conductivity values of the solution, we can easily determine the amount of nutrients in water for watering or in the tank of hydroponic systems. It is precisely for hydroponics or, alternatively, aeroponics that the correct concentration of salts present in fertilisers, but also in tap water or well water, is absolutely crucial...

Electrical conductivity can also be described as the potential of electric current transported by water. There is no point in going into detailed physical definitions; for the enjoyment of cultivation, it is enough that we can imagine this physical phenomenon and learn how to work with it.

In growing practice, ordinary tap water is most commonly used. The EC of tap water depends primarily on the location. Within the Czech Republic, we are in the range of 0.3–0.7. That is not a given, so the Czech grower has reason to be pleased. For comparison, there are areas beyond the borders of our country, and there are many of them, where tap water commonly has EC values in the range of 1–2. The lower the EC value of the water itself, the better, because water as such is not yet the main source of nutrients for cultivated herbs, flowers and crops. We supply nutrients to them through fertilisers. When fertilising, it is therefore necessary not to overlook the EC of the input water. Let us give a clear example: if we have a predefined recommended EC value for fertilising, for example 1.9, and we know that the water we use has an EC of 0.6, we can enrich the water with nutrients only to an EC value of 1.3. The key point is therefore that it is good to have water with as low an electrical conductivity as possible. The lower the EC value the water has, the more nutrients we can provide to plants through fertilisers. An excess of nutrients could so-called burn your crop, and is therefore just as harmful to plants as a deficiency. Consistency is important when fertilising. Experienced growers prevent both excess and deficiency of mineral salts by gradually increasing or decreasing EC values, for example by 0.1 to 0.3 each week. In this way, plants are much better able to absorb the nutrients contained in fertilisers than with a sudden increase in doses. Avoid over-fertilisation!

Values shown on the display of a pocket digital EC metre

The EC value is not stable and changes during the life stages of plants. It should be emphasised here that plant needs are individual and depend to a large extent on the species and variety. With this reminder, we can specify the recommended values as follows:

• Young plants: EC 0.6–1.2
• Older and larger plants: EC 1.2–2.5
  

For measuring and maintaining optimal values, EC metres are an excellent tool. Unlike pH metres, they usually do not even require maintenance solutions and are fitted with a metal probe. In terms of calibration, devices allowing digital or manual calibration are available on the market. However, nowadays the vast majority of growers use the digital version, which is also very convenient for beginners, because automatic temperature compensation means there is no risk of the device malfunctioning due to an incorrect procedure during calibration. EC metres are indispensable, among other things, during the flowering phase and also during flushing. At Higarden.cz you will also find replacement probes or practical measuring sets if needed. Calibration solutions designed for EC metres are produced mainly in the 1.413 and 2.78 mS variants. Solutions in the 2.8 variant are intended for the same use as 2.76, so do not be misled; the difference is only in rounding.

An economical version of an EC metre from Milwaukee

In conclusion, we would like to point out that tables and recommended values are one thing, but just as important as measurement accuracy is simple observation of your plants. With a little attention, and also with growing experience, you will soon recognise on the stems and leaves whether they are at risk of over-fertilisation and burning or, conversely, suffering from a nutrient deficiency. We hope they will thrive under your care, and that both the products you can buy in our e-shop and the advice in this article will help you achieve that. If you would like to know anything else, we will be happy to answer your questions, which you can send to the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

- Digital EC metre
- EC metre
- Measuring sets

Is your goal discreet plant cultivation in the comfort of your home, but are you struggling with unwanted odours coming from the grow tent into your household? Forget cheap filters and get a truly final solution that will leave you 100% satisfied!

The modern and lightweight odour filters PRO-ECO VF are a reliable tool for a constant supply of healthy, clean air to your plants grown in the grow box and at the same time a long-term guarantee that even aromatic varieties of herbs, fruit or vegetables will not surprise you or anyone else with their intense aroma non-stop until harvest.

• The secret of the success these top-quality carbon filters have achieved on the market lies primarily in the exceptional quality of the activated carbon used, whose ability to absorb various odour particles is among the best in the world.
• It also lies in its quantity, because although the manufacturer does not skimp on it, the final product remains affordable, and that is a big plus in our view.
• It uses rare 1050+ IAV Australian RC412 carbon in granule form, shaped into a solid carbon filter wall with a 4 cm thickness.
• The granules are chopped pieces of carbon that absorb odour particles from the air across their entire surface. This is why one of the advantages of these filters is their high absorption capacity while maintaining a low weight.

Precise and sophisticated construction

• An unrivalled amount of the highest-quality activated carbon is cleverly integrated into a filter of relatively small dimensions.
• The carbon insert is protected by a thin material so that carbon dust does not pass through the openings in the filter, as is not uncommon with lower-quality products.
• The construction of these filters is characterised by a reduced height, which allows easy installation even in narrow spaces.
• The aerodynamic base ensures even airflow. As a result, odour and other unwanted particles contained in the air also land on the carbon layer more evenly. The result is higher filtration efficiency and a longer service life of the filter itself.
• The PRO-ECO VF filters also come with an aluminium lid, which significantly reduces the overall weight of the construction while also protecting it sufficiently against mechanical damage.
• Each pack of these top-quality carbon filters also includes a high-quality and washable external pre-filter. Its task is to stop particles whose properties could have a negative impact on the effectiveness of the active carbon layer. This also extends its service life, which ranges from 10 to 15 months.

Best for last. In our e-shop you can buy VF PRO-ECO carbon filters, depending on the specific parameters, with an exclusive price tag from just 899 Kč! You can choose from a wide range of models according to capacity and connection diameter. We will also be happy to advise you on the right option at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

What to read next?

• Long-awaited news: LED ZEUS PRO 2.9 and LED ATS PRO
• Unique concentrated fertilisers Metrop
• Enzymes

In most households, disruptive elements are certainly not welcome. That is why you should get an affordable and modern grow box and equip it with a fan that will contribute as much as possible for a long time to the correct microclimate for the optimal development of your plants, while being so quiet that there will be no sign or sound of it at home.

On the market for indoor plant cultivation goods, you will probably not find an intake-extract fan for ensuring perfect air circulation in a grow tent that could compete with the silenced duct fans of the Q-max range, and not only in terms of discreet operation. Do you also like that feeling when you buy a new computer that starts up smoothly, in an instant, while you have to strain your ears to hear it working? You can experience these feelings with a silenced fan equipped with an EC motor even during the operation of a home grow box. 

Fans from the Q-max series are the flagship of all modern fans with an electronically commutated motor, which are clearly worth it whether you are cultivating on a smaller or larger scale. Here are a few reasons in brief:

• The traditional Can-Fan company based in the Netherlands manufactures silenced fans in Germany that have long been dominating the market for grow ventilation. Their workmanship reflects this too; German quality standards are a matter of course here.
• As part of long-term innovation, production has made it possible to achieve even airflow without turbulence, resulting in unbeatable quiet operation.
• Perfect sound insulation provided by a silencer filled with acoustic foam, which is also visible in the image above, is one of the main reasons why we have long warmly recommended these fans as the basis of the ventilation system of every home grow box. Forget additional noise silencers, they are simply no longer needed.
• Another advantage of modern EC fans is the top-quality Swiss EC motor safely hidden in a galvanised metal casing (see image).
• Exceptional aerodynamic efficiency of these devices is based on a patented 3D rotor-stator system, which guarantees even airflow with a strength that will reliably ensure a supply of fresh air for your plants. The technology, crowned with a patent, is also clearly reflected in the exceptionally favourable electricity consumption.
• Fans with this type of motor do not overheat, as they operate at significantly lower running temperatures.
• Longer service life is another unmissable benefit of DC EC motors and another reason to invest in them instead of outdated brushed motors.
• Even small fans equipped with an EC motor are capable of matching much larger fans with AC motors in terms of performance.
• The difference in the performance of fans with an EC motor compared with others is more than obvious. In addition to exceptional performance in complete silence, environmentally minded growers also appreciate the environmentally friendly power distribution.

Q-Max controllers with built-in thermostat

The controller is worth it for everyone!

• The purchase price is quickly offset by savings on energy, and indoor gardening becomes more enjoyable.
• Are you among growers who cultivate plants on a larger scale and therefore use several fans at once? We believe that the features of Q-max fans will appeal to you all the more. With the Q-Max Controller Speed + Temperature, you can conveniently control up to 10 devices at once, while you can classically regulate the speed, but also set the operating speed of the fan depending on the integrated thermostat.

Experienced growers know that saving on the purchase price of a fan does not pay off, and this applies even to complete beginners. So why settle for anything other than the best? If you have just decided on silence and peace for your own enjoyment and that of your neighbours, combined with high performance and even airflow, we will be happy to advise you on choosing the right model at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

We also recommend these products: 

• A range of carbon filters from the same manufacturer: choose according to flange size, or flange-free filters are also available.
• CAN-special odour filters (from 4,349 CZK): filters that are the most popular among growers right in the land of tulips!
• Q-max Controller Speed + Temperature (2,990 CZK)

What to read next? 

• Long-awaited news: LED ZEUS PRO 2.9 and LED ATS PRO
• Growing under artificial lighting: HPS vs. LED
• How to choose and assemble tent ventilation