Why are the water levels in my Flex Farm tanks uneven?
If the water levels in your tanks are within 1-2 inches of each other, they are within their normal range. If you notice the right tank water level is considerably (3”+) higher than the left tank more than likely there are roots, rockwool, and/or plant debris stuck in the tubing connecting the tanks.
This video will walk you through how to prevent, identify, and resolve uneven left and right tank levels.
How do I resolve unbalanced water levels in my tanks?
Resolution Steps:
Unplug the pump
Check where the tubing connects to the back of the right and left tanks and trim back any roots that may obstruct the water flow at the tubing entrance. Also, in the left tank, ensure the pump is at least 2” from the tank walls.
Roll up your sleeve, wash your right arm, & reach inside the right tank through the tank lid opening, feeling around where the tubing connects to the back of the tank and remove anything that may be blocking the tubing.
If you could remove plant debris, recheck the tank levels in a few minutes, and they should level out. If that is the case, plug the pump back in, and the issue has been resolved! If not, continue troubleshooting below.
Take your nursery tray, place it under the drainage valve (connecting the two tanks), and open the drainage valve by turning the valve to the open position (parallel).
After 5 seconds, close the valve (turn it back to perpendicular).
If you could remove plant debris, recheck the tank levels in a few minutes, and they should level out. If that is the case, replug in the pump, and the issue has been resolved! If not, continue troubleshooting below.
At this point, we recommend using a plumbing snake (or similar object, ex, bristle brush for straws, clothes hanger), ensuring it is sanitized. Start by entering through the Right Tank Lid Opening and navigate the plumbing snake through the back tubing, following the curve. Try entering from the Left Tank Lid Opening as well. This should dislodge the debris from the tubing into the left tank for you to then remove from the tank.
Now you can plug the pump back in, and the issue has been resolved!
Your plants will be okay without water while you remove the blockage and balance the water levels.
If you tried the resolution steps above and the water levels are not slowly balancing out, try the advanced steps below with a wet vac.
Advanced Resolution Steps:
Turn your pump off and move the light tower out of the way.
Remove the tank filter screens (if applicable) and set them on the tank lids for safekeeping.
Put the mouth of the wet vac hose flush on the hole in the back of the right tank.
Turn on the wet vac and run for about 3-5 seconds to vacuum any debris from the drainage valve tubing.
Swap sides and do the same suction trick to the left tank.
Allow the water levels to balance out before plugging the pump back in.
Move the light tower back between the tanks.
How do I prevent drainage tubing clogs in the future?
Reach out via the messenger in the bottom right and we can send you a complimentary Tank Screen Filter! This fitting sits right on the entrance of the tubing in the back of the right tank. Let us know if you want one, and please confirm your shipping address, and we will send one out!
Also, most of the time, debris falls into the tank during transplanting and harvesting. So after these activities are finished, we always recommend quickly looking into each tank and removing any debris present.
During your weekly maintenance routine, you can also remove rockwool and plant debris from the tanks.
Another tip is to add a step to your deep cleaning that focuses on detaching the drainage valve tubing and cleaning the part by soaking in some store-bought 3% hydrogen peroxide and water.
We have also found that using a (fine) wire mesh, stainless steel strainer/sieve, or fish net works well for removing rockwool and plant matter from the tanks without getting down and reaching inside the tanks. It is also fun and easy for the kids to help with.
Following our cleaning and maintenance best practices laid out in our Growing Maintenance Video, Post Harvest Cleaning Video, and Deep Clean & Shut Down Video on Farmative, as well as using our Grow Guide and Quick Reference Guide can help prevent drainage tubing clogs from happening in the future!