Foodcube and Slim Installation Guide

Foodcube and Slim

Specifications

• * Foodcube:

  • Length: 1170mm
  • Width: 1170mm
  • Height: 500mm
  • Soil Capacity: 330L
  • Water Capacity: 110L
  • Weight (tub only): 30kg
  • Total Weight: 340kg

• Slim:

  • Length: 1170mm
  • Width: 650mm
  • Height: 500mm
  • Soil Capacity: 150L
  • Water Capacity: 70L
  • Weight (tub only): 19kg
  • Total Weight: 180kg

Product Usage Instructions

Level Setter Assembly

Part 1 of 4:

1. Identify each of the parts below:

Part 2 of 4:

2. Place the Outlet Seal (9) over the Outlet (8) as depicted in
   fig.A

3. Ensure the Level Setter (11) O-Rings are lubricated with o-ring
   grease prior to installation as depicted in fig.B

   • TIP: You can use dishwashing liquid or olive oil as
     alternatives to o-ring grease

4. Place the Outlet (8) flat on the ground and insert the Level
   Setter (12) into the Outlet (8) until flush. Please note this will
   require constant, steady pressure.

FAQ

Q: How much soil does the Foodcube hold?

A: The Foodcube can hold up to 330L of soil.

Q: How much water does the Foodcube hold?

A: The Foodcube can hold up to 110L of water.

Q: How much soil does the Foodcube Slim hold?

A: The Foodcube Slim can hold up to 150L of soil.

Q: How much water does the Foodcube Slim hold?

A: The Foodcube Slim can hold up to 70L of water.

Q: What is the weight of the Foodcube tub only?

A: The weight of the Foodcube tub only is 30kg.

Q: What is the total weight of the Foodcube?

A: The total weight of the Foodcube is 340kg.

Q: What is the weight of the Foodcube Slim tub only?

A: The weight of the Foodcube Slim tub only is 19kg.

Q: What is the total weight of the Foodcube Slim?

A: The total weight of the Foodcube Slim is 180kg.

Foodcube & Slim
Installation Guide

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

(03) 9786 7254

Introduction
About Us Biofilta is an Australian company that designs and produces urban food growing systems to unlock the food growing potential of our cities and communities.
Biofilta has developed a range of water efficient, low tech, soil based urban farming systems that can be installed within hours and be producing food within days.

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

2
(03) 9786 7254

Table of Contents
Parts & Dimensions

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Page 04

Level Setter Assembly

Page 08

Wicking & Air Cone Assembly

Page 14

Blanking Clip Installation

Page 17

Connecting Additional Foodcubes

Page 19

General Instructions

Page 22

Optional Accessories

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

Page 25

3

(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Parts & Dimensions

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

4
(03) 9786 7254

Dimensions & Weight

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide

Foodcube

Length: 1170mm

Soil Capacity: 330L

Width: 1170mm

Water Capacity: 110L

Height: 500mm

Weight(tub only): 30kg

Weight(total): 340kg

Length: 1170mm Width: 650mm Height: 500mm

Slim
Soil Capacity: 150L Water Capacity: 70L Weight(tub only): 19kg Weight(total): 180kg

H

H

W

L

L

W

5

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim

Parts Included – Foodcube

Installation Guide

PART # 1
3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

PART NAME Foodcube Tub Base Tray (w/ Air Cone Connection) Base Tray Air Cone Wicking Cone Blanking Clips Outlet Outlet Seal Circlip Backnut Level Setter Level Setter Extension Mozzie Caps

QTY. 1
2
2 2 16 10 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

6
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim

Parts Included – Foodcube Slim

Installation Guide

PART # 2
3
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

PART NAME Foodcube Slim Tub Base Tray (w/ Air Cone Connection) Air Cone Wicking Cone Blanking Clips Outlet Outlet Seal Circlip Backnut Level Setter Level Setter Extension Mozzie Caps

QTY. 1
2
2 8 10 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

7
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Level Setter Assembly

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

8
(03) 9786 7254

Level Setter Assembly
Part 1 of 4
8
Step 1 Identify each of the parts below:

PART # PART NAME 8 Outlet

QTY. 2

9 Outlet Seal

2

10 Circlip

2

11 Backnut

2

12 Level Setter

2

13 Level Setter Extension 2

14 Mozzie Cap

2

12

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide

9

10

11

13

14

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

9
(03) 9786 7254

Level Setter Assembly
Part 2 of 4
Step 2 Place the Outlet Seal (9) over the Outlet (8) as depicted in fig.A

Step 3

Ensure the Level

Setter (11) O-Rings

are lubricated with

o-ring grease prior

fig.A

to installation as

depicted in fig.B

TIP You can use dishwashing liquid or olive oil as alternatives to o-ring grease
fig.B
hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Step 4 Place the Outlet (8) flat on the ground and insert the Lever Setter (12) into the Outlet (8) until flush. Please note this will require constant, steady pressure.
TIP Twist the Level Setter (12) as you push down, careful that the small orings don’t come out of their grooves!

fig.C

10

(03) 9786 7254

Level Setter Assembly
Part 3 of 4
Step 5 Screw the Level Setter Extension (13) and Mozzie Cap (14) as shown.
TIP We recommend
using Teflon/plumber’s tape around the thread of the Level Setter Extension (13) to reduce the
risk of leaks

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Step 6 Push this current assembly through the connection holes from the inside of your Foodcube or Slim and secure with the Circlip (10) as shown in fig.D

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

fig.D

11

(03) 9786 7254

Level Setter Assembly
Part 4 of 4
Step 7 Slide the Backnut (11) down the Level Setter assembly and screw on to the Outlet’s (8) thread.

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Step 9 Perform a leak test prior to filling your Foodcube/Slim (1/2) with soil. Do this by opening the top cap of the Aircone (5) and pouring water in.

Ensure Backnut (11) is pressing flat against the Foodcube/Slim (1/2) and tighten firmly by hand.
Step 8 Ensure the surface on which your Foodcubes will be placed is level and firm. This is particularly important when joining multiple together in a row.
hello@biofilta.com.au

If leaking occurs from the Outlet (8): – Check Backnut (11) is tightened fully
and Circlip (10) is seated properly.
If leaking occurs from the Level Setter Extension (13): – We recommend wrapping
Teflon/plumber’s tape around the bottom thread and tightening firmly by hand

foodcube.com.au

12
(03) 9786 7254

Level Setter Usage

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide

The Level Setter Assembly allows full control of the water reservoir level within connected units by swivelling the Level Setter (12) from MAX to DRAIN positions.

Which position the Level Setter Assembly should be set will depend on numerous factors such as; your location, climate, and current season.
Generally, we recommend you keep the Level Setter Assembly at the MAX position, and water once a week until water flows out of the Mozzie Cap (14). You can monitor the water level by tilting the Level Setter (12) towards the DRAIN position until water starts to flow, alternatively you can open the Aircone’s (5) top cap and shine a light down.
In winter, or if you find your soil is too damp at the surface, you can instead keep the Level Setter Assembly at the MIN position and adjust as required.

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

13
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Wicking & Air Cone Assembly

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

14
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim

Wicking & Air Cone Assembly

Installation Guide

3

Step 1 Identify each of the parts below:

1 4

PART # PART NAME

QTY.

1

Base Tray (w/ Air Cone Connection)

2

2 Base Tray (Foodcube Only) 2

2

3 Air Cone

2

4 Wicking Cone

16/8

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

15
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim

Wicking & Air Cone Assembly

Installation Guide

Step 2

Step 3

Flip each of the Base

Next, flip the Base Trays

Trays (2 & 3) upside

(2 & 3) with Wicking

down, then insert the

Cones (5) upright, and

Wicking Cones (5) into insert the Aircone (4) into

each of them. Be gentle the Base Trays w/

with applying pressure, as Aircone Connections (2)

you can pinch your fingers like below:

if not careful

Step 4 Place the entire assembly into the Foodcube as shown below, ensuring that the Aircones (4) are seated properly in the unit

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

16
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Blanking Clip Installation

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

17
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim

Blanking Clip Installation

Installation Guide

INSTALLATION Attach by simply sliding the Blanking Clip (7) into lip until it “clicks”

REMOVAL Remove using a flat head screw-driver into the small groove and levering the Blanking Clip (7) out

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

18
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Connecting Additional Foodcubes

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

19
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Connecting Additional Foodcubes Installation Guide
If you are setting up more than one Foodcube or Foodcube Slim, then you can connect them together in rows with a Coupling (15).

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

20
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Connecting Additional Foodcubes Installation Guide

Step 1 Ensure the steel bands are not tight and seated in the groove of the Coupling (15)
Step 2 Push Coupling (15) onto the Tub Stub.

Step 3 Push the next Tub onto Coupling (15)
Step 4 Tighten steel bands onto the Coupling (15) until firm. Do not overtighten.

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

21
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
General Instructions

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

22
(03) 9786 7254

Growing Tips

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide

Media
· For best results it is recommended that you use Bio Gro’s Wicking Mix, designed for the Foodcube.
· If you choose to make your own Wicking Mix; · Use a good quality potting mix 8x30L bags. · Mix in 30% coir block (approximately 90 litres per Foodcube) and some good quality, slow
release, fertilisers.
· Place a few shovels of your mixed potting mix in the Foodcube on top of the trays.
· You will now need to push the media into the cones with your fingers to ensure there is direct
contact with the water below. This is how the
system will wick up the water.
· Once you have finished this step you can now fill to the top of your Foodcube. The potting mix will
settle a little so make sure you fill right to the top.
· You are now ready to plant.

Watering · Water can be added to the Foodcube via a hose
inserted into any Air Cone vent. Simply flip up the lid and insert the hose. · Continue to water until flow can be seen from the level setter hose. · It is recommended to water-in seedlings from the top or super saturate the Foodcube for a day or so after seedlings are transplanted. · Your Foodcube can also be connected directly to a water tank using standard 90mm pvc connection from your local hardware store. · A hose can be connected directly to the Foodcube using a reducer for permanent connection. Contact your local hardware store or irrigation supply specialist for advice.
23

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

(03) 9786 7254

Soil Maintenance

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide

It is recommended that you refresh your potting mix by adding more nutrients from organic compost, worm castings or slow release fertilisers after each growing season.

You may need to also add some more potting mix to fill to the top level. To remove the potting mix, we recommend you place a tarp on the ground to allow mixing of fresh media. You may need to top up your potting mix after each harvest as volume is lost due to settlement and plant root mass. Liquid fertilizer is great to use during fruiting stages to boost growth.

This is best applied to the leaves and not directly into the water reservoir. If growth is not still not vigorous, you may need to get a soil test to determine what nutrients have been used up and need to be replaced.

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

24
(03) 9786 7254

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Additional Accessories

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

25
(03) 9786 7254

Additional Accessories

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide

Trellis Supports vertical growth

Frames & Netting Protects from the elements & pests

Steel Cladding Aesthetic finish

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

26
(03) 9786 7254

Additional Accessories
Adjustable Platform Put your Foodcubes anywhere

Foodcube & Foodcube Slim
Installation Guide
Height Pads & Slim Legs Lift your working height by 200mm (compatible with tall cladding options)

Platform with Wheels Mobile with lockable castors

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

27
(03) 9786 7254

hello@biofilta.com.au

foodcube.com.au

(03) 9786 7254

References

• foodcube – Foodcube

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>