I’m getting ready to set up my first airlift system. I’ve read through all the instructions as well as a number of post here about troubleshooting etc. However, the one major piece of information that seems to be missing is what happens after I turn the pump on.

Do I leave the pump running 24 hours a day? Does the reservoir need to be refilled often? Is there ever a need to empty the whole system and refill it or do I just keep topping off water and nutrients? How much of the nutrient solution do I add? Is there an ideal gallon or liter per hour rate that I’m going for?

Any comments or resources that you all can offer would be great! Thanks.

Everybody be warned that the Ecoplus pumps are a bit of a hit or miss. It seems like sometimes you just get shipped a lemon.

We have been having a lot of trouble with the EcoPlus pumps and have had to return them 3 times. Agh! Seems like there are some manufacturer issues. Maria Ailova, the program director has almost given up on them.

The window we are using for our windowfarm is 6′ 10″ tall and the plan is to mount the pump right flush with the bottom of the window and have the tubing go up into the top reservoir about 6″ above the top for a total head (pumping height) of 7’4.”

The first pump we bought was the Ecoplus 1056, which is rated for 9.2.’ But it did not pump high enough and the attachment for 1/2″ tubing was broken. We replaced the attachment and it still did not work.  Even the next pump down, the Ecoplus 633 is rated for a max head of 7.4.’

We returned the 1056 and ordered the 1267, which just barely reached the top. However, it leaked! The back of the pump housing put out a rapid drip as soon as we turned the pump on.

We returned that one and told them the problem. The next one they send did the same thing!

We finally got one that worked and did not leak. Just plan that there is a possibility you will have to return your pump so definitely wait to get seedlings until after you are sure your system is working.

My cat Lizzie (not pictured) has pretty much killed one of my Amish Snap Pea plants. Here is my simple yet effective cat defense system: cover windowsill with many house plants, in this case orchids and 1 cactus.