Aurora+ Instructions and Cleaning
Keeping Aurora+ Clean
**Do not use isopropyl alcohol on powder coating. It will dissolve, especially if left to soak** Tape off the usb port and light to avoid moisture while cleaning. Never submerge. To clean the lid and germination pods, use hydrogen peroxide with a cotton swab, lint-free cloth, or soft bristle toothbrush. You can also use a vinegar/distilled water solution. If you're using hydrogen peroxide in your germination or cleaning solution, never exceed a maximum strength of 2 parts distilled water to 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide (resulting in a solution of 1% hydrogen peroxide).
Using Aurora+
1. Twist the lid to release the magnets and slide it off. Place a cotton pad inside each desired seed pod.
2. Place your seed on top of the cotton pad with the enclosed tweezers and put a second pad on top of the seed.
3. Hydrate the pods using the included pipette. Gently press down on the top cotton pad and put the lid back on.
4. Plug in and select the desired temperature (or pre-warm your Aurora+). Optimal hydration will vary depending on the type, size, and amount of seeds in each pod.
Exercise caution when using over 2-3ml per pod with cotton (1ml without cotton). The pods should never be filled to the point where liquid is spilling over the sides.
On the high setting, with 1-4 small seeds, 2-3ml usually lasts 24-48 hours (depending on the humidity of the room it is in). Using too much cotton can cause it to become compressed, leaving no room for air. Keep your Aurora+ on a flat, level surface, and do not move it once it is filled (especially when using liquid without a medium to absorb it).
Keep each pod adequately hydrated (Aurora+ is not self-watering) but never overfill. Once your seed has started a tap root, gently place it into the growing medium of your choice. The Aurora+ is only one part of a successful germination process.
Temperature Settings
Aurora+ has 2 temperatures to choose from:
Flashing Green Light: Indicates the Aurora+ is on and warming to the 80-82F(27-28C) setting.
Solid Green Light: Indicates the Aurora+ is on and warming to the 75-77F (24-25 C) setting.
If you desire the opposite temperature, just unplug the unit and plug it back in to toggle between settings.
Once the Aurora+ reaches the preset temperature, it will cycle off and on to maintain that temperature. The indicator light will remain on, either solid or flashing.
Stick-on rubberized feet are included to maximize thermal efficiency on any surface. Make sure the outside of your Aurora+ is clean and dry, then just stick them to the bottom in each of the 4 corners. This will protect from heat loss on surfaces like granite, marble, glass, stainless steel, or anything else that stays cool to the touch. Even wood can draw warmth out of the bottom of the unit if in contact with it.
We recommend the higher, 80-82 F setting for most seeds unless they are a type known to prefer cooler temperatures like strawberries, apples, lemons. Use of the stick on feet for the bottom of your Aurora+ is essential to prevent heat loss.
The unit will not feel warm to the touch unless your hands are cold. The average body temperature is 98.6, making it difficult to feel 75-77 or 80-82 as "warm". Aluminum is an incredible thermal conductor and pulls warmth out of your hands. Every unit is tested with two calibrated stc-1000 thermostats.