FAQs
What type of seeds can the Aurora+ germinate?
The Aurora+ can be used with any seed that fits inside the pods (25mm diameter,10mm total depth w/ 6mm lip) and can benefit from one of the two temperature settings available: 82-86 F (28-30 C) and 76-80 F (24-26 C). Some of our customers have germinated rocotto peppers, monstera, birds of paradise, basket asparagus, fire flash seeds, red sunflower, various types of tomato seeds. The possibilities are endless. We update our Aurora+ Milestones page regularly with reports from our customers.
Where can I get more cotton pads?
Unfortunately we rarely have extra to sell as replacements. The manufacturer hand punches each pad with a hammer and 25mm punch tool. Every factory we've approached wants orders on a scale much larger than we can handle. One of our testers, Mitch Kamp, recommends 1" barrel cleaning pads for firearms cleaning. They're a thin cotton flannel and he uses 3 on the bottom, then seeds and 3 more on top. The tighter weave of these pads helps prevent tap roots from growing through the pads.
Other customers cut makeup pads to size. One customer discovered a 1" hand punch that you can purchase on Amazon. We apologize for the lack of replacements. The next generation will use standard size makeup pads.
Why doesn't my unit feel warm?
The human body is approximately 98.6F making it difficult to feel 76-80F or 82-86F as "warm". Throughout a day of testing units, the same reading on the thermal temperature reader feels different if I've been holding my warm phone returning emails or holding a cold bottle of water. Make sure you're using the stick on feet for thermal efficiency.
When I touch a heat mat, it feels warm.
Heat mats are made of plastic, which is a very poor thermal conductor with low heat capacity. The spot you're touching warms up to body temperature quickly and stays there. Metals are generally good thermal conductors with fairly high heat capacity. The heat your finger adds is rapidly redistributed throughout the metal object, leaving the spot you are touching cold until the whole object is warm.
I don't see a switch or dial, how do I change the temperature setting?
To change the temperature of your Aurora+ just unplug it and plug it back in. This will toggle between the solid light and flashing light settings.
Which temperature setting should I use?
The temperature setting you select will depend on the type of seed you're germinating. Most seeds, including pepper seeds, prefer the higher, flashing light setting. Others, like apples, lemons and strawberries, prefer the lower, solid light setting.