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Frequently asked question about the Aquatron

FAQ Aquatron 4X100, Aquatron 4x200, Aquatron 4x300 and Aquatron 1200

The most frequently asked questions about Aquatrons systmes function in general,  and particularly the one-family models 4x100, 4x200, 4x300 and 1200 are listed below :

Aquatron Biological Toilet System, what is that ?

The hygiene and coomfort of a conventional Water Closet in combination with the ecological and environmental characteristics of a composting toilet system.

Aquatron systems, how do they work ?

The toilet is connected to an Aquatron separator, which through centrifugal force, separates the excrement from the liquids.

The Aquatron systems function is described in our brochure and on our web site : see the Function button.

Do Aquatron systems require any special kind of WC ?

No, the Aquatron systems use standard WCs having a 3-6 litres (1-2 gallons) flushing volume, or special WCs that mechanically separate the urine from the solid waste, paper and flushing water already in the toilet bowl.

Why is the WC not included in your package ?

As it is a standard WC, it is very often already installed. If not, it can be purchased in a store selling plumbing equipment or buiding material.

How often do I have to empty the composting unit ( Bio Chamber ) ?

The Bio Chamber should be emptied approx. every 1-2 years depending on actual workload, temperature in the compartment where it is installed and if worms are used for composting or not.

Which temperature is best for the compost?

The Bio Chamber should be emptied approx. every 1-2 years depending on actual workload, temperature in the compartment where it is installed and if worms are used for composting or not.

Do you have to add any chemicals to the compost ?

No, no chemicals - only natural components.

How do you start the composting process ?

Put a drainage layer of bark grinds on the bottom of the Bio Chamber. The layer must fully cover the drainage holes/grid. Put a shovel of dirt or compost from the garden (or dirt from some old flowerpots) on top in order to supply bacteria. Use the toilet for 1-3 weeks. Then you may, if you want to, insert compost worms, Esenia Foetida, (Dung Worm, also called Red Wiggler) or an equivalent specimen.

Is it necessary to use composting worms ?

No, but the worms are very efficient. This will result in longer emptying intervals.

How many earthworms do you need ?

A suitable number of worms for a start is 250-300. The number of worms will then, by the nature, regulate itself automatically.

What happens to the worms when emptying the compost ?

If leaving a compost layer at the bottom, enough worms are still there. Theys will reproduce and maintain the composting process.

Must the compost be installed in a heated area and what happens if it freezes ?

No, it must not be installed in a frost-free area, although we recommend that. Freezing will impact the composting which results in increased emptying frequency.
Further, water in the WC and the water seal in the UV-unit must be protected from freezing.
If using worms, a frost-free installation is necessary, as well as for year-round living.

What do you do with the compost after emptying ?

The refuse must be composted to soil in the garden in accordance with local/national regulations.
For the full composting models Aquatron 4x100, 4x200 and 4x300, however, the result (soil) can be used directly in the garden.

Is there a smell ?

As the urine has been separated from the faeces, there is no bad smell. A standard venting pipe for the WC is always needed.

Will there be flies in the compost ?

In general, no. An abnormally high humidity in the Bio Chamber may result in flies. If So - see the installation manual.

Is it possible to install an Aquatron by yourself ?

Aquatron Systems can easily be installed by a handy do-it-yourself, or by a plumber.
Check if local regulations stipulate that an installation of this kind requires a plumber.

How long time will it take to install an Aquatron system ?

Provided that the compartment where it is to be installed is available, a plumber will normally need about one day for the installation works.

Can you buy the Aquatron components separately ?

Yes.

Is it necessary to have the WC straight above the Aquatron Separator and Bio Chamber ?

No on the contrary. Aquatron systems can be installed freely at a certain distance from the WC.
For details, see our product brochure, the Installation button or the button Products/Models and the follow-on Technical Data text links on our web site.

How many WCs can you connect to an Aquatron Separator ?

Up to three toilets can be connected to the same separator and flushed simultaneously when using standard domestic flushing toilets.
A larger Aquatron separator model can be installed to handle eight toilets flushing at the same time.

Do you need a fan for the ventilation ?

No. The ventilation needed is through the standard WC ventilation pipe - see figure in the brochure or the Function button on our web site.

Is it possible to reduce the height requirement for the Aquatron installation ?

Yes. By installing a pump, there is a possibility to elevate the UV-unit.
The installation height requirement is thereby reduced by 15-20 centimetres (5.9-7.9 inches).

The Gray Water sewer is on a higher level than the Aquatron system - what can be done ?

By using an automatic pump, the fluid may be pumped to the Gray Water outlet.

What maintenance is needed ?

The Bio Chamber should be monitored from time to time and emptied when needed.
For the Aquatron 4x200 composting sections should be shifted when needed, emptying when necessary.

How long will the Ultraviolet light tubes last ?

In year-round living, the life-time is 3-5 years. In vacation homes, where the UV-unit can be switched off, considerably longer.

What happens if one UV light tube fails ?

If a UV tube fails, there is an alarm. We then recommend that both UV tubes should be replaced by new ones.
With one UV tube working, the function is still intact, as the two UV tubes are backups for each other.

Cleaning the WC bowl, will detergents kill the worms ?

No, practically no fluid will go down into the Bio Chamber, when flushing the WC without toilet paper.

Is it possible to install a pump between the WC and the Aquatron system ?

No.

Are there any drawings available for Aquatron standard installations ?

No, but consult your Aquatron dealer who may give technical advice.

 

How long will the material in an Aquatron last ?

Aquatrons have no moving parts, hence the expected life span is very long.

 

Is it possible to pipe the Grey Water to the Aquatron system ?

No, vi recommend that the Grey Water pipes and the Aquatron fluid outlet are to be connected after the UV-unit.
Waste water from the kitchen, bath and laundry may disturb the separator function.

 

Kitchen waste, can it be composted in the Bio Chamber ?

Yes, the lid on top of the Bio Chamber is suitable also for that.

 

I have a shortage of water; can I still install and use an Aquatron system ?

You do not need drinking water quality. You may very well pump freshwater from a creek/lake or rainwater to an Aquatron system.
It is also possible to use brackish water of the kind you find in e g the Baltic Sea.

 

Aquatron system installations - how many are they ?

There are thousands of Aquatron systems installed.