Already set up and running? Click the link below to see guides on getting the most out of your totam.
Setting up your totam
Pump Assembly
Electrical Connector
Tip: removing the water assembly from the top of the unit will make accessing the pump connector easier.
1️⃣ The pump comes preinstalled in the tank. Check Connector A is pushed into the wire track of the tank, to prevent it from being pulled when opening the drawer.
2️⃣ Plug Connector A into the port on the inside of the unit base.
Water Connector
1️⃣ Insert the water assembly
2️⃣ Open the drawer
3️⃣ Plug Connector B into the top of the pump.
4️⃣ Tuck Connector B into the retainer which helps keep the tube from kinking.
5️⃣ Reinsert the tank cover.
Module Assembly
Vertical modules are always installed at the top of each tower. To add horizontal or microgreen modules, first remove the vertical module and insert other modules below it.
To add modules, simply place onto the watering assembly and push down. Ensure modules are fully secured before operating the device. Ensure there are no gaps between modules.
The standard configuration is displayed above, with four vertical modules installed. Below are examples of how vertical, horizontal and microgreen modules can be combined to create your own totam design.
Note:
– Vertical modules must always be installed at the top of each tower, failing to do so will cause water to leak out of the system.
– Totam planter can support towers of up to four modules high (microgreen modules count as 2 modules, horizontal and vertical modules count as 1 each). Exceeding this limit may lead to tipping of the device.
– If you install a system with towers of differing heights, you must balance the system (see section ‘Balancing Flow‘), to make sure all plants get sufficient water.
Grow Bar Assembly
Both the single grow bar plus the addon grow bar (if ordered) come flat packed and need to be inserted into the telescopic arm.
Tip: Leave the assembled grow bar(s) fully extended for several hours to straighten the wire.
Instructions for Dual grow bars
1️⃣ Align the grow bar to the telescopic arm so that the wire is on top.
2️⃣ Insert the grow bar into the telescopic arm, you will feel a click when it is fully inserted.
3️⃣ Repeat for addon grow bar.
Note: totam planter does not support more than two grow bars and will not accept chaining multiple grow bars together.
4️⃣ Attach the grow bar(s) to the unit by pushing down until the connector clicks. The force to do this is intentionally high to provide a secure and stable connection.
Instructions for single grow bars
1️⃣ Align the grow bar to the telescopic arm so that the wire is on top.
2️⃣ Insert the grow bar into the telescopic arm, you will feel a click when it is fully inserted.
3️⃣ Attach the grow bar(s) to the unit by pushing down until the connector clicks. The force to do this is intentionally high to provide a secure and stable connection.
Tightening your grow bar(s)
You may find that the grow bar(s) occasionally need tightening in order to stay upright. To do so, simply use a cross head screw driver to tighten the screws.
Wall Mounting
Note: If you are not installing a wall mount, please proceed to ‘Trellis Assembly’.
Inside the box there are screws and wall plugs that can be used depending on your wall type. We recommend seeking professional advice prior to installing the wall mount and securing the unit.
Your totam planter should only be plugged into an electrical outlet once everything is fully assembled.
1️⃣ Attach the wall mount to a solid wall using either the wall plugs and screws, or just the screws (depending on wall construction).
2️⃣ Remove all detachable parts from the base unit (e.g. the grow bar(s), tank, watering system, trellis, modules and other accessories).
3️⃣ Use the two provided bolts to secure totam to the wall bracket.
4️⃣ Reinstall the components removed in step (2). Check that the wall mount and unit are secure and do not have any movement. If there is movement, it is important to start from step (1) again, ensuring the wall mount is securely attached to a solid wall.
5️⃣ Pass the DC connector cable through the hole of the wall bracket and plug it into the back of the unit.
Important: To remove your totam planter from the wall mount, you must first unplug the power supply inserted in step (5), remove the water tank and all other components from step (2) and the two bolts installed in step (3).
Trellis Assembly
Note: If you are not installing a trellis, please proceed to ‘Filling/Refilling’.
There are two ways to use your trellis with totam; attaching to totam planter base, or mounting to a wall.
Attaching to totam planter base
Note: the trellis rods must be attached to the mounting points closest together. This is identified by counting the struts in between the two mounting points. The correct mounting points are separated by 2 struts as shown to the right.
1️⃣ Pass the M4 Bolt through the trellis.
2️⃣ Slide the standoff onto the M4 bolt.
3️⃣ Screw the M4 bolt into the rod.
4️⃣ Repeat for remaining side.
Note: The M4 bolt has a flat end. Do not use the M4 screw, which is included for wall mounting.
5️⃣ Optional: you can attach a spring clip to each rod, which allows you to adjust the height of the trellis.
a) Squeeze clip arms.
b) Slide clip onto rod from the base.
Note: the higher you set the trellis, the less stable it will be.
6️⃣ Slide your trellis assembly onto the rear of the base unit as pictured below.
Mounting to a wall
The trellis can be attached to many types of solid walls. We do not give specific guidance for wall types. The trellis comes with screws and plugs suitable for the majority of walls made of solid construction. Seek professional advice for installation.
1️⃣ Hold the trellis against the wall, in the position you wish to install it and mark the three mounting points.
2️⃣ Prepare the wall accordingly by using the included wall plugs and screws, or other methods and hardware. We do not provide specific instructions due to the many types of wall construction.
3️⃣ Pass the M4 screw (or your own hardware) through the trellis and standoff, then attach to your mounting points on the wall.
The M4 screw has a pointed end. Do not use the M4 bolt, which is included for attaching your trellis to the totam base.
Filling and Refilling Totam
During the seedling phase your water tank may last several weeks, whereas growth of multiple mature plants may see this number reduce significantly. If you are not using the app, it is important to keep an eye on the water levels and the warning lights projected from the back of the unit.
Filling
1️⃣ Open the tank to the arrows, as shown above.
2️⃣ Prepare the nutrient solution according to the instructions provided on the bottle.
3️⃣ Fill the tank with the correct volume of nutrient water. Do not fill past ‘MAX’ level indicated in the tank.
4️⃣ Slowly push the tank back into the base unit. Always insert the tank slowly and carefully to prevent overspill.
Note: For the first fill, the nutrient mix will be cycled around your totam planter and retained in the modules. It may therefore be necessary to fill up your tank again after the first watering period.
To initiate a pump cycle you can use the App (My Totams > Pump Control), restart the device, or change the pump program.
Refilling
Wait at least 5 minutes after a watering cycle to open the tank.
1️⃣ Only open as far as the arrows on the tank cover, to avoid any remaining water dripping behind the tank.
2️⃣ Mix the nutrient water in a jug according to the mixing ratio indicated on the bottle.
3️⃣ Refill up to the ‘MAX’ level.
Totam Go
Totam Go is designed to sustain plants with well established root systems (grown in totam planter). It is possible to grow straight from seed, or to even propagate but it is beyond the scope of this guide.
As both totam Go and totam planter are hydroponic, and use the same nutrient solution, plants are unlikely to suffer from transplant shock (as they often do when transferring plants to soil).
Totam Go Setup
1️⃣ Prepare some nutrient water (following the guidelines on the bottle).
2️⃣ Fill the base with nutrient water by pouring in through the Top. This lets you keep an eye on the Float (water level) – see next page.
3️⃣ Place in a very well lit area of your home – Your plants will be used to a high intensity of light from totam planter.
4️⃣ Fill the Top with decorative stones of your choice. We recommend stones measuring 5mm/0.2Ins. Note: Filling with decorative stones is optional. The benefits, besides appearance and customisation, are reduced water loss and algae growth.
5️⃣ Add plants directly from your totam planter by transferring them in their net pots.
Water Levels
The float acts as a visual indicator for the water level.
Water Full – Green ring is visible – stop filling.
Water Empty – Float is barely visible – refill immediately.
It is strongly suggested that you periodically refill totam Go whenever the water level is low, rather than empty.
After 2-3 refills, fully empty totam Go and give it a clean using warm soapy water. Emptying totam Go removes left over nutrients that your plants do not want. If the unit is not cleaned regularly, these build up and can cause damage to plants. Ensure the bamboo base does not remain in contact with water for long periods of time.
Switching On Totam
Your totam planter is now ready to be switched on!
Your totam planter is now ready to be switched on!
1️⃣ Insert the DC cable into the port at the back of the base unit.
2️⃣ Plug in the device to an electrical outlet.
3️⃣ The device will switch on and the User Interface lights will begin to flash.
Pair your totam with the totam app
To get the most out of your totam we encourage you to use your totam on WiFi mode to enable features such as scheduling, water level and error notifications. However, there is also a manual mode described in the printed manual your received.
Follow instructions in the app
Tips for success
1️⃣ When asked to join ‘Totam-AP’, click on ‘Totam-AP’ and head straight back to the app. Do not wait for confirmation that your phone has connected, the app will ensure the connection is established.
2️⃣ If the buttons on totam no longer respond, this is because the device is in WiFi mode. Please reboot your phone and check to see if totam is already in the totam app.
If totam is in WiFi mode and is not connected to the app, then you will need to perform a ‘factory reset’ and then go through the pairing process again.
3️⃣ Totam only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connections, please make sure your router is supplying a 2.4GHz network.
Download
Download the latest totam app from either the Android Play store, or Apple App Store.
Troubleshooting (App)
If you are having troubles connecting your device to the app, please see the troubleshooting steps below.
Failed to Connect to Totam-AP
When asked to join ‘Totam-AP’, click on ‘Totam-AP’ and head straight back to the app. Do not wait for confirmation that your phone has connected, the app will ensure the connection is established.
Buttons no longer work
If the buttons on totam no longer respond, this is because the device is in WiFi mode. Please reboot your phone and check to see if totam is already in the totam app.
If totam is in WiFi mode and is not connected to the app, then you will need to perform a ‘factory reset’ and then go through the pairing process again.
Changing WiFi networks/settings
The app currently does not have the ability to change the network totam is connected to. You will need to delete Totam from the app and perform a factory reset before connecting to a new network, or to connect to an existing network with a different password.
1️⃣ Delete Totam from the App. Click on the Totam, Click ‘Edit’, Click ‘Delete Garden’
2️⃣ Factory Reset (guide below)
How to Factory Reset
1️⃣ Unplug the unit from the electrical outlet.
2️⃣ Hold down buttons (1) and (2) simultaneously. Do not release.
3️⃣ While continuing to hold buttons (1) and (2), plug the unit back into an electrical outlet.
4️⃣ Release the buttons when all the UI lights flash 10 times in a row. This will take approximately 10-15 seconds. The device will reboot.
Report a bug
The totam app is very new and we have scaled from single digit users to thousands in a very short period. There are likely to be bugs and we could use your help in finding them. Please use the form below to report a bug.
Guides
Now that your totam is setup and controllable through the app, it is time to get planting! Click below to be taken through the planting, lighting and watering guides.