Dilution Solutions Nutrient Delivery System (NDS) Starter Kit, 3/4 in

NDS Inlet Starter Kit for 3/4 Inch Lo-Flo Systems – HYKSTART

The Dilution Solutions HYKSTART NDS Starter Kit provides all the inlet-side components needed for a complete 3/4-inch Lo-Flo Nutrient Delivery System installation. The Starter Kit is the first section of the NDS — it conditions and controls the water supply before it enters the Dosatron injectors, protecting the injectors from excess pressure, debris, and backflow.

The HYKSTART includes an incoming on/off ball valve for system isolation, a 200 mesh/80 micron inline pre-filter to catch debris before it reaches the Dosatron, a pressure regulator with gauge to maintain water pressure within the injector's rated range, a freshwater test port for sampling the supply water before injection, and a check valve to prevent backflow. All necessary 3/4-inch plumbing connections are included. Assembly is required.

Key Features & Benefits

• Ball Valve — On/off control valve for isolating the water supply to the NDS during maintenance.
• 200 Mesh Pre-Filter — Removes debris from the incoming water supply to protect Dosatron injector internals.
• Pressure Regulator with Gauge — Maintains water pressure within the Dosatron's rated operating range.
• Freshwater Test Port — Allows sampling of uninjected supply water upstream of the Dosatron.
• Check Valve — Prevents backflow from the injection side into the supply line.
• All 3/4-Inch Plumbing Connections — Complete set of fittings for a clean inline installation. Assembly required.

Who Should Use This Kit

The HYKSTART is the standard Starter Kit for 3/4-inch Lo-Flo NDS installations using municipal or well water with sufficient pressure. For installations requiring supplemental pressure from a DAB booster pump, use the HYKSTART-DAB (DSSKFBP34) instead.

Why Each Starter Kit Component Matters

The Starter Kit components work together to create the right inlet conditions for the Dosatron injectors. The ball valve allows the entire NDS to be isolated from the water supply for maintenance or replacement without shutting off the main facility supply. The pre-filter removes particulates that could score or jam the injector's internal piston. The pressure regulator ensures the supply pressure stays within the Dosatron's rated range — too high, and the injector may overdose; too low, and it underdoses or stops. The freshwater test port allows the grower to verify supply water quality before injection. The check valve prevents nutrient-laden water from flowing backward into the supply line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the HYKSTART?

The kit includes a ball valve, 200 mesh/80 micron inline pre-filter, pressure regulator with gauge, freshwater test port, check valve, and all 3/4-inch plumbing connections. That covers everything needed for the inlet side of a Lo-Flo NDS.

Where does the Starter Kit install in the NDS?

It installs on the inlet side — it is the first section of the NDS, between the water supply and the Dosatron injectors. Downstream components like the mixing chamber and monitor kit connect after it.

Is the HYKSTART compatible with a DAB booster pump installation?

No, for installations using a DAB booster pump for supplemental pressure, use the HYKSTART-DAB (DSSKFBP34) instead. The two kits are plumbed differently to accommodate the booster pump hardware.

How do I know if I need the pressure regulator to be adjusted?

Check the gauge against the Dosatron model's rated operating pressure range after installation, since pressure outside that range can cause overdosing or underdosing. Adjust the regulator until the gauge reads within the injector's specified range.

Is assembly required?

Assembly of all plumbing components is required during installation. Field assembly lets the kit adapt to slightly different pipe runs and fitting orientations at each site.