Terra Aquatica CultiMate L

The Terra Aquatica CultiMate L is the system that was called the AquaFarm for years. It works like the CultiMate S: an air pump lifts the nutrient solution through a lift column to a drip ring, with no water pump. The difference is size, with a larger growing chamber and 45 litres of effective capacity.

Why you see both 35 and 45 litres

Until recently this page said 35 litres, and many shops still do. Terra Aquatica itself states 45 litres of effective capacity for the CultiMate L. As far as we can tell, the 35 refers to the reservoir alone, without what sits in the growing chamber and in circulation. We go by the manufacturer's figure.

What a larger reserve gets you

That works two ways. First in how long you can stay away. A plant uses what it uses, so three times the reserve of the CultiMate S lasts about as much longer. On a mature plant in summer that is the difference between topping up every few days and looking once a week.

Second in stability. A large volume of solution shifts in EC, pH and temperature more slowly than a small one. Evaporate a litre out of fifteen and your EC moves noticeably. Out of forty-five, far less. That makes the L more forgiving, which shows most while you are still learning.

Room for a large plant

The growing chamber is correspondingly larger. Terra Aquatica gives the range as anything from basil and other herbs to small trees, and the system is built to carry plants to real size. At 46 by 46 centimetres it does take more floor than the S.

The build is two-part: lift the chamber off and you are at the reservoir and the roots. Both parts are roto-moulded in France from recycled plastic that blocks light and UV. Terra Aquatica gives a lifetime guarantee on that moulded plastic under reasonable use, excluding the air pump and separate components.

Technical Specifications:

• Effective capacity: 45 litres
• Dimensions: 46 x 46 x 43 cm (l x w x h)
• Drive: air pump with lift column and drip ring
• Consumption: under 2 watts
• Substrate: washed clay pebbles
• Material: roto-moulded recycled plastic, light and UV shielded

Frequently asked questions

Is the CultiMate L the same as the AquaFarm? Yes. Terra Aquatica renamed the AquaFarm V3 to CultiMate L.

Is it 35 or 45 litres? The manufacturer states 45 litres of effective capacity. The 35 you see elsewhere refers, as far as we know, to the reservoir alone.

Does it work differently from the CultiMate S? No, the same air-driven principle, only larger.

How many plants fit? One large plant or a few smaller ones, depending on how far you let them grow.