AutoPot 1Pot XL system 4 pots incl. 47L plastic tank

Product detailed description

AutoPot 1Pot XL for 4 pots - hobby set for a small tent

The ideal start for a small tent or hobby grow room: AutoPot 1Pot XL for four 25L pots. It is among the most water-efficient irrigation systems in the world and is suitable for growing any plants, for food and decorative purposes. Four modules are served by the AQUAvalve valve from one 47L tank, so the plants run for weeks without attention - just by gravity.

How the irrigation works

Each module is served by the AQUAvalve valve. After connection to the tank, the valve opens the supply and lets the tray fill with water to the preset level of 20 mm - solely by gravity, without pumps, mains pressure, electricity or timers. Until the plant uses up all the water in the tray, AQUAvalve does not allow replenishment. The plant therefore goes through a wet and dry cycle, which supports healthy roots; after the tray is emptied, the process repeats.

Recommended substrates

Always use a free-draining substrate in the 1Pot XL. The following 50/50 mixes have proven effective:

• Mix of soil and perlite - 50/50
• Mix of soil and expanded clay - 50/50
• Mix of coco fibre and perlite - 50/50
• Mix of coco fibre and expanded clay - 50/50
• Mix of Rockwool and expanded clay - 50/50

If you use expanded clay, rinse the pebbles with water first - some types are not pH stable and may increase the pH of the water in the tray. Before placing the pot into the saucer, clean the bottom and sides of substrate off it; this will maintain the proper function of the AQUAvalve valve.

Tank setup and start-up

Place the tank (47L plastic tank) at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve valve. If the irrigation level drops to 1/3 of the original volume, top it up - and never let the tank dry out completely. After planting, water the plants and allow them to root for 7-10 days; only then start the system. A stronger root system will then take care of the water in the tray itself. The bottom of the 1Pot XL pot is round (unlike the square bottom of the smaller 1Pot), so you can easily turn a large plant directly in the saucer.

For placing the tank, the Garland plastic stool is suitable - it raises it to the required height above the valves.

Mineral and organic fertilisers

You can dose mineral and organic fertilisers through the tank and distribution system. With organic fertilisers, also add a water pump to the tank (run for 15 min every 2 h) so that the nutrients do not settle, and each time the tank is emptied, flush the distribution system and clean the tank, pump and filter. With mineral fertilisers, operation is the simplest and maintenance-free.

Care of the AQUAvalve valve

AQUAvalve is a simple but very effective device that requires careful handling - keep the valve and tray clean and free of obstructions. At the end of the season, wash the valve in warm soapy water (an old toothbrush helps). Remove limescale from the nozzle with a paper clip or blow it out; never clean it with a drill - you would destroy the valve.

Package contents

• 1x 47L plastic tank with lid
• 4x 1Pot XL module (25L pot, 1Pot XL tray, 1Pot XL lid - cover for the saucer)
• 4x 1Pot XL pack (AQUAvalve5 cam, Root Control Disc, tubing, grommets and connectors)
• instructions for use

Expansion and accessories

Over time, you can expand the system with a 1Pot XL module, add spare pots as a 25L pot and get missing parts in the accessory box. For roots and a cleaner saucer, choose the PotSock Round XL, a copper sleeve for the 25L XL pot.

Which size to choose

This set serves 4 plants. You can find a smaller set as 1Pot XL for 2 pots; if you are planning to grow larger, choose the 1Pot XL for 6 pots. The body of the system is the same in all sizes; only the number of modules and the tank volume differ.

Frequently asked questions

How much space do four pots take up?

Each 25L pot sits in its own tray, and you arrange the modules next to each other according to the shape of the tent. The round bottom also allows you to turn a large plant directly in the saucer.

What substrate is suitable for the 1Pot XL?

Always a free-draining 50/50 mix - soil/perlite, soil/expanded clay, coco/perlite, coco/expanded clay or Rockwool/expanded clay. If you use expanded clay, rinse the pebbles first - some types are not pH stable.

Can the set be expanded later?

Yes. Add a 1Pot XL module and, if necessary, replace the tank with a larger one. If you are planning a full tent, consider the version for 6 or 8 pots straight away.