AutoPot 1Pot XL system 12 pots incl. 225L Flexitank

Product detailed description

AutoPot 1Pot XL for 12 pots - a step from hobby growing to a small grow room

Are you outgrowing a hobby tent and moving towards a small grow room or greenhouse? AutoPot 1Pot XL for twelve 25 l pots with a 225 l Flexitank is the logical next step. It is among the most water-efficient irrigation systems in the world, and the twelve modules are operated by the AQUAvalve using only gravity - without a pump, electricity or a timer.

With twelve plants, the maintenance-free operation starts saving real hours of work: no pump, electricity or timers, with flow handled by gravity pressure from the 225 l tank and AQUAvalve valves. The tank does not need to be constantly emptied and the distribution line flushed, because fertiliser does not build up in it. The set grows with you - by adding another 1Pot XL module you can expand it into a full grow room.

How the irrigation works

Each module is operated by an AQUAvalve. 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 all the water in the tray, the AQUAvalve does not allow refilling. The plant therefore goes through a wet and dry cycle, which supports healthy roots; after the tray is emptied, the process repeats.

Recommended substrates

A freely draining substrate is always used in the 1Pot XL. The following 50/50 mixes have proven effective:

• Soil and perlite mix - 50/50
• Soil and clay pebbles mix - 50/50
• Coco fibre and perlite mix - 50/50
• Coco fibre and clay pebbles mix - 50/50
• Rockwool and clay pebbles mix - 50/50

If you use clay pebbles, rinse the pebbles with water first - some types are not pH stable and may raise 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 correct function of the AQUAvalve valve.

Tank setup and start-up

Place the tank (225 l Flexitank) at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve. If the nutrient solution 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 let them 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.

Mineral and organic fertilisers

You can dose both mineral and organic fertilisers through the tank and distribution line. With organic fertilisers, also add a water pump to the tank (run for 15 min every 2 h) so that nutrients do not settle, and each time the tank is emptied, flush the distribution line 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). Push through limescale in the nozzle with a paper clip or blow it out; never clean it with a drill - you would destroy the valve.

Package contents

• 1x Flexitank 225 l
• 12x 1Pot XL module (25 l pot, 1Pot XL tray, 1Pot XL lid - cover for the saucer)
• 12x 1Pot XL package (AQUAvalve5 cam, Root Control Disc, tubing, grommets and connectors)
• instructions for use
• 16 mm main line from the tank and a 16 to 9 mm reducer

Expansion and accessories

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

Which size to choose

This set serves 12 plants. A smaller set is available as 1Pot XL for 8 pots; if you plan to expand, choose the 1Pot XL for 24 pots. The system body is the same in all sizes; only the number of modules and tank volume differ.

Frequently asked questions

Can AutoPot handle the move from hobby growing to a grow room?

Yes - the system body is the same as with smaller sets, only the number of modules increases and the tank has 225 l. Operation remains gravity-fed and maintenance-free, so more plants do not mean more daily work.

How is the distribution line handled with twelve modules?

The set includes a 16 mm main line from the tank and a 16 to 9 mm reducer to the individual AQUAvalve valves, so the flow reliably reaches all pots.

Can I use organic fertilisers?

Yes. Dose organic fertiliser with a water pump in the tank (15 min every 2 h) and each time the tank is emptied, flush the distribution line and clean the tank, pump and filter. With mineral fertilisers, operation is maintenance-free.