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

Product detailed description

AutoPot 1Pot for 4 pots – a small tent with self-watering

Want to fill a smaller grow tent while leaving your plants unattended over the weekend? AutoPot 1Pot for four 15 L square pots is supplied by one 47 L tank, with each plant controlled by its own AQUAvalve5 – without a pump, electricity or timer.

The four square pots fit into the tent in a grid with minimal wasted space. Connect them using 9 mm hose and, thanks to the T-connectors, arrange the system crosswise so that the route to the tank is as short as possible.

How the irrigation works

Each pot sits on its own tray with an AQUAvalve5 valve. The valve opens the inlet automatically and allows the tray to fill with nutrient solution to a level of 20 mm – using gravity alone, without pumps, mains water pressure, electricity or timers. Until the plant has used up the water in the tray, the valve does not release another dose. The plant therefore goes through a wet and dry cycle, which aerates the roots and supports healthy growth; once the tray is empty, the cycle repeats.

Recommended growing media

Always use a free-draining growing medium in the 1Pot – drainage is essential for alternating wet and dry cycles. The following 50% / 50% mixes have proven effective:

• Soil and perlite – 50/50
• Soil and expanded clay – 50/50
• Coco and perlite – 50/50
• Coco and expanded clay – 50/50
• Rockwool and expanded clay – 50/50

If using expanded clay, rinse the pebbles with water first – some types are not pH-stable and could raise the pH of the nutrient solution in the tray. Before placing the pot in the tray, clean the bottom and sides of any growing medium to maintain the correct operation of the AQUAvalve5 valve.

Tank setup and start-up

Four plants share one 47 L tank. Place the tank (47 L plastic tank with lid) at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve5 valve – gravity does all the work. When the nutrient solution level drops to approximately 1/3 of the contents, refill it, and never allow the tank to dry out completely. After planting, water the plants and allow them to root for 7–10 days; only then start the system. Stronger roots will then regulate their own water intake from the tray.

The Garland plastic stool is suitable for positioning the tank – it raises it to the required height above the valves.

Mineral fertilisers – and why not organic fertilisers in the 1Pot

For the best results, the manufacturer recommends mineral fertilisers for the 1Pot system – operation is easiest and virtually maintenance-free with them. Organic fertilisers are not recommended for the 1Pot base: they tend to settle and clog the narrow 9 mm distribution line. (This differs from the larger 1Pot XL and XXL systems, where organic fertilisers can be used with a water pump in the tank.) Simply mix the nutrient solution with mineral fertiliser in the tank and the system takes care of the rest.

Care of the AQUAvalve5 valve

The AQUAvalve5 is a simple but highly effective device – keep the valve and tray clean and free from obstructions. At the end of the season, wash the valve in warm soapy water; an old toothbrush can help. Clear limescale from the nozzle with a paper clip or blow through it; never clean it with a drill – you would permanently damage the valve.

Package contents

• 1x 47 L plastic tank with lid
• 4x 1Pot module (15 L SQUARE pot, 1Pot tray & lid, tray cover)
• 4x 1Pot pack (AQUAvalve5 cam, Root Control Disc, MARIX Disc, pipework, grommets and connectors)
• Instructions for use

Extensions and accessories

You can expand the system at any time by adding another 1Pot expansion module (9 mm) – the main body remains the same; simply connect a new pot on a tray. Additional 1Pot tray & lid and tray cover can be purchased separately. For a cleaner root ball, use the copper PotSock Square, a square sleeve for a 15 L pot (unlike the round PotSock used with the 1Pot XL).

Which size to choose

This set-up serves 4 plants. A smaller version is available as the 1Pot for 2 pots (47 L); for more growing space, choose the 1Pot for 6 pots (47 L). The system body is the same for all sizes – they differ in the number of modules, tank capacity and, in larger set-ups, the 16 mm distribution line. You can also view the full 1Pot range.

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect four pots crosswise?

Divide the 9 mm hose into two pairs using T-connectors and lead them to the tank – the crosswise connection shortens the routes and balances the flow to all four valves. The connectors and grommets are included in the 1Pot pack.

Can I use organic fertilisers in the 1Pot?

We do not recommend them for the 1Pot base – organic fertilisers settle in and clog the narrow 9 mm distribution line. Use mineral fertilisers instead; operation is maintenance-free with them. Organic fertilisers with a pump in the tank can only be used with the larger 1Pot XL and XXL systems.

Which growing medium is suitable for the 1Pot?

Always use a free-draining 50/50 mix – soil/perlite, soil/expanded clay, coco/perlite, coco/expanded clay or Rockwool/expanded clay. Drainage is essential for alternating wet and dry cycles; rinse expanded clay before use.