AutoPot 1Pot XL system 48 pots incl. 400L Flexitank

Product detailed description

AutoPot 1Pot XL for 48 pots - small commercial operation without pumps

A small commercial grow room with forty-eight large plants, operated by gravity instead of pumps and electricity. AutoPot 1Pot XL for 48 pots with a 400 l Flexitank is among the most economical watering systems in the world in terms of water consumption. All 48 modules are controlled by AQUAvalve valves - without a pump, electricity or a timer.

At a larger scale, the low-maintenance design is reflected in operating costs: no pump, electricity or timers, with flow handled by gravity pressure from the 400 l tank. The line does not need flushing, because no fertiliser build-up occurs in it, and the tank does not need to be emptied all the time. You can further expand the set by adding 1Pot XL modules.

How the watering works

Each module is operated by an 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 - by gravity only, without pumps, mains pressure, electricity or timers. Until the plant uses up all the water in the tray, 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 free-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
• Coconut fibre and perlite mix - 50/50
• Coconut 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 set-up and start-up

Place the tank (400 l Flexitank) at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve valve. If the nutrient solution level drops to 1/3 of the original contents, 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.

Distribution line for a large set-up

The tank is connected by a 16 mm main line with higher flow, which branches to the individual AQUAvalve valves via a 16 to 9 mm reducer. This ensures that water reliably reaches all pots even in a large set-up. The required 16 mm parts and reducers are included in the package.

Mineral and organic fertilisers

You can dose both mineral and organic fertilisers through the tank and 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 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). Remove limescale from the nozzle with a paper clip or blow it through; never clean it with a drill - you would destroy the valve.

Package contents

• 1x Flexitank 400 l
• 48x 1Pot XL module (25 l pot, 1Pot XL tray, 1Pot XL lid - cover for the saucer)
• 48x 1Pot XL package (AQUAvalve5 cam, Root Control Disc, tubing, grommets and connectors)
• 16 mm main line and 16 to 9 mm reducers
• instructions for use

Expansion and accessories

You can expand the system over time with a 1Pot XL module, add replacement pots as a 25 l pot and find 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-up serves 48 plants. You can find the smaller set-up as 1Pot XL for 24 pots; if you plan to expand, choose 1Pot XL for 60 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

Does the 48-pot and 24-pot version use the same 400 l tank - what is the difference?

The tank volume is 400 l in both cases; the number of modules and the density of the line differ. With 48 pots, twice as many plants draw water, so you top up the tank more often and the line is more branched; the set therefore includes the corresponding 16 mm main line and reducers.

How is the line arranged for 48 modules?

The tank is connected by a 16 mm main line and branches to the individual AQUAvalve valves via a 16 to 9 mm reducer so that the flow reliably reaches all pots.

Can I use organic fertilisers in commercial operation too?

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