AutoPot 1Pot XL system 60 pots incl. 400L Flexitank

Product detailed description

AutoPot 1Pot XL for 60 pots - commercial gravity-fed set-up

A commercial growing room with sixty large plants, powered by gravity alone. AutoPot 1Pot XL for 60 pots with a 400l Flexitank is among the most water-efficient irrigation systems in the world. Sixty modules are controlled by AQUAvalve valves - with no pump, electricity or timer.

With sixty plants, every minute of saved maintenance counts: no pump, electricity or timers, with flow handled by gravity pressure from the 400l tank and AQUAvalve valves. The tank does not need to be constantly emptied and the lines flushed, because fertiliser does not build up in them. You can expand the set-up with another 1Pot XL module.

How the irrigation works

Each module is controlled by an AQUAvalve valve. After connection to the tank, the valve opens the supply and allows the tray to 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, the AQUAvalve does not allow replenishment. The plant therefore goes through a wet and dry cycle, which supports healthy roots; after the tray empties, the process repeats.

Recommended substrates

A free-draining substrate is always used in the 1Pot XL. The following 50/50 mixes have proved 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 to maintain the correct function of the AQUAvalve valve.

Tank set-up and start-up

Place the tank (400l Flexitank) at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve valve. If the water level falls to 1/3 of the original volume, top it up - and never let the tank run completely dry. 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 base of the 1Pot XL pot is round (unlike the square base of the smaller 1Pot), so you can easily rotate a large plant directly in the saucer.

Distribution for a large set-up

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

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 15 min every 2 h) so the 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.

Contents of the package

• 1x Flexitank 400 l
• 60x 1Pot XL module (25l pot, 1Pot XL tray, 1Pot XL lid - cover for the saucer)
• 60x 1Pot XL package (AQUAvalve5 cam, Root Control Disc, tubing, grommets and connectors)
• 16 mm main line and reduction from 16 to 9 mm
• instructions for use

Expansion and accessories

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

Which size to choose

This set-up serves 60 plants. A smaller set-up is available as 1Pot XL for 48 pots; if you are planning to scale up, choose 1Pot XL for 80 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

Is a 400l tank enough for 60 pots?

The 400 l volume is catalogue-defined for this set-up. However, sixty plants draw more water than smaller set-ups with the same tank, so expect more frequent topping up - watch for a drop to 1/3 and never let the tank dry out.

How is the distribution for 60 modules arranged?

The main line runs from the tank with 16 mm hose and branches to the AQUAvalve valves via a 16 to 9 mm reducer. The set-up includes the required 16 mm parts.

Does the tank have to be higher than the pots?

Yes - at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve valve. This difference creates the gravity pressure that powers the whole set-up.