AutoPot 1Pot XL system 80 pots incl. 750L Flexitank

Product detailed description

AutoPot 1Pot XL for 80 pots - large commercial operation with 750l tank

A large commercial grow room with eighty large plants and one 750l tank. AutoPot 1Pot XL for 80 pots is among the most water-efficient irrigation systems in the world, and all 80 modules are operated by AQUAvalve valves using only gravity - without a pump, electricity or a timer.

At this scale, low maintenance saves tens of hours: no pump, electricity or timers, with flow handled by gravity pressure from the 750l tank. The system does not need flushing, because fertiliser does not build up in it. The setup remains fully scalable by adding 1Pot XL modules.

How the irrigation works

Each module is operated by an AQUAvalve valve. After connection to the tank, the valve opens the feed 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; once the tray is empty, the process repeats.

Recommended substrates

Always use a free-draining substrate 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 base and sides of substrate; this will maintain the proper function of the AQUAvalve valve.

Tank setup and start-up

Place the tank (750l Flexitank) at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve valve. If the water level drops 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 turn a large plant directly in the saucer.

Distribution for a large setup

From the tank runs a 16mm 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 setup. The required 16mm parts and reducers are included in the package.

Mineral and organic fertilisers

You can dose both mineral and organic fertilisers through the tank and distribution. With organic fertilisers, also add a water pump to the tank (run 15 min every 2 h) so that nutrients do not settle, and each time the tank is emptied, flush the distribution 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 Flexitank 750 l
• 80x 1Pot XL module (25l pot, 1Pot XL tray, 1Pot XL lid - cover for the saucer)
• 80x 1Pot XL package (AQUAvalve5 cam, Root Control Disc, tubing, grommets and connectors)
• 16mm 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 25l pot and find missing parts in the accessory box. For the roots and a cleaner saucer, choose the PotSock Round XL, a copper sleeve for the 25l XL pot.

Which size to choose

This setup serves 80 plants. A smaller setup is available as 1Pot XL for 60 pots; if you plan to expand, choose the 1Pot XL for 100 pots. The system body is the same in all sizes; only the number of modules and the tank volume differ.

Frequently asked questions

How do you scale the distribution for 80 pots?

The basis is a 16mm main line from the 750l tank, which branches to the individual AQUAvalve valves via 16 to 9 mm reducers. The higher flow of the 16mm main line can supply a large number of modules; the setup includes the required parts.

Why does this setup have a 750l tank instead of 400l?

Eighty plants use significantly more water than setups for up to 60 pots, hence the larger 750l Flexitank. Longer intervals between refills are essential in a large operation.

Can the system handle liquid organic fertiliser?

Yes. The AQUAvalve5 valve with 9mm distribution can also handle liquid organic fertiliser; however, add a water pump to the tank (15 min every 2 h) and each time it is emptied, flush the distribution and clean the tank, pump and filter.