Tips for growing with AutoPot irrigation systems
AutoPot hydroponic systems will win you over thanks to their ease of use and ongoing maintenance. Hydroponics, as a growing method, is associated with the prospect of a rich harvest. And to help your favourite AutoPot self-watering systems deliver the best possible results, we have prepared several practical tips and pieces of information for you in this article.
TIP No. 1
- All AutoPot watering systems and modules are supplied with root control.
- Depending on the specific system or module, root control may consist of a combination of PotSock (copper sleeve), Root Control Disc (RCD) and Marix Disc, which are used in the following configurations:
- 1Pot: Marix Disc in the pot, RCD in the reservoir (gold side up)
- easy2grow: Marix Disc in the pot, PotSock at the base of the pot (gold side up)
- XL: RCD in the gold version facing down
- XL FlexiPot: PotSock at the base of the pot (gold side up)
TIP No. 2
To ensure excellent results when growing, it is strongly recommended to place expanded clay, also known as hydroton (clay pebbles), with a stable pH value, or alternatively 1" (25 mm) Growstones or washed gravel, at the bottom of each pot. Then place the chosen substrate on top and water it.
TIP No. 3
If you use AirDome as a small and inexpensive accessory that can increase your yields by up to 130%, in combination with larger systems you should certainly consider using larger pumps, which will allow you to connect 16 mm tubing (standard hose). Mirror the water supply and reduce the tubing to 6 mm at each AirDome connection using AutoPot fittings. Never blow cold air into the root zone, only warm air.
TIP No. 4
When hydroponically cultivating more than six plants, consider using a larger reservoir and supply water through 16 mm tubing (standard hose), reducing the tubing to 9 mm at each AQUAvalve connection using AutoPot fittings. You can find fittings and other original AutoPot accessories HERE.
TIP No. 5
Before placing each pot into the tray, always clean the wall and bottom of the pot to remove any dirt and ensure that your hydroponic system stays clean. It is also important to keep your AQUAvalve clean.
TIP No. 6
AutoPot watering systems, equipped with AQUAvalve5 with 9 mm tubing and fittings, can be used to supply plants with mineral or organic fertilisers via a reservoir and piping. Organic fertilisers will require a water pump in the reservoir running for 15 minutes every 2 hours and cleaning of the reservoir, pump and filter each time the reservoir is emptied. Each time the reservoir is emptied, flush the piping with clean water.
TIP No. 7
Remember that before you switch on the AutoPot watering system, it is very important to first allow your plants to settle once you have watered them and placed them in the pots. The ideal settling time depends on many factors, including the species of the plant, its size, and the temperature and humidity, i.e. the microclimate in the growing environment. In general, we can define this period as 5-21 days depending on the size of the container, but if you are unsure, simply lift the growing container in your hands. If it is heavy, it still contains a lot of moisture. Otherwise, simply switch on the AutoPot hydroponic system.
TIP No. 8
Never place an air stone in the reservoir. This would probably increase the water pH. In this case, a small water pump will serve you better, although neither device is essential.
TIP No. 9
To keep your piping free of deposits, make sure you have a tap at its end, which should be opened regularly every few weeks and the water should be allowed to run into a prepared container for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
TIP No. 10
The reservoir should always be raised at least 150 mm above the floor and refilled once there is one third of the water left... Never let the reservoir run dry.
TIP No. 11