The Autopot 1Pot XL system – 9 Pot is a hugely popular modular watering system that is in use the world over. One of the main benefits of the system is that it requires no power input at all, so is great for use in greenhouses, polytunnels or just at the end of the garden. Each pot links to the water tank through a system of pipes and takes only what the plant requires. The AquaValve that sits in the tray lifts up and down as the water level rises and falls. When the plant uses more water, the valve drops and lets more water in, stopping when it reaches the right level.
This one factor alone makes a huge difference to a grow as plants always have the perfect amount of water and nutrients. Systems that work with a pump usually give equal water to each plant, whether it needs it or not. This can lead to drought or waterlogging, depending on where the plant is in the system. With an Autopot, the plant takes what it needs and is kept in the sweet spot by the AquaValve.
A very versatile system
Another great feature of the Autopot 1Pot XL system – 9 Pot is that it is endlessly extendable. You can start with this system and just add more and more 1Pot XL Modules as you require. There really is no limit to the number of pots you can add, you just need to upgrade the water butt to be able to supply what you have. What’s also great is that you can have the system set up in any shape space you have, it doesn’t need to be square! The pipe runs to wherever you need it, and the water flows just the same as through a short pipe. The only requirement you need for an Autopot 1Pot XL system – 9 Pot is a level base for the tray.
What media to use in an Autopot system
Here too, the Autopot 1Pot XL system – 9 Pot is very flexible. You can use any media you want, but it should be free draining. Autopot recommend using a 50/50 mix of coco coir or soil with perlite, vermiculite or clay pebbles. You can use Hydrococo 60/40 or Ecothrive Coco Lite 70/30 and adjust a little if you want. Or you could use a soil such as All Mix or Light Mix and add more drainage material to that. As the pot sits in a small amount of water permanently, too heavy a medium would become waterlogged. Free draining media in an Autopot means there is more air available and water supply is no issue. The 1Pot XL system comes with 25L square pots with a round base . This size pot will allow enormous root structures which, when coupled with the benefits of an Autopot, will give you massive yields.
New, bigger, wider pipe and fittings
The Autopot 1Pot XL system – 9 Pot now comes with 9mm pipework and fittings instead of the 6mm from older systems. This wider size means less risk of blockage and faster water flow. It’s always a good idea to clean your system between grows and if possible use a clearing agent in the water butt to help stop problems. Products such as Keep it Clean, System Maintenance or Flash Clean are a great option for this. This system comes complete with a 100L water tank.
There is loads more information and growing tips on the Autopot Website. (opens in a new window).
Alternatives to the Autopot 1Pot XL system – 9 Pot
At Straight Up Hydro, we have many options when it comes to gravity fed systems, many from Autopot. These include the Autopot 1Pot system, the Easy2Grow System, the 1Pot XL Flexipot system as well as the Alien EasyFeed with 10L, 16L, 22L and 30L Pots. All of our hydroponic systems are on our website here.
