Self watering systems. Autopot, Vivosun, ac Infinity

[Beard-o]

I'm going to switch from soil to coco next grow. As part of that, I'm going to install an auto watering system.

I've been looking at Autopot, simply because it's the most popular. But companies like Vivosun, AC Infinity, and Spiderfarmer are all legitimate companies, and have watering systems as well.

Anyone have any input on any of these. I want to investigate as much as possible so I do it right the first time.

 

[Thurston]

I have not used those systems. A friend has used autopot with success but had some clogging and flooding issues. When I switched to coco, I chose a setup using a pump/timer with distributing manifold and 50 gallon nutrient reservoir as I hate flooding issues. The manifold I chose is floraflex and I run it without any flow restrictors. The pump/timer on a UPS in case of power outages and pump runs 20 seconds up to 5 times a day every day. The 50 gallons last from 7-15 days or 7 days at 5 times per day. I would not recommend being so automated that you never check on your plants. Don't ask how I know.

 

[.Smoke]

I'm going to switch from soil to coco next grow. As part of that, I'm going to install an auto watering system.

I've been looking at Autopot, simply because it's the most popular. But companies like Vivosun, AC Infinity, and Spiderfarmer are all legitimate companies, and have watering systems as well.

Anyone have any input on any of these. I want to investigate as much as possible so I do it right the first time.

Edit..technically not self watering, but timer automatic watering.

My suggestion...

Hydroponic Growing Supplies for Sale | FloraFlex

FloraFlex offers an extensive selection of hydroponic growing supplies, such as nutrients, drip irrigation kits, coconut coir, light shields, and more.

floraflex.com

Different feeding style choices (drip, flood, matrix etc..)
Flow control bubblers/manifolds for feeding.
Multiple pot sizes and drainage bases to remove runoff. (1gal pots pure coco in picture.)
Great company and quality products.

 

[FmSwayze]

I say DIY. This is minimalistic approach. Best item I've added to a grow hands down. Looking to add a condensate pump here soon.

 

[Fladawg01]

AUtopot user for the first time here and happy with results so far. I am in LOS not coco, which maybe next go round I will attempt. My LOS is a custoem mix by myself and is doing better than I thought so far @49 days in. I also have a runt that came up unexpected and she is in a DIY Swick set up (Vivosun/AC Infinity style) and so far she is working out as well. The difference is the autopots I know I can leave for a week and be fine, the Swick set up I am probably good for 4 days tops. I have heard similar about the SWICK set ups from ACI and Vivo.

I will say I am bored this grow, due to not having to water daily. I do still feed, but like twice a week at most. I do wash out the pan of the Swick set up on a weekly basis, as it grows things when not rinsed. Here is a shot of the girls in the happy place!