Auto Pots Anyone Using

Fladawg01

Member
What can you tell me about them? Is it a time saver? Is it really self reliant? Any leakage? Everything I will need to know, I am so tired of daily feeding and looking for something I don't have to tend to daily but more weekly. Plus I need irrigation when I travel.
 

twalte

Well-Known Member
I purchased an Autopot system but decided that I couldn’t take the risk of a leak in my spare bedroom. For ease of watering, I have converted to sub irrigated planters (with wicks) and fiber pots. You have several options . Have you considered a self feeding bases with wicks. The Vivosun hold 1.3 gallons of nutrients and the AC Infinity has a small (1 gallon) and large size. I run them with 70% coco coir and 30% perlite and I can go several days before running out. As the plants get larger, they can use .up to .75 gallons per day. The Vivosun also has the option to install a small pump in the base to circulate water, although I don’t see a need for that.
IMG_2013.jpegIMG_2011.jpeg

Another option are GroBucket inserts which use 5 gallon buckets and a 1g water reservoir at the bottom to feed the plant.
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Star Dog

Well-Known Member
I recently changed over to autopots from dtw and I'm pleased I did, after they get flowering I've only to fill the reservoir weekly ± if there's a loss its well worth it to me but tbh i doubt it?
Before going all in I run a easy2grow 2x pot in with my dtw for direct comparisons.
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That's near enough for me.
 

by2

Active Member
I use the tray2grow and it works amazing. No problem at all. Just fill up the rez once a week and let it cruse.
I run coco/perlite so can't say how it is for soil.

I have not had any problem with leaks but if you would be concerned you could just connect a washing machine water leak sensor. It will shut off the water as soon as the sensor is triggered.
 

RottyRzr

Well-Known Member
I am using a autopot geopot (fabric) for the first time this grow. I was using drain to waste coco before and while I had awesome results that way I just wanted to try something different.
I have to say that this autopot is working great. I honestly don't have much at all to do except add to the reservoir occasionally. I was worried about leaks so I did set the autopot tray in an old tote I had just in case but I've had no leaks at all. The only "issue" I've had is around mid flower I checked the valve area and found roots had grown through the pot sock and were growing well into the tray. I was able to just remove them before any issues happened. The pot sock is lined with copper and was supposed to prevent any roots escaping but it didn't work in my case.
Since I'm only running one plant for now, I've never filled the reservoir with its 12 gallon capacity. Only 3 gallons at a time. Even with the plant feeding heavily, I only had to add about every 3 days.
Honestly, this grow has gone so well, I ordered another base and a couple more fabric pots so I will run two plants after this one is done. I plan to continue setting the bases in the tote just in case. I've had not issues with nutrients clogging up the lines. My system is the 3/8" valve and tubing. I understand the older models were 1/4" and had some issues with clogging. My nutrients are Jacks and they are very clean in my opinion.
Ask away if you have any questions. I'll try to answer based on my first time use.
 

coreywebster

Well-Known Member
Pros -
• they're silent
• convenient
• reasonably quick growth
• limited parts to fail

Cons -
• chance of leak if you don't seat the silicon in the valve properly (not hard to achieve)
• not as quick growth as most hydro systems
• tubing can block , least the old 4mm tubing did if you didn't upgrade it or run line cleaner
• can make you complacent


The answer to those cons is to keep an eye on your plants.
Make sure nothing is drying out, indicating a blockage or a poorly seated valve.
 

Fladawg01

Member
I am using a autopot geopot (fabric) for the first time this grow. I was using drain to waste coco before and while I had awesome results that way I just wanted to try something different.
I have to say that this autopot is working great. I honestly don't have much at all to do except add to the reservoir occasionally. I was worried about leaks so I did set the autopot tray in an old tote I had just in case but I've had no leaks at all. The only "issue" I've had is around mid flower I checked the valve area and found roots had grown through the pot sock and were growing well into the tray. I was able to just remove them before any issues happened. The pot sock is lined with copper and was supposed to prevent any roots escaping but it didn't work in my case.
Since I'm only running one plant for now, I've never filled the reservoir with its 12 gallon capacity. Only 3 gallons at a time. Even with the plant feeding heavily, I only had to add about every 3 days.
Honestly, this grow has gone so well, I ordered another base and a couple more fabric pots so I will run two plants after this one is done. I plan to continue setting the bases in the tote just in case. I've had not issues with nutrients clogging up the lines. My system is the 3/8" valve and tubing. I understand the older models were 1/4" and had some issues with clogging. My nutrients are Jacks and they are very clean in my opinion.
Ask away if you have any questions. I'll try to answer based on my first time use.
Thanks! This is what I was looking for in answering about the units themselves. Appreciate the opinion. Have a great Grow!
 

Spiderfarmerled

Well-Known Member
Rollitup Advertiser
Spider Farmer Self-watering System :weed:
Our system uses gravity to deliver water to your plants, ensuring they stay hydrated without the need for daily attention. It's perfect for reducing daily maintenance, and can also support your plants while you're away.
 

Fladawg01

Member
Spider Farmer Self-watering System :weed:
Our system uses gravity to deliver water to your plants, ensuring they stay hydrated without the need for daily attention. It's perfect for reducing daily maintenance, and can also support your plants while you're away.
I was just looking at the 4 pot system. Does the (control box switch) contain some sort of float to prevent constant flow? I only need a 3 pot system, but would purchase the 4 pot, and get my own valves to be able to use how many I want to run at a time. Seems the way you sell it, all must be active at one time with teh hardware provided. Any discounts or Black Friday deals on them?
 

DoubleD5374

Well-Known Member
I actually had my first issue at 2am . My autopot valve somehow stuck open - must’ve been debris , becuase this grow I’ve left the valves exposed . My guess is a leaf fell off .

took me about 2 hours to disassemble , deep clean all the lines fittings and valves , suck the water out of the bottom of my tent , and put it all back . It was a pita , but anyone on the fence for these systems , don’t hesitate as the growth rate is pretty wild .
This is a boss battle autoflower form speedrun seeds , 4 weeks old - in a four site 9 gallon xxl system , using coco loco as a medium . The growth has been nothing short of spectacular IMG_4292.jpeg
 

Star Dog

Well-Known Member
Hey bud you can get trays with high sides they hold a lot of water, you could put your autopot sites in one, a kids padding pool might be another option?
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I can't remember exactly how much it holds but I can empty my 55/60ltr reservoir into it.
 

DoubleD5374

Well-Known Member
Hey bud you can get trays with high sides they hold a lot of water, you could put your autopot sites in one, a kids padding pool might be another option?
View attachment 5441149
I can't remember exactly how much it holds but I can empty my 55/60ltr reservoir into it.
I mean my 4x4 gorilla tent has a waterproof bottom . It held 13 gallons of nutrients - just had to shop vac it out , wipe it all down , and I cleaned everything to ensure it doesn’t happen again .
 
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