The AutoPot 8-Pot systems are plant-driven, gravity-fed systems that are silent in operation and are a great option for those wanting to avoid the hassle and commitment required for a hand-watering regime.

The 8-Pot systems are best suited to fill 2-3 square metres of growing space, a 2m X 1m area will accommodate the Autopot 8-Pot System nicely. The popular 2.4m X 1.2m tents such as the DR240W can prove slightly more productive with the larger pots that come with the AutoPot XL 8-Pot system.

By plant driven we mean that each plant controls its own irrigation frequency via its own Aquavalve. The Aquavalve in each pot-base controls the level and frequency of nutrient solution delivered to the plant, it will fill the tray to 20mm and then close until the tray is completely empty before refilling to 20mm, allowing every plant an essential dry period.

We recommend growers use good quality soil in this system such as Plagron Lightmix or Canna Terra Professional Plus (always on around a 40-50mm bed of clay pebbles). We advise against hydroponic substrates (that includes Coco/Coir unless mixed with Soil) because soil can support healthy plant growth over the broadest spectrum of pH values - it is the only growing medium that we have found to reliably perform with this bottom-feeding technique.

Available with the standard 15l square pots or the larger 25l square-to-round XL versions each system is supplied with a 100l Flexitank and all of the necessary fittings and pipework to set the system up. Both Autopot 8-Pot systems come with Iceline supply pipe to keep the nutrient temperature to a minimum whilst between the reservoir and the plant.

Plants need to be watered from the top when potting up and should be hand-watered from the top as required for the first 7-10 days. Once the roots have had a chance to establish within the pot the tap can be turned on. It is good practice to give the 16mm filter a clean every few weeks and avoid putting any organics or viscous additives in the reservoir.