So thinking about getting auto pots but 1st i would like some real reviews anyone here that using them that would like to give me a some input on them and show me how you got them setup and nutes that you use and do you just mix the nutes in the res or you top feed them any help would be appreciated thank you
2 Likes
@Newb1, Check out pigeons 420 on YouTube he just started us the ac infinity auto pots.
Iv’e been using auto pots for the last three or four grows. They really make growing much simpler. Once they’re up and running you just need to maintain pH and keep the res topped. I usually mix 4-5 gallons of nutes at time, it now takes about fifteen minutes to feed all my plants where watering by hand would take up to an hour. Autopots are a huge time saver, almost like cheating.
3 Likes
I’ve been running Autopot XL’s for a couple of years now and like them. A few observations:
Fabric pots appear to produce a better plant with a higher yield than the plastic pots supplied, even with air domes inside. 3 gallon worked great. A two inch layer of hydroton with coco on top and no root stop in the bottom.
I ran four last go-round and at one point had both reservoirs tied together. Even then the plants were taking up 4 gallons per day so had to stay on top of it.
I used Jack’s and mix mine in 5 gallon buckets (Homers). Once I determine the approximate amount of PH down I never checked PH again through the entire grow.
It is a good idea to clean the intake filter monthly (had a blockage myself) but was easily resolved. Trays should be cleaned monthly as well and is fairly straightforward.
On a previous grow I had one valve assembly fail to seat and flooded the grow space so it’s a good idea to make sure the seal is aligned properly. The leak was entirely my fault.
Yields for my last grow averaged over 9 oz. per plant which is pretty good for high altitude.
9 Likes
Same observations as @Myfriendis410. I’ll emphasis valve flooding mishaps. The first time the tray overflowed was because I did not replace the valve and float mechanism correctly. 100% my error. The 3 or 4 times since then I have no clue. If it does happen it is after I remove the valve and float for regular cleaning. Believe me, I check and watch that they operate correctly when I turn the system back on. My solution was to place the XL trays in a pan. If the valve malfunctions and overflow’s the tray, once the water in the pan reaches the level of the float, the siphoning action stops. I put the XL trays in pans after the first time so any flooding was contained to the pan.
I will also second the choice of coco with perlite and Jack’s nutrients. I run a two pot system in a closet. I almost forget they are in there. I’ll mix 16 liters, ph the solution and not worry about it for a couple of days.
5 Likes
Nice setup, I love the double containment system
2 Likes
I’ve been using autopots for a while now at the urging of @Nicky @Not2SureYet and @Hellraiser
I can’t say enough how glad I am that I did. They water themselves and are pretty easy to set up. You’ll pretty much know exactly what to do when you see the parts as packaged. There’s some directions in the box, too, but it’s pretty plug and play.
I use Jacks 3/2/1 from JR Peters to feed, because it’s mild and can sit in a reservoir for a week with no ill effect. Some use wavemakers to keep the water from getting stagnant - that’s my next endeavor.
I’ve got ~10 autopots going. I’m trying to upload photos but having a hell of a time.
5 Likes
Awesome so i decided im going to give it a try ordered the 4pot fabric pot 1 when i do get it ill let y’all know probably will have a few questions as im running so im glad there are others who also use them thank you for the info happy growing
3 Likes
There are a couple threads dedicated to their use.
6 Likes
I’ve been running them for a few grows (4?)now. Only photos. I’m very happy with them. As mentioned I usually mix 3 gallons at a time and that usually lasts for 3 days or so depending on the cycle and how big the plants are…it’s really pretty easy for me using ro water coco and Jacks321. The growth rate can be amazing. There’s a dedicated Autopot section here with lots of good info so plenty of good reading to be had! Reach out when you have questions,there’s plenty of solid Autopot growers here to help out
6 Likes
Also a 4 pot user for a couple grows. Just stay on top of keeping the res full and make sure all lines are sealed/closed! I have a couple flooding mishaps myself.
3 Likes
@Graysin @Myfriendis410 i have been using fox farms nutrients but i was wanting to move over to jacks wondering how many grows do usually get out of the jacks kits
3 Likes
I get two grows out of a 1 Kilogram kit.
2 Likes
Someone broke it down to cost per feeding but I can’t find it. Very inexpensive. I buy the 2.2lb bags and it lasts a very long time like over a year. I grow continually at least 4 plants at a time running full strength beginning to end in autopots
3 Likes
I tagged you in my 1st autopot setup/run. There should be some useful stuff there. Also a bunch of great autopot growers were chiming in so you will find some people to tag in times of need
3 Likes
The only big change I’ve made since then is that this time I’m going to use the autopot airbases instead of the chunky perlite in the bottom
1 Like
To be honest, I watch GrowGreenMI for their sales - they frequently have the 25# bags of A & B for between $100 and $150. I’ve gone through almost one full set of 25# bags after a little over a year and more plants than I can remember. The kits probably will do a grow or four, easy, depending on number of plants.
I have went through 2lbs in this grow I am doing and had to re fill the jars I store in. They are the one quart jars and hold 2oz if I remember right. I will guess I will go through about 2 1/4 lbs for 10 plants. So along the lines @Myfriendis410 gets. If you are a Sams member. You can get the epsom salt there dirt cheap. 14 lbs for 10 bucks. Amazon wants 10 bucks for 2 lbs. I use the 25lb bags too. I am working on my second 
4 Likes
So i got my system and been researching and is the copper socks a must or are the copper disk fine and another question is do you have to keep the reservoir water cold like you do for hydro
Pot socks come with the system. I use the socks because it’s what came with it, I bet the disk wouldn’t work as well for fabric pots but would do fine for the plastic pots.
Reservoir should be kept cooler if possible - I don’t worry too much about my reservoir temps, but it also doesn’t get much warmer than 70°F. If you’re in an area where it may get above that, I’d start investigating a chiller or way to keep the water cool.
1 Like