@MassMom
They will draw water up from the tray with the blue valve in it. As it draws up the they will draw more. So I would say it maybe best to put in 2-3 additional gals. They will use the water. One benefit of the AutoPots is that they require less time to attend and more time to sit with them and hear what they have to say. I would not put anything else in the reserve. At some point the soil may have all of the nutrients used up and you may have to feed them nutrients. Again other are here who grow with soil and the Autopots.
@pop22 I know I have seen some members here who use the soil. Can you lead Mom in that direction, please?