Auto pot setup is fairly simple but I thought that a tutorial with photos might be helpful. I'm setting up my second system, so I'll document it step by step.
First, open your package and make sure all parts are there and functional. Next you want to layout your pots in your grow area. This will help you decide their spacing.
Next, you'll want to setup the aqua valves. Check them for function. For whatever reason, the caps on the top of the valves ( see pic ), do not snap on, but merely rest there, so be watching for them to fall off while your working with them.
Remove the black hose connector from the valve. Wet the tubing then push it thru the cap about an inch. Wet the nipple on the valve and push the end of the tubing over it. Screw on the cap and tighten. Run the tubing to the next base/valve allowing some extra length in the tubing, plus 6” that you'll cut off and connect to the valve. Connect the tubing from the valve to a tee. Connect the tubing from the first valve to the tee.
Build your second string, ( if using four or more pots ) the same way, but use a 4 way connector instead. Run a length of tubing from the tee to the 4 way. Connect the tubing that will run to the reservoir.
You can lay them out any way you like, this is just how I will use mine.
Now, set up the reservoir. Take the top hat grommet and push it thru the reservoir from the outside. Take the length of tubing coming from the 4 way connector and push it thru the grommet and into the reservoir about an inch. Inside the reservoir, push the post on the filter housing into the tubing, then push it until it is flush with the grommet.
Now cut the tubing an in or so from the reservoir and connect the valve. Place your reservoir where you want it. You will want to raise it2-6” above the floor so that it may drain completely.
When you fill your res the first time, disconnect the line from the reservoir to the 4 way until water/solution runs out. This way, your valves will prime faster.
Place the root control disk in the bottom of the pot, gold side down.
Fill with soil, coco, or rockwool or mapito. I flush my coco with RO water, with 90-120 ppms of cal/mag and ph'd to 5.7. I do this about a week before I transplant. With soil, just add water to the reservoir and open the valve when your plant has well established roots.
And your ready to grow! Enjoy your auto pots!
First, open your package and make sure all parts are there and functional. Next you want to layout your pots in your grow area. This will help you decide their spacing.
Next, you'll want to setup the aqua valves. Check them for function. For whatever reason, the caps on the top of the valves ( see pic ), do not snap on, but merely rest there, so be watching for them to fall off while your working with them.
Remove the black hose connector from the valve. Wet the tubing then push it thru the cap about an inch. Wet the nipple on the valve and push the end of the tubing over it. Screw on the cap and tighten. Run the tubing to the next base/valve allowing some extra length in the tubing, plus 6” that you'll cut off and connect to the valve. Connect the tubing from the valve to a tee. Connect the tubing from the first valve to the tee.
Build your second string, ( if using four or more pots ) the same way, but use a 4 way connector instead. Run a length of tubing from the tee to the 4 way. Connect the tubing that will run to the reservoir.
You can lay them out any way you like, this is just how I will use mine.
Now, set up the reservoir. Take the top hat grommet and push it thru the reservoir from the outside. Take the length of tubing coming from the 4 way connector and push it thru the grommet and into the reservoir about an inch. Inside the reservoir, push the post on the filter housing into the tubing, then push it until it is flush with the grommet.
Now cut the tubing an in or so from the reservoir and connect the valve. Place your reservoir where you want it. You will want to raise it2-6” above the floor so that it may drain completely.
When you fill your res the first time, disconnect the line from the reservoir to the 4 way until water/solution runs out. This way, your valves will prime faster.
Place the root control disk in the bottom of the pot, gold side down.
Fill with soil, coco, or rockwool or mapito. I flush my coco with RO water, with 90-120 ppms of cal/mag and ph'd to 5.7. I do this about a week before I transplant. With soil, just add water to the reservoir and open the valve when your plant has well established roots.
And your ready to grow! Enjoy your auto pots!
For taking the time to do this
It has been tested with about 4 gallons of water and letting it sit and then drain overnight into a sink with no leaks.
