Autopot Systems Explained: AQUAvalve5, 9mm Pipework and Parts
Autopot systems are popular because they are simple. Once connected to a water supply, the AQUAvalve controls the flow of water to the plants by gravity pressure from a reservoir of any size. There are no pumps, mains water pressure, electricity or timers involved, and the plants control how much they are fed.
What is the AQUAvalve5?
The AQUAvalve5 is the current valve. It has a 5mm inlet, which is 66% bigger than the original, so it fills faster and copes better with a wide range of nutrients. It works with larger 9mm pipework (and 16mm for main runs) rather than the original 6mm pipework.
The original AQUAvalve and 6mm pipe and fittings are still available as spares if you are looking after an older system. Your existing 1Pot, XL, SmartPot and easy2grow trays, pots and lids can take the AQUAvalve5 with 9mm fittings.
The 9mm parts and what they do
- 9mm pipe: carries nutrient solution from your tank to each valve.
- Tees, crosses, elbows and stop ends: let you branch, join and finish your pipe runs.
- 9mm tap: lets you shut off a branch of your system.
- Top hat grommet: creates a watertight seal where the pipe passes through your tank.
- Golf filter: a pre-filter that fits on the pipe end inside the tank to keep debris out of the valve. It is easy to service.
- 16mm to 9mm fittings and inline filter: connect 16mm main pipework to 9mm pipework.
- Silicone stoppers: fit the top and bottom floats of the valve. The bottom float uses the larger stopper and the top float the smaller one.
- Pot socks: keep roots contained in the pot and protect the AQUAvalve.
Choosing a tank
Because the system is gravity fed, the tank needs to sit higher than the pots. You can use the Autopot 47 litre water butt or your own tank, or a collapsible FlexiTank where space is tight.
Shop Autopot parts
Need help matching parts to your system? Call 01744 382 066 or visit our Rainford shop.