Old Reviews Air Pots VS. Smart Pots????

[Alex Delarge]

I only found out about these yesterday, and wonder if they are equivalent, or if one excels. I realize the smart pots are only good for about seven runs, and air pots will last.

I am going to use coir, if that matters, and know watering is a little tricky, to prevent pouring out sides. Heard some fill the top few layers with silicone, for air pots.

Thanks.

 

[briman]

No silicone please!!! Just make a bowl shape on top of the dirt pushing out the sides so the water stays in the center on the air pots. Smart pots are a great way to go as well. I am on 3 years on my smartpots and use them 5-6 grows a year. I got mine at local grow store for 50% off. That was $1.50 per 5 gallon pot and I bought all they had. I have seen great grows with each, but I like my smartpots!!!

P.S. silicone might/could gas off in your grow room. I will let someone else chime in on that one!!

 

[Alex Delarge]

No silicone please!!! Just make a bowl shape on top of the dirt pushing out the sides so the water stays in the center on the air pots. Smart pots are a great way to go as well. I am on 3 years on my smartpots and use them 5-6 grows a year. I got mine at local grow store for 50% off. That was $1.50 per 5 gallon pot and I bought all they had. I have seen great grows with each, but I like my smartpots!!!

P.S. silicone might/could gas off in your grow room. I will let someone else chime in on that one!!

Thank you for the reply!!! Do you recommend 5 gallon for auto's with coir? Heard some do not fill completely, but like the width of the larger pots, for watering.

Thanks again, and happy holidays.

 

[1crazyjunebug]

I'm a huge fan of the smart pots as well. I've been using the 3 gallon ones and have had much success. Both are good options. It's just whatever you prefer man. Good luck on your grow.

 

[briman]

Bigger the pot, bigger the plant!!! The taproot grows down rather quickly and the feeder roots self/air prine themselves when they hit the sides and bottom, growing more feeder roots. The more feeder roots you get the bigger the plant as well!!! I would also get a bucket and fill with water and throw in a air stone for more oxygen in the feed water!!!! Your roots will love that shit!!!!!! Smartpots and oxygenated water will make for a bigger plant and I dont care if it is 1 gallon or 5 gallon pot!!!! Go BIG or go home!!!

 

[wwwillie]

Glad to hear that!
I have 3 gal smart pots. I really like the size. Time will tell with the grow I am only on my first!! Every one seems happy. I use the aerated water thing too, keep a couple gallons bubbling in the tent at all times.

 

[Alex Delarge]

Bought some of each, in 3 gallon size, last night for experiments. Found out after ordering that a 3 gallon smart pot, is 8 liter, or 2.2 gallon. Trying to change order to 5 gallon, if they have not shipped yet.

Do the smart pots need to be put on some sort of grid support, to allow more air in the bottom. The air pots, say to install bottom, in third row from bottom, to have an air space.

How many watts of air pump per gallon, is needed. Heard 2 watt per gallon for hydro. Have 2 pumps, one 1.6 watt per gallon, the other 7 watt per gallon.

Maybe that should be one of my experiments. Also want to experiment with LST'ing, possibly with wooden dowels, in X pattern extending horizontally from pot. Would like to SCRoG, but want to feel weight of pots.

All suggestions are welcome, and feel free to post your own questions about the differences, or experiences.

 

[dingo]

I do not use air pots(yet but tempted). I would try a normal household bucket. Put the air pot in the bucket. Water the air pot and leave in bucket for 15 minutes to soak up some of the run off.
Then move to the next airpot and repeat. All theory in my head but should work well.

 

[Alex Delarge]

I do not use air pots(yet but tempted). I would try a normal household bucket. Put the air pot in the bucket. Water the air pot and leave in bucket for 15 minutes to soak up some of the run off.
Then move to the next airpot and repeat. All theory in my head but should work well.

Thanks,

The air pots have no problem getting air to bottom, the smart pots are cloth, and if in contact with hard surface will get no air. I know I should collect the run off, and will in the future, but it is pain in the butt. Have hydro experience with my nutes, and know to use half of what the chart says (by monitoring if PPM was going up or down). That is my main problem, is that I perfected hydro, but got tired of all the work, and trying to get into coco coir mindset. With aero we feed every 7 minutes for one minute, flood and drain 10 minutes every 3 hours. Hard to get used to waiting days. Hoping these advanced pots dry out quicker, than flower pots I have been using.

That would be a question to everyone, should run off, be put through a coffee filter, to test ppm, since coco would add to number, and probably hurt meter.

Also, happy holidays to all!!!

 

[Alex Delarge]

I do not use air pots(yet but tempted). I would try a normal household bucket. Put the air pot in the bucket. Water the air pot and leave in bucket for 15 minutes to soak up some of the run off.
Then move to the next airpot and repeat. All theory in my head but should work well.

Have read a ton, and what you mentioned is too much. There are 2 trains of thought, one to keep moist, the other, to go through dry cycles and only worry when leaves droop. I am leaning toward latter, but will probably run some side by sides, maybe not first run though. Most watering I have heard, is till there is 20% runoff. The must be watered slowly, to optimize. If water is coming out sides of either, slow it down, and create a bowl shaped top, as was mentioned by someone with experience.