Grow Mediums Any successful grows using aqua valves with trays, and airpots.

[R_HIDIA]

I’m about to start my first autopot grow in a few weeks, and I’ve stumbled across and run searches on this topic a few times over the past year and I’ve never really seen a definitive answer... I recall reading that a max size would be 3x3 for a single aqua valve. I’m thinking of finding 2x2 or slightly smaller trays to put 2 in a 2x4 and run 1 gal airpots in the trays using one aqua valve per tray.

 

[HemiSync]

I’m about to start my first autopot grow in a few weeks, and I’ve stumbled across and run searches on this topic a few times over the past year and I’ve never really seen a definitive answer... I recall reading that a max size would be 3x3 for a single aqua valve. I’m thinking of finding 2x2 or slightly smaller trays to put 2 in a 2x4 and run 1 gal airpots in the trays using one aqua valve per tray.

I used a 3x3 tray in my greenhouse with one last year and had posted some pics in my last grow. I was using five gallon fabric pots, 2 liter bottles, and 1 gallon fabric pots in it. Worked great, biggest issue green algae. Tried to go with it being uncovered but that eventually grew algae, managed it manually until harvest, but when I do this again I will use a covering to block the light. The autovalve worked great.

And yes, 3x3 is the limit. I can find it if you need it.

 

[HemiSync]

I used a 3x3 tray in my greenhouse with one last year and had posted some pics in my last grow. I was using five gallon fabric pots, 2 liter bottles, and 1 gallon fabric pots in it. Worked great, biggest issue green algae. Tried to go with it being uncovered but that eventually grew algae, managed it manually until harvest, but when I do this again I will use a covering to block the light. The autovalve worked great.

And yes, 3x3 is the limit. I can find it if you need it.

I’m wrong, it’s not really 3x3. Its 13 sq.ft. So you could use a 3x4 if, but a 4x4 would be too much.

 

[R_HIDIA]

I’m wrong, it’s not really 3x3. Its 13 sq.ft. So you could use a 3x4 if, but a 4x4 would be too much.

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Thanks for the response. It’s greatly appreciated. Now I’m trying to think of what the best way to cover the sitting water can be... perhaps using 2 identical trays? One as the base and the other as the top/lid and then cut holes in the top tray to fit/allow the pots to fit into place? I’d love for anyone to feel free to share their input/experience or ideas...

 

[HemiSync]

Thanks for the response. It’s greatly appreciated. Now I’m trying to think of what the best way to cover the sitting water can be... perhaps using 2 identical trays? One as the base and the other as the top/lid and then cut holes in the top tray to fit/allow the pots to fit into place? I’d love for anyone to feel free to share their input/experience or ideas...

My quick fix was to use weed barrier but was looking for something more sturdy. I have considered a sheet of polystyrene, cut holes as needed and paint black.

 

[R_HIDIA]

My quick fix was to use weed barrier but was looking for something more sturdy. I have considered a sheet of polystyrene, cut holes as needed and paint black.

That is a GREAT idea! Definitely a method I will consider!!!

 

[CocoNG]

Hey guys! I was looking for this thread for a while. Now, is there any chance that one pot goes dry and the other doesnt?

 

[R_HIDIA]

Hey guys! I was looking for this thread for a while. Now, is there any chance that one pot goes dry and the other doesnt?

I had concerns about this as well... hopefully someone will chime in soon and put all concerns to rest.

 

[HemiSync]

I had concerns about this as well... hopefully someone will chime in soon and put all concerns to rest.

How can one pot go dry, when they are all sitting in one big tray? Or are we talking about regular autopot trays now?

 

[R_HIDIA]

How can one pot go dry, when they are all sitting in one big tray? Or are we talking about regular autopot trays now?

I’m still a little cloudy on exactly how the aqua valve operates. Was just wondering in a scenario where there could be 6 or even 8 pots in a tray, how quickly does it fill? Was just thinking if the pots wick up the water at a much higher rate than the aqua valve releases? Ok I can’t explain myself well right now. I saw this while seriously elevated from some Fugue State