I have 10 Autopots used both inside (tent) and outside (greenhouse).... for what it's worth and based on using Autopots for 11 different grows now....
Here is what I do....
I use a large bore semi rigid pipe with an inline filter from Res to inside the tent/greenhouse (always use black to eliminate light), The larger inline filter provides a greater surface area to filter particles and reduce the chance of pipe blockages.
The smaller pipes used to feed the autopot are then joined on to this, that keeps them short (about 12 inches) and again less likely to block.
Example of pipe setup - this is in my greenhouse, but same for tent grow. (The bamboo cane is just to keep the pipe straight)
View attachment 917377
Cleaning:-
Before each grow, I strip down the valve system in the autopots, remove the little silicone plugs and put the pot, tray, lid, valve bits and inline filter, etc, into the dishwasher. (keeping the little silicone plugs safe).
The dishwash cycle cleans and to some degree sterilises them (and they come up like new).
I then replace the silicone plugs in the valves, by either rotating them (to use the other surface) or putting in new ones (available from autopot for little money).
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Clean the Res and backwash the pipes with clean water and a dash of bleach, lastly wash them through with clean water.
Reassemble the pot, valve, lines, trays etc. and away we go onto the next grow....
I have never used any form of cleaner in res during a grow, and never have had a blockage or problem with the pots.... Maybe it's me, or maybe I am just lucky, but that's my method... Works for me.
The type of Nutrients, can obviously play a big part in how much they can potentially block a filter/line, and I only use "Ferro" nutrients, the ones reviewed in my signature line below.
I also use a small water pump in the res to keep the water/feed moving about and nutrients suspended.
Many ways to skin a cat..... this is mine, hope it helps.
Frogster