So, Autopots then (for a 5x5)?

[lenhug]

Hi folks, just looking for a bit of advice from other autopot users really on pot size and amount. I'm planning on trying out some in my next grow and will be purchasing in the upcoming BF sale.

I have a 5x5 tent and am currently looking at their 6 x 3.9gal system with the 60gal reservoir. They claim that is ok for a 5x5 tent but I'm thinking it might become a bit of a jungle in there!

6Pot System - AutoPot Watering Systems USA

The 6Pot System is extremely versatile and can be used for a wide range of plant types and sizes. Seasonal flowering plants and perennial shrubs thrive

autopot-usa.com

I usually grow 6 different strains each run so that would fit well but maybe 4 is a more reasonable idea in a tent that size? I'll be honest I really want to do 6! Be my first time with liquid nutes as well as only ever grown with soil and dry amendments but always good to learn something new.

Any advice, thoughts and experience very welcome.

 

[lenhug]

To answer my own qu, I went for 6. Should be interesting...

 

[Newty]

If those are a bottom watering system, make sure to water from the top and fully saturate the pot every so often.
Bottom watering system only wet the bottom 1/3-1/2 of the pot so the roots will grow toward the water so if you don't top water sometimes then the roots won't fill out the top of the pot.

 

[lenhug]

Good advice, thanks @Newty

I think you need to top water like you say till the leaves hit the sides then switch on the autopots system. Going to be an interesting learning experience that's for sure.

 

[Newty]

Good advice, thanks @Newty

I think you need to top water like you say till the leaves hit the sides then switch on the autopots system. Going to be an interesting learning experience that's for sure.

AC Infinity says the same thing, top water until the leaves hit sides.
Definitely do it every once in awhile, even after the leaves hit the sides.

Personal experience with bottom watering systems, ended up with root bound symptoms in flowering stage.
Went away when I started top watering more but every since the symptoms emerged, I can't let pots dry out too much or the symptoms come back.

Just something to keep an eye on, I would do a top water at least every time you clean the reservoirs. Depending on how long it takes to use up the water.
Let the reservoirs run empty, clean, top water/fully saturate, then fill the reservoirs later in the day or the next day.
That should keep the roots inside the pot and fully throughout the pot.

 

[LoveGrowingIt]

I've been curious about bottom watering systems, but haven't tried it yet. I see @Newty's point about occasional top watering. If the soil at the top dries too much, it will become hydrophobic (unable to absorb water). This also has me wondering about the soil composition. I think a soil that promotes capillary action would be best.

 

[lenhug]

I'll be recording my trials and tribulations with it in my next grow (see sig link) which will start end of this month/new year so feel free to come along for the ride and watch me learn on the job...lol!