Atami - Wilma XXL 8

The Atami Wilma XXL 8 is the largest system in this range: eight 18 litre pots on a 150 litre reservoir, on a footprint of 115 by 115 centimetres. Where NutSystems now sells the smaller models as Origin, this version still carries the name the system became known by.

A square metre, filled

At 115 x 115 cm the XXL 8 is meant for a 120 x 120 grow tent. The eight pots are spread across that floor, so every plant gets room to spread out. Pots of 18 litres give large plants a solid root ball, and you notice it in how calmly they get through a warm day.

Why 150 litres matters

Large plants drink a lot. With 150 litres in the reservoir you have nearly nineteen litres per plant in hand, and that gives slack: feed strength and pH drift more slowly, and a weekend away need not be a fuss. With a small reservoir under big pots you spend your time topping up; here it works the other way round.

The mechanics

The reservoir with the pump sits beneath the grow tray. The pump pushes the solution to a manifold with one dripper per pot. What runs out of the bottom collects in the tray and flows back to the reservoir. That way you reuse the solution until you replace it.

According to the wholesaler this system takes a black dripper for clay pebbles and a blue arrow dripper for soil, coco and rockwool. Clay pebbles are preferred, and plan a clean every two weeks.

Technical Specifications:

• Pots: 8 x 18 litres
• Reservoir: 150 litres
• Dimensions: 115 x 115 x 20 cm
• Method: drip irrigation with return to the reservoir
• Included: pots, irrigation system and pump

Frequently asked questions

Why is this one called Wilma and the smaller ones Origin? NutSystems now sells its models as Origin. This version comes through Atami and still carries the old name. The working principle is the same.

Does it come with a timer? Atami names the pump and the irrigation system, not a timer. Use a separate timer.

Will it fit a 120 x 120 tent? That is what it is made for. At 115 cm there is little slack, so check the inside size.

Can I run fewer than eight plants? Yes. Lay the dripper of an empty spot in the grow tray, and that water simply runs back to the reservoir.