AutoPot - Auto3 XL Traysystem growing system with 3 pieces 25L pots

The Auto3 XL tray system puts three 25 litre pots in a single tray of 114.5 by 38.5 centimetres, with one lid and one AQUAvalve5 feeding all three. Same technology as the individual 1Pot systems, arranged differently.

Why one tray costs less space than three

Three separate XL trays each have their own rim, their own valve and their own branch, and they stand with gaps between them. One tray holding three pots has a single rim around the lot and puts the pots as close together as the pots themselves allow. That is the entire reason these systems exist: AutoPot developed them with commercial growers who wanted the most from their square metres.

It also saves components. One valve instead of three means one inlet to keep clean, one air seal that has to seat properly and one branch off your main line. At maintenance time that is a third of the work.

The moulded base and the lid

Two details that separate this from a plain flat tub. The tray base is moulded with contours rather than flat, which limits how much water stands anywhere a pot is not. In a large flat tray a film is left everywhere instead.

The lid closes the tray against light and debris. Light on standing water means algae, and algae eventually reach the valve; debris does the same. With one valve serving three pots that matters more, because that single valve serves your whole tray.

The honest limitation: choose plants of similar size

One AQUAvalve5 fills the whole tray to 20 millimetres and reopens only when all of it is gone. The three pots therefore share their water level and their cycle.

As long as the three drink at roughly the same rate that works well and is the most economical arrangement. Put a large and a small plant in and the largest decides when the tray empties, leaving the smallest standing wet longer than suits it. If you want plants with different demands side by side, individual 1Pot XL trays are the route.

What is easy is swapping. There is no valve or line attached to a pot, so you lift one out and put another in without altering the installation.

Technical Specifications:

• Pots: 3 x 25 litres
• Tray: 114.5 x 38.5 cm, with lid
• Valve: 1 AQUAvalve5 for the whole tray
• Base: moulded contours, limits standing water
• Included: PotSock per pot, grommet, 9 mm hose

Frequently asked questions

Can I combine plants of different sizes? Better not; they share one water level. Use individual trays for that.

Can I swap a pot? Yes, easily, since no valve or line is attached to it.

Why a lid? To keep light and debris out of the tray; both otherwise reach the valve.

Does this use more water than separate trays? No, consumption follows the plants, not the tray.