Flexipot Extension Unit AQUAValve5

Flexipot Extension Unit AQUAValve5

When root tips reach the porous side of a Flexipot they are ‘air-pruned’ – deterred from extending any further by the air outside. Secondary roots then develop, creating a fibrous root structure with vastly improved moisture and nutrient uptake. Root circling is also thus eliminated making it possible to produce bigger plants from smaller pots.

Extremely durable and reusable the Flexipots are easily cleaned between uses if desired. Once emptied the Flexipots are best left to dry. After a few days any dust and small roots are easily brushed off. Whilst this level of cleaning is completely sufficient the Flexipot may be machine or tub washed in peroxide in order to sterilize. Do not put Flexipots in a tumble dryer.

An Autopot Flexipot Extension Unit AQUAValve5 set contains all you need to set up an automated watering system with fabric pots. The compact size and portability that Flexipot brings means jaw-dropping reductions in shipping costs and much easier storage for stores and growers alike.

As with all of our systems the Flexipot System is easily extended so many pots can be linked to a single reservoir. The pots and trays can be easily moved at will, if the plants grow too large they can be spaced further apart with ease. Once set up with a water and nutrient filled reservoir this extremely versatile, gravity-fed system will run automatically. It will completely take care of all your plants needs without the need for pumps, timers or intensive maintenance.

When growing with AutoPot Flexipot Systems it is essential that a round Flexipot PotSock (included with this product) be fitted around the base of each Flexipot to provide root control.

Please note: Room humidity may be increased when growing with multiple Flexipot indoors due to the exposed, porous surface of the fabric pots.

The benefits of growing in Flexipots are, put simply: Bigger, Faster, Smarter plants.

  • Bigger – Flexipot’s porous fabric sides allow for air pruning which effectively eliminates root circling – giving you bigger plants from smaller pots.
  • Faster – Increased oxygen exchange in the substrate via the porous fabric walls supercharges growth.
  • Smarter – Air pruning cultivates a vastly increased number of secondary feeder roots which in turn increase nutrient and water uptake.

The Autopot Flexipot Extension Unit AQUAValve5 unit includes:

  • 1x XL tray, with lid and grommet
  • 1x 20ltr fabric Flexipot (with stitched on handles)
  • 1x 9mm T-Piece
  • 1 x T Connector 12mm to 9mm
  • 1 x Cross Connector 12mm to 9mm
  • 1x AQUAvalve 5
  • 1x meter length of 9mm pipe
  • 1x Flexipot PotSock Round

Flexipot Extension Unit Instructions

AutoPot Brochure

Essentials pH Meter

essentials ph meter

The Essentials pH Meter is a highly accurate, professional meter. Easy to use, water resistant, tough and reliable for a minimum of 365 tests. The Essentials pH meter is the perfect choice for easy, quick pH testing. Complete with sturdy case for storage and protection, batteries and a sachet of buffer 7 for easy calibration the Essentials pH meter is the perfect choice for precise pH testing, simply dip the probe into the solution, stir and allow around 20 seconds for the meter to deliver a reading. This will be indicated by a beep.

All pH meters are temperature sensitive. A benefit of the ESSENTIALS pH meter is that it has Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC), which corrects the reading with respect to temperature. On meters without ATC, the pH should be checked at the same time of day each time in order to minimise any temperature related fluctuations.

How the Essentials Digital pH Meter works:

The Essentials pH Meter contains a special probe which measures the pH of a liquid. The end of the meter is dipped into the nutrient solution and switched on. After a short time, the display will settle and pH of the liquid will be shown on the LCD readout. Once a reading has been taken, the display will lock until another button is pressed, giving you chance to remove the meter from the solution and to read the display. The Essentials digital pH Meter is water-resistant but not water-proof so it should never be fully submerged. Calibration is a simple push-button operation and the unit has an auto switch-off facility to preserve battery life. The meter is straightforward to use and has proved to be reliable and accurate making it great value-for-money.

Using the Essentials Digital pH Meter

To grow plants successfully, particularly in hydroponics, it is necessary to monitor and adjust the pH of your nutrient solution on a regular basis. In general, plants grown in hydroponics like a pH of approximately between 5.5 and 6.5 (plant species dependant) with a little bit of variation within this range. This is because plants can only absorb certain nutrients at a pH close to 5.5 and others at a pH closer to 6.5. If your nutrient solution strays out of this optimum range for too long, your plants will not be able to absorb all the nutrients that they need and will become deficient, leading to slowed growth and eventually sickness. To avoid pH problems, and the plant problems that it can cause, it is wise to check and adjust the pH of your nutrient solution very regularly (every day if possible). Soil grown plants tend to like a pH of around 6.5. A good way of finding out the pH of your soil is to test the run-off water which comes out of the bottom of the pot when you water.

It is recommended that before using for the first time, the Essentials Digital pH Meter needs to be calibrated. A small single-use sachet of calibration fluid is supplied with the meter for this purpose. The meter should also be re-calibrated once a week if being used daily. Calibration fluids are available for this purpose. To calibrate the meter, remove the black protective end-cap and wet the probe with clean water. Shake out the end to remove excess water and dip into calibration fluid. Pressing the calibration button will then begin the automatic calibration process. When this is complete, your Essentials Digital pH Meter is ready for use.

Before every use always rinse the probe with clean water and shake off the excess. Press the on button and dip the probe into the nutrient solution. After a few seconds the meter will beep, indicating that the pH measurement has been taken. The meter can now be removed and the display read. The pH of your nutrient solution can then be corrected with pH Up or pH Down adjustment fluids before re-testing. The meter can be switched off by pressing the on-off button for 3 seconds. Always rinse the probe with water and shake off the excess before replacing the end-cap after use. Warning: pH adjustment fluids are highly caustic and require careful handling and storage.

To help your meter last as long as possible, you should add a drop of pH Storage Solution in the cap and store upright (Tip down). The tip should never be allowed to dry out, pH instruments are very susceptible to extreme temperatures and moisture, so always keep them in a cool dry place.

If the pH meter is well looked after, it will have a 1-3 year life span.

  • The pH tester is microprocessor-based
  • Fast and Stable readings
  • Temperature compensation is automatic to provide more accuracy
  • Large LCD display
  • Easy push button for automatic calibration
  • Splash-proof keypad
  • 0.1 pH resolution and accuracy
  • Ranges from 0.0 to 14.0 pH
  • 300 hrs battery life, 4 x 1.4V battery type
  • 0 to 50c / 95 relative humidity
Warranty: 1 year

Required:

pH Storage Solution

pH 7 Calibrating Solution