AutoPot AQUAvalve valve

The AQUAvalve valve is supplied with all AutoPot watering systems. Once connected to the water supply, the AQUAvalve valve controls the flow of water to the plants through simple gravity pressure from the reservoir or water tank; no pumps, mains water pressure, electricity or timers are required. Once connected to the reservoir, the AQUAvalve valve opens and allows water to fill the tray to a preset level of 20mm. The AQUAvalve valve does not refill the tray until all the water has been used.
The AQUAvalve valve is at the heart of all irrigation systems and ensures that our systems require minimal maintenance, can be easily expanded, eliminate hand watering, and provide watering and feeding for crops, whether ornamental or edible year-round. Thanks to the capacity of the AQUAvalve valve, AutoPot are now market leaders in irrigation, whether for home or commercial gardening or hydroponics. The AQUAvalve valve is a simple but highly effective irrigation device that produces phenomenal growth and maximum yields.

The AQUAvalve valve...how does it work?

The AQUAvalve valve is a simple but highly effective irrigation device, but it must be handled with care. Keep the AQUAvalve valve and the tray in which it is located clean and free from blockages and soil particles, and you will be able to water and feed your plants for many years. The AQUAvalve valve has a 12-month warranty.

The AQUAvalve valve is supplied with all AutoPot systems. Once connected to the water supply, the AQUAvalve valve controls the flow of water to the plants through simple gravity pressure from the reservoir/nutrient tank; no pumps, mains water pressure, electricity or timers are required. Once connected to the reservoir, the AQUAvalve valve opens and allows water to fill the tray to the preset level of 20 mm. When the level is reached, the AQUAvalve valve shuts off and prevents further water from entering the tray until all water has been consumed by the plants.

Tip: Remember to set the AQUAvalve valve before use. When connecting 6mm or 16mm pipe, always ensure that the pipe end is first immersed in warm water; this will make connection much easier.

When all water has been consumed and the tray is empty, the AQUAvalve valve opens again and allows a new quantity of water to enter the tray. As the plants grow larger, the AQUAvalve valve opens and closes more frequently and operates according to the plants' needs, filling the tray and then allowing it to empty completely before refilling, enabling the plants to go through a wet and dry cycle. At AutoPot we call this technology PCI, or "Plant Controlled Irrigation".

The AutoPot AQUAvalve valve cover, used together with the AQUAvalve valve, allows the grower to create their own basic but highly effective hobby irrigation system. Only a flat tray of any shape or size is required. The user simply places the AQUAvalve valve in the tray and places the AutoPot AQUAvalve valve covera over it. Ensure that the small opening at the top of the AutoPot AQUAvalve valve covera is not blocked.

Tip: Keep the tray and the AQUAvalve valve clean and free from contact with loose growing medium; use a small brush to remove any adhering soil from the sides and bottom of the pots before placing them in the tray.

Once the reservoir is filled with water or liquid fertiliser, it begins to travel through the pipe from the reservoir. It passes through the AQUAvalve nozzle (1) and into the tray. As the tray fills (2) with water, air is trapped inside the main body and around the "inner float", causing it to rise (3).

As the water level rises in the tray, the "upper float surface" rises (1), releasing trapped air in the main body (2).
This in turn allows the "inner float" to rise and shut off the supply (3). The water level is now 20mm.

The planted plants begin to reduce the water level in the tray (1). As the water level falls, the "upper float" closes, creating a vacuum inside the "main body" of the AQUAvalve valve (2).
This vacuum traps water inside the "main body" and in turn holds the "inner float" up, shutting off the incoming water (3).

When the water level in the tray has been completely depleted (1), the surface tension around the main body of the AQUAvalve valve breaks; this may take up to 30 minutes. While this happens, all water trapped in the "main body", keeping the "inner float" (2) raised and the water supply shut off, is released, allowing the "inner float" to drop and open the water supply.