I would recommend using dry amendments as well and pairing them with using 5gal Grass Roots Living soil bags instead of fabric pots! The living soil bags have plastic liners in em to retain moisture. They only have about a 2 to 3 inch portion at the very bottom of the pot where there is no liner and they can still air prune
I have the wicks up the side of the inside of the fabric pots, and resting in the bottom of the water well. The plants are drawing water as needed, and I can dump and rinse as needed. This is pump and electric free, with no connectivity to a gravity pot. Each plant may be moved with ease. ❤
Lol I went crazy trying to concoct my own self-watering bucket. I drew up designs and everything LOL. It turned out the cost was pretty much the same as these but I wouldn't have that cool gauge. 🤷♂️ I had no idea about the buildup. Didn't even think of that before I bought them. Glad it helped someone else out 👍
I just got 2 boxes of the smaller bases for growing cannabis indoors. After setting up 1 box I bought extra rope for setting up the second set, and I'm going to make sure all 8 bases have 2 pieces of rope. I was thinking about trying some cloth hanging down the middle hole in the top to wick up water instead of rope, or maybe with rope too. When I went to buy the extra rope I looked on Google and found that the best rope for wicking is nylon so I got nylon clothes line to try. I haven't tried it yet because my seedlings aren't ready. I have a couple seedlings in 1 gallon fabric pots, sitting on the bases. So far so good.
I would recommend using dry amendments with these you’ll get a salt build up eventually if you don’t flush. Than once a week top feed a tea or your liquid organics for a boost. Also I don’t use the gauge, I use it as a water filling hole because you can pour water faster in there and doesn’t splash everywhere. Also I would only fill the bottom with water and not a lot I only do half a gallon every day or other day because if you have stagnant water it’ll cause ph problems or get algae growth. And sometimes the wicks just stop working I’m 8 weeks into flower and they just stopped yesterday, either my plants are done drinking or they aren’t working but the bottom of the pots aren’t wet and water levels aren’t lowering so idk🤷🏻♂️
the instructions say for a 5 gallon you need to make a X and the string min length is 18" on each leg of the X. the AC infinity bags dont hang over, been using this system for over a year, never had any stagnant water or algae build up but im using general hydroponics dry nutrients. I had a lot of salt build up until I started mixing my dry amendments in warm water now the pans are almost clean. Ive had roots grow through and around the stings before, and the time it was the worst the plant was the biggest so I dont move it now. I fill to about 3/4 a gallon and put the last 1/4 on the top. agree screw the water fill area, I got a long neck automotive funnel and fill from the gauge port. im growing in a 60/40 coco perlite blend
I use drip hydro they have something in their nutrient line called FLOW just for that purpose. I’ve been using their nutrients the last 2 years haven’t had that buildup issue .my problem is the roots somehow come through any fabric pot I use Just giving my opinion
So far I am good but only in 2 nd week of veg reasonably priced did you bump your head they 60 bucks for 4 fuck that I am pissed the 5 gal pots they sell barely fit and the controller sucks 145 dollars I stopped used it
So far I am good but only in 2 nd week of veg reasonably priced did you bump your head they 60 bucks for 4 fuck that I am pissed the 5 gal pots they sell barely fit and the controller sucks 145 dollars I stopped used it Also I use st8 water in bottom water have super soil don’t need much nutes if you really no why you doing
I just remove the water level gauge whenever im watering.. stick an oil funnel that you can buy for like $3 in the hole and water then remove and put your gauge right back in the hole when done ..
@86peppers now I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to feed from the top with dry amendments while using my self watering pots .. I've been doing my research.. any suggestions?
@@HanAbr do people just top dress? Sprinkle on top and water it in. I've also scraped soil from the top with my hands, put granules on top, then cover with the dirt I removed. I still think it's fine (and recommended) to water from the top occasionally. But, your res is going to collect residue and require weekly/monthly cleaning. Be careful of compounding fert buildup. Unless your dry amendment can completely dissolve into water then perhaps you could put it in the base, or maybe make a compost tea. It needs to be liquid enough so the string absorbs it.
I have 8 of these, and the only reason I use the level meter is to plug the hole when I'm not using it to fill the tray(via funnel). The gauge is a nice idea, but they get 'stuck' partway up/down sometimes and you risk running out. I just got in the habit of checking the levels every other day after filling.
I've done wick growing back in the 90's after reading about it in Ed Rosenthal's book. I used simple window ledge rectangular planters, some non-organic wicking material, and a vermiculite/perlite mix. It worked really well, but would have been better if I had added an air stone. These planters your showing are pretty cool, but yeah, the level gage should be beside the filling port. As for using organic, hydro farmers using pumps make a tea with their ingredients, using cheese cloth to filter it so no particles to clog the pump. It should work for this method as well if you have nasties growing in the tray. Also, like the issue I had, you'd be better with an air stone in the reservoir beneath. It cuts down on nasty growth as well.
Thanks! The Mars Hydro and Vivosuns look pretty good as well. I'm currently running sterile with synthetic nutes atm, but might just "pull the string" and go back to top watering. Easier to flush out the salts, among other benefits.
Would an air stone keep the reservoir from getting funky? I just use mine with water, my soil has organic nutrients. Seems like the reservoir would be better with air bubbling the water.
I'm not sure that oxygenating the res would work, and I think it would get clogged very easily. I think it's just a buildup of digested animal waste that's gone rancid.
If you really know what you doing make a great super soil and you can feed with pied water only and top dress little more during last 4 weeks of flower market be do a tea from the top 1time a month and you should be okay
@@cheffreywv6111 I'm a fast waterer I must admit. Sure, watering really slowly into fabric pots is really the best way but sometimes, it still just trickles out of the side. You really need to have the patience that I obviously don't have 😆
I use autopots and line the bottom inside of my bags with a couple layers of cheap garden fabric. Keeps roots inside the bag. They also have grow bag "socks" you can buy that have a copper lining on the inside of the sock.
I never cleaned these for the whole grow. I left the roots alone, and grew monsters. After the roots attached to the lines, I only fed by filling the trays on the bottom. I didn't top feed once the roots were attached. Worked great but they don't buy you that much time. After a few grows with these, I switched to autopots and never looked back.
I have 8 of these and I've used them indoors and out with great results! What he said about positioning them to facilitate accessibility of the water inlet and the level gage in a tent is kind of a struggle but you pick up the usage rhythm easy enough. Look at the root systems of a top watered plant after you harvest and make your own judgment...as far as how 5gal bags sit on the bases, sit the bag on there right and don't worry about it. 🤷
@stangcobra592 the roots never really grow nearly as much and tend to be close to the surface because they never had to develop beyond that. A good thick mulch of grass clippings supports bacterial growth and can help keep the upper soil moist too.
@@jeffloats5930 with photoperiod by the time of final transplant, cup/1 gal plastic/ 5-7 gal fabric I've got a solid root system established, especially using Mykos and Azos. I'm salt based Coco medium so frequent top watering by hand.
And this is why I went with the vivosun self feeding pots. Fill intake is bigger better design but also removable so it's much easier to fill. Prob good for the shop vac when it's time to flush🤔🤔... fill Guage is right next to the water intake big plus💪🏾💪🏾 and square just seems to fit better in my 3x3 then my a/c round ones
I don’t understand why this wouldn’t over water? I’m new to this. But if waters always available to the roots do they just drink what they need and then stop?
@@TEEANVEE yeah it is strange. 🤷🏻♂️ It's a form of hydro that's been around for a while. The wick just lets a certain amount of water up and the roots attach to the wick inside. These plants can drink a gallon a day in peak thirst (in hydro anyway). But, if you do find it's allowing too much water in, you can remove a string or use different holes so that less of the string is under the pot.
Actually thats the way he used it. It’s something to do with him liking to use organic nutrients. They are designed to be self watering once the roots reach the bottom. Once the roots are down there and wicking water you should not need to top water.
These seem perfect to start using in week 6 of flower till harvest. The thinking here is, as plant senescence, the plants start drinking less in this stage. These would give them the correct amount of water as they want it.
We park our cars in the same garage. All my plants are sitting on my custom risers (my newest video). I took the string from the ac bases and threaded them through the bottom of my plastic pots and they dangle in the saucers. This wicks up excess fert runoff and I try to keep a little water in the base for exactly what you said. 👍👍👍
That’s an interesting idea. I was thinking the opposite, start with the base, then remove for flowering. It may not work that way because of root growth, it may also be ok with root pruning by air 🤷🏻♂️
@@TopsriteYou're right, in the beginning I don't think the roots will be down that low. I also think there's more of a risk of root rot in the beginning when the plants really aren't drinking that much and water tends to sit.
I love the thought of these. Could you just poke holes in the bottom of the pots and run 4 wicks up through the soil? Seems like that may work really well?
@@robsaxepga I thought about that as well but wondered if too many strings would cause root rot. 🤷♂️ I currently use these at the office, one under my reaper plants and another one under a palm. It works well since at times I'm out of the office for days and I don't have to worry about them. I run two strings along the bottom.
I have these things & I personally hate them. I thought they would be awesome but they get funky really quick & the roots still grow into the wicks even when I rotate them daily. They also over water my plants somehow so I just use them to collect runoff now. I'm going to try autopots next.
Interesting. I stopped using them too. Well, I sort of run a modified version. I run 2 pieces of string through the bottom of my plastic buckets and leave them dangling in the saucer. This way it sucks up the overflow after watering. No waste. Let me know how you like the Auto pots!
I just started using these ac infinity self watering bases and also ran into over-watering issues, even though the ac infinity rep claimed that you could NOT over-water your plants using these bases. Part of it is my own fault as I followed blindly what I was told about keeping the bases full, three days after pouring 1 gallon into each bases I refilled the bases once noticing that the gauge showed empty and I did NOT remember to lift the pot to feel if it was heavy/still wet, three days later when I went to refill the bases again I remembered to feel the weight of the pots and realized they were saturated with water and weighed over 20lbs .......... It ended up taking over 14 days before the pots were dried out enough to start feeding them again, this time I made sure to only put 1/2 gallon into each base and to check by feel as to how heavy they are before refilling them. Come this Friday the autoflowers will start week 8 since sprouting, I'm filling the bases with approx 1/2 gallon about every 3 days now.
@@losttofollowup420 see this is the thing, you shouldn't have to do all that. The whole point of this product is to throw water into the base and the plants will take what it needs, when it needs it. What kind of medium are you using? That's crazy that your plants are just absorbing all of that. What about just using one string? Or a thinner gauge string? Or putting the string in the inner holes. Or maybe a combination of all three?
@@86peppers I'm growing in 5 Gallon fabric pots using a soil mixture, essentially 1lb of super soil concentrate mixed with "Bio365 BioBlend" with some coco fiber. This mixture fills up approx 50% of the pot while the top 50% portion is a mixture of Bio365 BioBlend mixed with Coast of Maine Stonington Blend and perlite. When it comes to the bases I was using two of the wick lines but 4 days ago I removed one of the lines as I figured it would slow down how fast the reservoir is used up, but I was wrong about this as even with only one wick line in place each reservoir was empty within 24 hrs, the wick lines I'm using are the ones that came with the package directly from ac infinity. Weird thing is that I read a lot of threads/posts online where people were having issues with the opposite problem where the water in their reservoirs was not being sucked up. I simply assumed this was how the bases worked with regards to them sucking up the water as even when I put in a gallon within 24hrs it was gone and sucked up into the soil
@@86peppers I just did a quick search and noticed something in the fine details where it discusses their products and the terms they use are listed here: bioCORE™ biochar, our patented high-temperature, super low-ash biochar. Its unique structure allows it to hold water in very small pores, and this water becomes available to the plant as needed, rather than evaporating to the surrounding environment. This makes our soils more forgiving at the wilting point- an important benefit to growers who like to dry stress their plants between feeding. With its very high surface area, super high porosity, low ash and carbon stability, bioCORE™ provides the optimal physical environment for beneficial soil microorganisms. It also creates a unique ability to holds nutrients, which are then released to the plant over time, on-demand as the plant's roots draw it out. This makes bioCORE™ the perfect medium to host our potent bioCHARGE™ nutrient base" ...................................... So I'm thinking that this "bioCORE" they put in their product is the reason why I'm having this experience where the water in my bases is absolutely gone in just under 24 hrs even with just one wicking line being used, any thoughts on this ???
Using plastic pots with this opened holes down is a 100% fungut gnats infestation. This will create a Paradise fungus gnat habitat. You can try to make little holes down the plastic pot to make the cotton rope sit tight, but it will you lesser watering effect because of this. Fabric pots are just the no. 1 against fungus gnats. Make sure to stump the soil at the edges everytime, because there is always space which creates for fungus gnats room to get down the pot and the "dry top soil" will not have any effect to eradicate the pest infestation.
Interesting. I've been lucky so far. In my experience, fungus gnats were either caused by improper handling of soil by the merchant or by overwintering plants. Ymmv I guess. If you do get fungus gnats though, I just put the bucket in a saucer and fill it up with sand. Same with the top. I run the strings right out of the sand and into the bases.
Interesting! I've never heard of these before so I looked them up. Expensive! But I guess if they have a lifetime warranty it's worth it. I read a lot of info about how they promote drying better than fabric bags but I didn't see anything about the material restricting water pouring out of the side. This doesn't happen with you?
I love my Honor Cannabis and Rain Science bags. However, Honor bags are more customizable with their color combinations and I believe they offer more sizes and products.
I have the xl and use the xl bags . Compared to same bags with just top water . Hands down the self watter plants are at least 1/4 larger . Both bud and tomato's. I only top feed and all outdoor
What you done by feeding the wick inside the plastic pot i done with fabric pots. But i pulled the wicks up higher so they went 1/3 the way up the grow medium. Then i just sat it on a pot riser with a saucer underneath. Essentially made my own for peanuts because the AC is so expensive in Australia and no issues with the roots sticking to the wicks, water overflowing the saucers etc.
That's what I was thinking..I think 😂 if you poke holes in the bottom of the pot and run the wicks up into I'm medium, that should solve the roots sticking to the wicks on the base issue. I have some pots that are highly permeable but not fabric that work really well so this mod could work with them. Run them halfway up the pot? Something like that?
@@robsaxepga You could also try the wicks going in the side of the pot and straight through and out the other side. I just done them underneath as i figured the wicks would stay moist easier with the pot on them.
@@JohnnyAppleseed-yl6fo It definitely will bring water into the lower 1/4 - 1/3 of your pot. Your medium will dictate how much water will absorb. The roots will find the string too and latch onto it.
If you find that water splashes over the edge or does not flow very well into the drain holes bellow just drill out every other hole making it bigger allowing water to flow much easier and also add an air stone to your bottom water tank it will allow your plants to grow so much faster just make sure and PH your water before adding it to your self watering tank.
I went on their website and a lot of their stuff is clearly divided by what's available in the US and outside. The ones that Canuck grows uses are not available in the states through their website. Maybe other means?
Why are you talking about the water leaking out of the bag? I'm buying this self watering system so I don't have to water by hand so that shouldn't be an issue
@terrytwotoes3225 once the plant gets established you can water by the base. There are a few times when I will still water by the soil. If the base runs out and the plant is super thirsty, and to flush the soil if the salts build up, checking ec/ph, etc.
i use a 7 gallon ac infinity fabric pot with these with no issues. use gaia green dry ammendments. if you water properly it shouldn't drip from the sides. water away from the sides
It can work you just need to be watering A LOT slower so you don't get run off or at least NOT MUCH! With organics you really shouldn't be shooting for run off 🤷 I guess maybe if you are using liquid organic nutes you can water to run off. But, with dry amendments you should really try to water "Without" run off! Because essentially with dry amendments when you water to "Runoff" you are just washing nutes "OUT" of the pot Wich you don't want.
I use 4 regular sized bases in my 3x3, 3 gallon grow bags, autoflowers only. My ladies like the elevation. The gauge indicator 👎doesn't go down with the water level. I only use grow bags, soil mixes and I don't water that fast, my bags don't get salty. I never fill the base, 1000 ml at a time. I don't need feed until flower. I top and base water using a liquid bloom, sugar cane and cal mag as needed. My wicks never see a root, they air trim as I spin the bags reguarily bag for light distribution. Scrogging a 4x4 or 5x5 with photos might be rough.
If you have water coming out of the grow bags like that then you are watering way to fast. And I use saucers under mine to ensure I don't flush nutrients out of the pot
@@86peppers my plants are in veggie stage, but no roots on the bottom of cloth pot, so i probably wont use them. But i use coast of maine organic products,
@@be28ans you need to train the roots to grow out of the bottom by only feeding in the reservoir. Yes, you could still top feed from time to time, especially if your soil has nutes. But if you're constantly top feeding there wouldn't be any reason for the roots to search for water.
I made mine into recirculating/ drain to waste bases connected to small Rainpoint indoor water pumps and don’t ever have to worry about watering like you do by hand until veg or flower I never have to 🙏🏼 you can use it for synthetic or organic aswell!
I'd like to know more about how you did that. I am.new to growing and bought these to make watering easy. I keep hearing about over watering and under watering issue , si figure this takes guess work out of it.
@@InedibleSushi if nutrients are in the soil, I like to top water occasionally. Also when the plant is young and roots haven't reached the bottom. Related more to using organic nutes and fabric bags imo.
I'm glad I did. I don't have any issues. I don't scrog my tent with photos. Nothing is maintenance free and these are cheap way to get away a couple nights. The ladies love them too!
@@NO50D1 well , also the size doesn't work for me . I made my own for 1 gallon pots and some for 3 gallon. Small footprint so I'm able to fit more in tent.
Springtails love this!! I had to put mine up, the amout of water just sitting in there you cant avoid but to breed life in the base.. and I just cant go for that. Maybe if i run salts i will switch back but for a living soil idk seems much more important to keep the top soil moist then have the bottom saturated 100 of the time again.
@@Jemstk Yes, I definitely recommend getting the larger one. Unless the horizontal space is an issue. I just read this morning that spider farmer came out with their version that actually has a reservoir. Check it out! It looks awesome!
@@86peppersno but thanks that will just piss ne off more after a spen almost 60 on their 4 auto pots and then got ripped on their 5gal bags lol ugh why would they make their 5 gal bags that push it to the edge lol no sense o well you are correct I have to make it work this grow I only got 2to 2 and two plants so they got the room as long as I don’t veg to long well I know how to train LST good or HST topping and I will be okay is as growers always make it work I never did a 2by 2 lol first time lol I use 4by 4 at least or bigger my two mamas will be okay in their but now I got to rig up ac in-line carbon and duct gonna have to put on outside no room with mars ts1000 and all the other shit I got
Lolol I'm cheap too but I prefer to call it "frugal" 😆 indeed, there's a popular gardening expression "a million dollar tomato" lol. I do it for the hobby. I enjoy growing as much as I do consuming, sometimes more. And I love knowing 100% of what is in my product.
"they recommend cleaning it out every month but thats to much work... but i dont like how after a month i didnt clean it there was gunk under it " lmaoooooo bro good review until that part i wonder if you watched this back
Lol, well. I kinda thought they weren't serious about the monthly cleaning part. Besides, there's a difference between synthetic gunk and organic gunk 🤢.
so the plant drinks 4 liters, i have to refill these 4 liters into this OR i have to refill normally the 4 liter and that for 90bucks sry but i dont see ANY logical point for that hahahaha u have to fkn refill the water anyways .. if u refill it to that thing or to the plant from top wheres the fkn difference im not seeing it
Take my office reaper plant for example. I can put a gallon of water in the base and that would last about 2 weeks. Since only a little bit of the soil is wet at the bottom, (where the roots are) the plant can take what it needs without fear of root rot. Before I got the base I was watering office reaper much more frequently. And there were times when I was out of the office for 3 days to a week and the thing starved. This keeps it steady.
@@86peppers in a office most likely there are more ppl working and one of them can water the plants maybe .. but ok. when its worth 90Dollars for u totally fine, but its nice that ure being honest in somewhat agreeing with me that this doesnt work well for cannabis plants what there actually use case should be .. for small plants yes maybe ... but a somewhat potent cannabis plants needs idk 3/4/5/6 liters every 2days .. so theres no benefit at all in using that thing. especially when ure using coco and synthentics. but thats my opinion ... alone the price on that thing is insanity 90dollars for some plastic with some rope ... absolute crazy. but thanks for making this video so everyone can see the product and come to their own conclussions :)
Thank you so much my friend I guess the Manufacturers must of been fried when they done up the webpage for this product cause the main thing we need to know is detailed measurements in order to know what size pot will fit and how many of these units we can fit in our size of grow tent. Good on ya mate thanks! I'm going to buy some 20L Airpots the bottom lip of the pot should fit perfectly in the outside dip of this base, I'm hoping that when you water the air pot it will run down the outside nobs of the pot and along the wall and out along the lip at the bottom of the pot. The tight fit will in theory should lower any spikes in humidity in the grow room. Due to the design of the Airpot, the bottom of the pot sits higher than the bottom lip I am just going to run the strings through the pot and into the base when empty than fill with soil, than maybe you will be able to remove the pots from the base without damaging the roots and just use some packing when you sit the pot back on the base so you can put the strings back in the base then lift and remove packers to sit back in place. Fingers crossed its going to work out :)
This man went into detail and measured that length props to him
I would recommend using dry amendments as well and pairing them with using 5gal Grass Roots Living soil bags instead of fabric pots! The living soil bags have plastic liners in em to retain moisture. They only have about a 2 to 3 inch portion at the very bottom of the pot where there is no liner and they can still air prune
However, you do NOT have to use dry amendments to use the bags with liners......
Awesome, thanks! I'll check them out!
I have the wicks up the side of the inside of the fabric pots, and resting in the bottom of the water well. The plants are drawing water as needed, and I can dump and rinse as needed. This is pump and electric free, with no connectivity to a gravity pot. Each plant may be moved with ease. ❤
Did you have to make holes in the bottom of the fabric pots for the strings?
Revolutionary
@@trueblu8no. The fabric pots sit on top of the strings
@@williamupfold1616 using them now. 🌿
I just made something out of buckets based off of this design. so I'm glad you told me about the buildup I hadn't thought of that.
Lol I went crazy trying to concoct my own self-watering bucket. I drew up designs and everything LOL. It turned out the cost was pretty much the same as these but I wouldn't have that cool gauge. 🤷♂️ I had no idea about the buildup. Didn't even think of that before I bought them. Glad it helped someone else out 👍
I just got 2 boxes of the smaller bases for growing cannabis indoors. After setting up 1 box I bought extra rope for setting up the second set, and I'm going to make sure all 8 bases have 2 pieces of rope. I was thinking about trying some cloth hanging down the middle hole in the top to wick up water instead of rope, or maybe with rope too. When I went to buy the extra rope I looked on Google and found that the best rope for wicking is nylon so I got nylon clothes line to try. I haven't tried it yet because my seedlings aren't ready. I have a couple seedlings in 1 gallon fabric pots, sitting on the bases. So far so good.
@@comfortablynumb9342 nylon interesting. You could also try cutting strips of old cotton shirts too.
I would recommend using dry amendments with these you’ll get a salt build up eventually if you don’t flush. Than once a week top feed a tea or your liquid organics for a boost. Also I don’t use the gauge, I use it as a water filling hole because you can pour water faster in there and doesn’t splash everywhere. Also I would only fill the bottom with water and not a lot I only do half a gallon every day or other day because if you have stagnant water it’ll cause ph problems or get algae growth. And sometimes the wicks just stop working I’m 8 weeks into flower and they just stopped yesterday, either my plants are done drinking or they aren’t working but the bottom of the pots aren’t wet and water levels aren’t lowering so idk🤷🏻♂️
Turn those bases into self draining or re circulating bases✌🏼😈
the instructions say for a 5 gallon you need to make a X and the string min length is 18" on each leg of the X. the AC infinity bags dont hang over, been using this system for over a year, never had any stagnant water or algae build up but im using general hydroponics dry nutrients. I had a lot of salt build up until I started mixing my dry amendments in warm water now the pans are almost clean. Ive had roots grow through and around the stings before, and the time it was the worst the plant was the biggest so I dont move it now. I fill to about 3/4 a gallon and put the last 1/4 on the top. agree screw the water fill area, I got a long neck automotive funnel and fill from the gauge port. im growing in a 60/40 coco perlite blend
I use drip hydro they have something in their nutrient line called FLOW just for that purpose.
I’ve been using their nutrients the last 2 years haven’t had that buildup issue .my problem is the roots somehow come through any fabric pot I use
Just giving my opinion
So far I am good but only in 2 nd week of veg reasonably priced did you bump your head they 60 bucks for 4 fuck that I am pissed the 5 gal pots they sell barely fit and the controller sucks 145 dollars I stopped used it
So far I am good but only in 2 nd week of veg reasonably priced did you bump your head they 60 bucks for 4 fuck that I am pissed the 5 gal pots they sell barely fit and the controller sucks 145 dollars I stopped used it Also I use st8 water in bottom water have super soil don’t need much nutes if you really no why you doing
I just remove the water level gauge whenever im watering.. stick an oil funnel that you can buy for like $3 in the hole and water then remove and put your gauge right back in the hole when done ..
Good idea! Wish we didn't have to do these workarounds but it doesn't sound like a deal breaker.
@86peppers I agree 👍
@86peppers now I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to feed from the top with dry amendments while using my self watering pots .. I've been doing my research.. any suggestions?
@@HanAbr do people just top dress? Sprinkle on top and water it in. I've also scraped soil from the top with my hands, put granules on top, then cover with the dirt I removed. I still think it's fine (and recommended) to water from the top occasionally. But, your res is going to collect residue and require weekly/monthly cleaning. Be careful of compounding fert buildup.
Unless your dry amendment can completely dissolve into water then perhaps you could put it in the base, or maybe make a compost tea. It needs to be liquid enough so the string absorbs it.
I have 8 of these, and the only reason I use the level meter is to plug the hole when I'm not using it to fill the tray(via funnel).
The gauge is a nice idea, but they get 'stuck' partway up/down sometimes and you risk running out. I just got in the habit of
checking the levels every other day after filling.
I've done wick growing back in the 90's after reading about it in Ed Rosenthal's book. I used simple window ledge rectangular planters, some non-organic wicking material, and a vermiculite/perlite mix. It worked really well, but would have been better if I had added an air stone. These planters your showing are pretty cool, but yeah, the level gage should be beside the filling port. As for using organic, hydro farmers using pumps make a tea with their ingredients, using cheese cloth to filter it so no particles to clog the pump. It should work for this method as well if you have nasties growing in the tray. Also, like the issue I had, you'd be better with an air stone in the reservoir beneath. It cuts down on nasty growth as well.
Thanks! The Mars Hydro and Vivosuns look pretty good as well. I'm currently running sterile with synthetic nutes atm, but might just "pull the string" and go back to top watering. Easier to flush out the salts, among other benefits.
Would an air stone keep the reservoir from getting funky? I just use mine with water, my soil has organic nutrients. Seems like the reservoir would be better with air bubbling the water.
I'm not sure that oxygenating the res would work, and I think it would get clogged very easily. I think it's just a buildup of digested animal waste that's gone rancid.
Try usin H2o2 (peroxide)30ml per gallon in reservoir..
@@86peppers That might mess with the pH of your water/nutrient solution.
If you really know what you doing make a great super soil and you can feed with pied water only and top dress little more during last 4 weeks of flower market be do a tea from the top 1time a month and you should be okay
@@iamIncrediblehulkkills the bennies..
I wonder if water in a liter or less so there is no run off if that would work better
@@cheffreywv6111 I'm a fast waterer I must admit. Sure, watering really slowly into fabric pots is really the best way but sometimes, it still just trickles out of the side. You really need to have the patience that I obviously don't have 😆
I use autopots and line the bottom inside of my bags with a couple layers of cheap garden fabric. Keeps roots inside the bag. They also have grow bag "socks" you can buy that have a copper lining on the inside of the sock.
I never cleaned these for the whole grow. I left the roots alone, and grew monsters. After the roots attached to the lines, I only fed by filling the trays on the bottom. I didn't top feed once the roots were attached. Worked great but they don't buy you that much time. After a few grows with these, I switched to autopots and never looked back.
Did you mix nutrients into the water and add to base?
I have 8 of these and I've used them indoors and out with great results! What he said about positioning them to facilitate accessibility of the water inlet and the level gage in a tent is kind of a struggle but you pick up the usage rhythm easy enough. Look at the root systems of a top watered plant after you harvest and make your own judgment...as far as how 5gal bags sit on the bases, sit the bag on there right and don't worry about it. 🤷
I was actually going to use these bases outside this season. You've used them outside? They hold up well indirect sunlight?
@86peppers under the plant is mostly shaded so no worries.
What I'm I looking for that you say is wrong with my top watering root system?
@stangcobra592 the roots never really grow nearly as much and tend to be close to the surface because they never had to develop beyond that. A good thick mulch of grass clippings supports bacterial growth and can help keep the upper soil moist too.
@@jeffloats5930 with photoperiod by the time of final transplant, cup/1 gal plastic/ 5-7 gal fabric I've got a solid root system established, especially using Mykos and Azos. I'm salt based Coco medium so frequent top watering by hand.
And this is why I went with the vivosun self feeding pots. Fill intake is bigger better design but also removable so it's much easier to fill. Prob good for the shop vac when it's time to flush🤔🤔... fill Guage is right next to the water intake big plus💪🏾💪🏾 and square just seems to fit better in my 3x3 then my a/c round ones
I definitely have my eye on them. I like how you can connect them to a res too. 😉 Very ingenious.
Oh that might have been the Mars Hydro... 😬
I don’t understand why this wouldn’t over water? I’m new to this. But if waters always available to the roots do they just drink what they need and then stop?
@@TEEANVEE yeah it is strange. 🤷🏻♂️ It's a form of hydro that's been around for a while. The wick just lets a certain amount of water up and the roots attach to the wick inside. These plants can drink a gallon a day in peak thirst (in hydro anyway). But, if you do find it's allowing too much water in, you can remove a string or use different holes so that less of the string is under the pot.
Why is he talking about water shooting out of the sides?It's a self watering trey or did I miss something here?
You missed something, you need to top water at times with nutrients especially if you are using powdered nutes and top dressing.
Actually thats the way he used it. It’s something to do with him liking to use organic nutrients. They are designed to be self watering once the roots reach the bottom. Once the roots are down there and wicking water you should not need to top water.
These seem perfect to start using in week 6 of flower till harvest. The thinking here is, as plant senescence, the plants start drinking less in this stage. These would give them the correct amount of water as they want it.
We park our cars in the same garage. All my plants are sitting on my custom risers (my newest video). I took the string from the ac bases and threaded them through the bottom of my plastic pots and they dangle in the saucers. This wicks up excess fert runoff and I try to keep a little water in the base for exactly what you said. 👍👍👍
@@86peppers nice…I’ll check it out !
That’s an interesting idea. I was thinking the opposite, start with the base, then remove for flowering. It may not work that way because of root growth, it may also be ok with root pruning by air 🤷🏻♂️
@@TopsriteYou're right, in the beginning I don't think the roots will be down that low. I also think there's more of a risk of root rot in the beginning when the plants really aren't drinking that much and water tends to sit.
Gaia green dry amendments FTW! I’ve used them for a while now with these bases
I checked out the nutes that Canuck uses but they aren't available in the states. What do you use?
I'm having good results with Build a soil 3.0 and Nature's Living Soil, especially using on autos
Natures living soil@@jeffloats5930
@@86peppersthey are available in the states I have some east cost here and it was from a local grow store call around.
@@86peppers yes they are o.O amazon has them, grow shops have them, gaia green is super common
I love the thought of these. Could you just poke holes in the bottom of the pots and run 4 wicks up through the soil? Seems like that may work really well?
@@robsaxepga I thought about that as well but wondered if too many strings would cause root rot. 🤷♂️ I currently use these at the office, one under my reaper plants and another one under a palm. It works well since at times I'm out of the office for days and I don't have to worry about them. I run two strings along the bottom.
@86peppers but wouldn't the water flow only if the soil condition was dry?
@@robsaxepga I think the wick would constantly stay wet. But also, the water can only travel up so high if positioning the string vertically. 🤷🏻♂️
I have these things & I personally hate them. I thought they would be awesome but they get funky really quick & the roots still grow into the wicks even when I rotate them daily. They also over water my plants somehow so I just use them to collect runoff now. I'm going to try autopots next.
Interesting. I stopped using them too. Well, I sort of run a modified version. I run 2 pieces of string through the bottom of my plastic buckets and leave them dangling in the saucer. This way it sucks up the overflow after watering. No waste. Let me know how you like the Auto pots!
I just started using these ac infinity self watering bases and also ran into over-watering issues, even though the ac infinity rep claimed that you could NOT over-water your plants using these bases. Part of it is my own fault as I followed blindly what I was told about keeping the bases full, three days after pouring 1 gallon into each bases I refilled the bases once noticing that the gauge showed empty and I did NOT remember to lift the pot to feel if it was heavy/still wet, three days later when I went to refill the bases again I remembered to feel the weight of the pots and realized they were saturated with water and weighed over 20lbs .......... It ended up taking over 14 days before the pots were dried out enough to start feeding them again, this time I made sure to only put 1/2 gallon into each base and to check by feel as to how heavy they are before refilling them. Come this Friday the autoflowers will start week 8 since sprouting, I'm filling the bases with approx 1/2 gallon about every 3 days now.
@@losttofollowup420 see this is the thing, you shouldn't have to do all that. The whole point of this product is to throw water into the base and the plants will take what it needs, when it needs it. What kind of medium are you using? That's crazy that your plants are just absorbing all of that. What about just using one string? Or a thinner gauge string? Or putting the string in the inner holes. Or maybe a combination of all three?
@@86peppers I'm growing in 5 Gallon fabric pots using a soil mixture, essentially 1lb of super soil concentrate mixed with "Bio365 BioBlend" with some coco fiber. This mixture fills up approx 50% of the pot while the top 50% portion is a mixture of Bio365 BioBlend mixed with Coast of Maine Stonington Blend and perlite. When it comes to the bases I was using two of the wick lines but 4 days ago I removed one of the lines as I figured it would slow down how fast the reservoir is used up, but I was wrong about this as even with only one wick line in place each reservoir was empty within 24 hrs, the wick lines I'm using are the ones that came with the package directly from ac infinity. Weird thing is that I read a lot of threads/posts online where people were having issues with the opposite problem where the water in their reservoirs was not being sucked up. I simply assumed this was how the bases worked with regards to them sucking up the water as even when I put in a gallon within 24hrs it was gone and sucked up into the soil
@@86peppers I just did a quick search and noticed something in the fine details where it discusses their products and the terms they use are listed here: bioCORE™ biochar, our patented high-temperature, super low-ash biochar. Its unique structure allows it to hold water in very small pores, and this water becomes available to the plant as needed, rather than evaporating to the surrounding environment. This makes our soils more forgiving at the wilting point- an important benefit to growers who like to dry stress their plants between feeding.
With its very high surface area, super high porosity, low ash and carbon stability, bioCORE™ provides the optimal physical environment for beneficial soil microorganisms. It also creates a unique ability to holds nutrients, which are then released to the plant over time, on-demand as the plant's roots draw it out. This makes bioCORE™ the perfect medium to host our potent bioCHARGE™ nutrient base" ...................................... So I'm thinking that this "bioCORE" they put in their product is the reason why I'm having this experience where the water in my bases is absolutely gone in just under 24 hrs even with just one wicking line being used, any thoughts on this ???
Using plastic pots with this opened holes down is a 100% fungut gnats infestation. This will create a Paradise fungus gnat habitat. You can try to make little holes down the plastic pot to make the cotton rope sit tight, but it will you lesser watering effect because of this. Fabric pots are just the no. 1 against fungus gnats. Make sure to stump the soil at the edges everytime, because there is always space which creates for fungus gnats room to get down the pot and the "dry top soil" will not have any effect to eradicate the pest infestation.
Interesting. I've been lucky so far. In my experience, fungus gnats were either caused by improper handling of soil by the merchant or by overwintering plants. Ymmv I guess. If you do get fungus gnats though, I just put the bucket in a saucer and fill it up with sand. Same with the top. I run the strings right out of the sand and into the bases.
I Learned this the hard way.....No gnats on the soil surface, but.......there were thousands by the plastic bottom holes. Switched to fabric pots.
Water does not drip down the sides with the rain science grow bags you’re just using the wrong kind of bags
Interesting! I've never heard of these before so I looked them up. Expensive! But I guess if they have a lifetime warranty it's worth it. I read a lot of info about how they promote drying better than fabric bags but I didn't see anything about the material restricting water pouring out of the side. This doesn't happen with you?
I mean, you can make it for out the side if you just dump a gallon on it but no for the most part nothing they’re awesome
And if Sam does go out the side because you poured on way too fast, it just sucks up right on its way down right through the bagLol
Love my rain science bags 👍🏻👍🏻
I love my Honor Cannabis and Rain Science bags. However, Honor bags are more customizable with their color combinations and I believe they offer more sizes and products.
I have the xl and use the xl bags . Compared to same bags with just top water . Hands down the self watter plants are at least 1/4 larger . Both bud and tomato's. I only top feed and all outdoor
What you done by feeding the wick inside the plastic pot i done with fabric pots. But i pulled the wicks up higher so they went 1/3 the way up the grow medium. Then i just sat it on a pot riser with a saucer underneath. Essentially made my own for peanuts because the AC is so expensive in Australia and no issues with the roots sticking to the wicks, water overflowing the saucers etc.
@@Haywoodjablomie100 ooo I like that idea. Thanks!!!
That's what I was thinking..I think 😂 if you poke holes in the bottom of the pot and run the wicks up into I'm medium, that should solve the roots sticking to the wicks on the base issue. I have some pots that are highly permeable but not fabric that work really well so this mod could work with them. Run them halfway up the pot? Something like that?
@@robsaxepga You could also try the wicks going in the side of the pot and straight through and out the other side. I just done them underneath as i figured the wicks would stay moist easier with the pot on them.
@Haywoodjablomie100 I was thinking that too. Lace them across the bottom of the pot. Is that what you mean?
This really works? I just can't imagine that much water actually makes it into the medium. Seems like most of it would evaporate first.
@@JohnnyAppleseed-yl6fo It definitely will bring water into the lower 1/4 - 1/3 of your pot. Your medium will dictate how much water will absorb. The roots will find the string too and latch onto it.
@86peppers Hmm. Ok, thanks.
If you find that water splashes over the edge or does not flow very well into the drain holes bellow just drill out every other hole making it bigger allowing water to flow much easier and also add an air stone to your bottom water tank it will allow your plants to grow so much faster just make sure and PH your water before adding it to your self watering tank.
Yes I was thinking about drilling or even cutting the slats. Thanks for the reminder!
I got vivosun one can I use them outside or would that not work as well?
I would not use these outside. They are intended for inside only.
@ any reason to why I shouldn’t?
@@lewis5605 well you *could* but I would be concerned with the sun breaking down the plastic. It definitely would shorten the lifespan.
These are really meant for dry amendments
I would also add synthetic as well. I'm currently using them with Masterblend (and pool shock to sterilize) and so far so good!
They are definitely available in the states, I’m in Cali. If I can get it here, you can get it anywhere most likey.
I went on their website and a lot of their stuff is clearly divided by what's available in the US and outside. The ones that Canuck grows uses are not available in the states through their website. Maybe other means?
Yeah, I hate so say it but Amazon will probably get it to you tomorrow 😢
Thanks for the video
@@Santacruzpete420 thank you!
Yup. Amazon.
Try the vivosun version the small version holds up to a 7 gal and a 4 pack of them is the price of one from the other guys
I noticed a bunch of people started making them now. Mars Hydro has one that you can hook them all to like a 30 gallon reservoir. Pretty wild.
Why are you talking about the water leaking out of the bag? I'm buying this self watering system so I don't have to water by hand so that shouldn't be an issue
@@terrytwotoes3225 you'll need to water the soil occasionally, especially when they are young.
@86peppers then what is the point of this
@terrytwotoes3225 once the plant gets established you can water by the base. There are a few times when I will still water by the soil. If the base runs out and the plant is super thirsty, and to flush the soil if the salts build up, checking ec/ph, etc.
@@86peppersok that makes more sense to me now
Tie knots in the string so I can't be pulled out of the water
BRILLIANT!!!!! thank you!
i use a 7 gallon ac infinity fabric pot with these with no issues. use gaia green dry ammendments. if you water properly it shouldn't drip from the sides. water away from the sides
They do make em bigger dont they 🤷 they offer a 2.5 gallon wich must be a bigger frame for bigger pots i would imagine
@@nicklohry9284 yes they offer two sizes. The one in my video is the smaller size
yeah ya know its a bottom feed system right just water the base thw ripe leachs ot up
It can work you just need to be watering A LOT slower so you don't get run off or at least NOT MUCH! With organics you really shouldn't be shooting for run off 🤷 I guess maybe if you are using liquid organic nutes you can water to run off. But, with dry amendments you should really try to water "Without" run off! Because essentially with dry amendments when you water to "Runoff" you are just washing nutes "OUT" of the pot Wich you don't want.
@@nicklohry9284 thanks! I admit, I'm a very impatient waterer 😩
i take the gauge out and fill in that hole and then put the gauge back in
Now that's a good idea! 👍
I use 4 regular sized bases in my 3x3, 3 gallon grow bags, autoflowers only. My ladies like the elevation. The gauge indicator 👎doesn't go down with the water level. I only use grow bags, soil mixes and I don't water that fast, my bags don't get salty. I never fill the base, 1000 ml at a time. I don't need feed until flower. I top and base water using a liquid bloom, sugar cane and cal mag as needed. My wicks never see a root, they air trim as I spin the bags reguarily bag for light distribution. Scrogging a 4x4 or 5x5 with photos might be rough.
Not with the rain science grow bags
If you have water coming out of the grow bags like that then you are watering way to fast. And I use saucers under mine to ensure I don't flush nutrients out of the pot
It's tough. I hear you, but sometimes it'll come out. Totally messes with ec checking.
Can i top feed using those bases?
Well, it depends what you're feeding with. What's your plan?
@@86peppers my plants are in veggie stage, but no roots on the bottom of cloth pot, so i probably wont use them. But i use coast of maine organic products,
@@be28ans you need to train the roots to grow out of the bottom by only feeding in the reservoir. Yes, you could still top feed from time to time, especially if your soil has nutes. But if you're constantly top feeding there wouldn't be any reason for the roots to search for water.
Nice advice on that review 👍
A little advice. Keep the strings clear of roots.
The ac infinity bags don't leak like that.
I made mine into recirculating/ drain to waste bases connected to small Rainpoint indoor water pumps and don’t ever have to worry about watering like you do by hand until veg or flower I never have to 🙏🏼 you can use it for synthetic or organic aswell!
Nice!
I'd like to know more about how you did that. I am.new to growing and bought these to make watering easy. I keep hearing about over watering and under watering issue , si figure this takes guess work out of it.
It’s not a problem if you use AC’s fabric pots
Are AC's fabric pots made differently than other brands?
@ their 5 gallon pots are more like 7 but the way their designed makes them fit about 1 1/4 inch from the edge.
@@Contagion49 Thanks for the reply! Maybe they are using actual gallons instead of trade gallons?
bunch of these cons are related to top watering.. so they aren't cons at all, since it's a self watering base.. you don't water from the top..
@@InedibleSushi if nutrients are in the soil, I like to top water occasionally. Also when the plant is young and roots haven't reached the bottom. Related more to using organic nutes and fabric bags imo.
So appreciative for this video I’m glad I didn’t get this. I’m now looking at aircube
I'm glad I did. I don't have any issues. I don't scrog my tent with photos. Nothing is maintenance free and these are cheap way to get away a couple nights. The ladies love them too!
Lol don't get into hydroponics if cleaning out equipment once a week is a deal breaker. Thanks for the deep dive tho
Build your own cheaper . Deep saucer , plant riser(stand) and wick
I use 1 5 gallon bucket cut my lid down drill my holes Boom
It's $20....
I'm all for DIY, but it about isn't worth it in this scenario
@@NO50D1 well , also the size doesn't work for me . I made my own for 1 gallon pots and some for 3 gallon. Small footprint so I'm able to fit more in tent.
Springtails love this!! I had to put mine up, the amout of water just sitting in there you cant avoid but to breed life in the base.. and I just cant go for that. Maybe if i run salts i will switch back but for a living soil idk seems much more important to keep the top soil moist then have the bottom saturated 100 of the time again.
Got mine I wish I would of got bigger one and wayyy to high in price I am regretting it now
@@Jemstk Yes, I definitely recommend getting the larger one. Unless the horizontal space is an issue. I just read this morning that spider farmer came out with their version that actually has a reservoir. Check it out! It looks awesome!
@@86peppersno but thanks that will just piss ne off more after a spen almost 60 on their 4 auto pots and then got ripped on their 5gal bags lol ugh why would they make their 5 gal bags that push it to the edge lol no sense o well you are correct I have to make it work this grow I only got 2to 2 and two plants so they got the room as long as I don’t veg to long well I know how to train LST good or HST topping and I will be okay is as growers always make it work I never did a 2by 2 lol first time lol I use 4by 4 at least or bigger my two mamas will be okay in their but now I got to rig up ac in-line carbon and duct gonna have to put on outside no room with mars ts1000 and all the other shit I got
@@Jemstk good luck and remember to have fun!
Could i use square pots with these?
Sure, as long as they don't overlap. I just got some square Flora Flex pots that I might consider using with these.
Maybe that's why they tell you to clean it lmao 😂😂😂
Brilliant run down on proper use of this AC auto feed system. Well done easy to follow. You get my gold meddle Bro. Versace
Hahaha, thank you friend! 🤘
AutoPot for the win and cheaper
I would love to try autopots (or really any recirculating system) but I grow something different every time.
I agree about fabric. My plants grew better with plastic. This was an excellent video, thanks.
I'm totally not an expert but if water is leaking out your fabric pot then you're watering too fast.
yes, guilty!
Im cheap ill water it myself after awhile if you buy all these gagets it would cheaper to just by the pot
Lolol I'm cheap too but I prefer to call it "frugal" 😆 indeed, there's a popular gardening expression "a million dollar tomato" lol. I do it for the hobby. I enjoy growing as much as I do consuming, sometimes more. And I love knowing 100% of what is in my product.
"they recommend cleaning it out every month but thats to much work... but i dont like how after a month i didnt clean it there was gunk under it "
lmaoooooo bro good review until that part i wonder if you watched this back
Lol, well. I kinda thought they weren't serious about the monthly cleaning part. Besides, there's a difference between synthetic gunk and organic gunk 🤢.
I just seen 😂the price of that thing at the beginning, 89 bucks are you effin serious i Hope is not the link you provide. Didn't check
These are sold in packs of 4. The small ones (demo'd in this video) are $15 each, the larger ones are $22.50 each.
Honestly you’re lazy , clean it out on time , switch to dry amendments and call it a day
so the plant drinks 4 liters, i have to refill these 4 liters into this OR i have to refill normally the 4 liter and that for 90bucks sry but i dont see ANY logical point for that hahahaha
u have to fkn refill the water anyways .. if u refill it to that thing or to the plant from top wheres the fkn difference im not seeing it
Take my office reaper plant for example. I can put a gallon of water in the base and that would last about 2 weeks. Since only a little bit of the soil is wet at the bottom, (where the roots are) the plant can take what it needs without fear of root rot.
Before I got the base I was watering office reaper much more frequently. And there were times when I was out of the office for 3 days to a week and the thing starved. This keeps it steady.
@@86peppers in a office most likely there are more ppl working and one of them can water the plants maybe .. but ok.
when its worth 90Dollars for u totally fine, but its nice that ure being honest in somewhat agreeing with me that this doesnt work well for cannabis plants what there actually use case should be ..
for small plants yes maybe ... but a somewhat potent cannabis plants needs idk 3/4/5/6 liters every 2days .. so theres no benefit at all in using that thing. especially when ure using coco and synthentics. but thats my opinion ... alone the price on that thing is insanity 90dollars for some plastic with some rope ... absolute crazy. but thanks for making this video so everyone can see the product and come to their own conclussions :)
Thank you so much my friend I guess the Manufacturers must of been fried when they done up the webpage for this product cause the main thing we need to know is detailed measurements in order to know what size pot will fit and how many of these units we can fit in our size of grow tent. Good on ya mate thanks! I'm going to buy some 20L Airpots the bottom lip of the pot should fit perfectly in the outside dip of this base, I'm hoping that when you water the air pot it will run down the outside nobs of the pot and along the wall and out along the lip at the bottom of the pot. The tight fit will in theory should lower any spikes in humidity in the grow room. Due to the design of the Airpot, the bottom of the pot sits higher than the bottom lip I am just going to run the strings through the pot and into the base when empty than fill with soil, than maybe you will be able to remove the pots from the base without damaging the roots and just use some packing when you sit the pot back on the base so you can put the strings back in the base then lift and remove packers to sit back in place. Fingers crossed its going to work out :)
@@Drchoc-e3l hell yeah 🤘 sounds like a plan! Good luck!