Autopot Smart Valve Mk3i | Wicking Float Valve | Wet/Dry Cycle

The Autopot Smart Valve is the heart of each AutoPot System. The unit controls the water level in a module (or your own tray) to give your plants the wet-dry cycle. Over thirty years of trials, refinement and development have resulted in today's Autopot Smart valve : the Mk3.

The Mk3 model remains true to the original working principles, with refinements to allow adjustability for even more reliable performance. Unlike a conventional ball cock type float valve, the Autopot Smart valve allows total reduction of the fluid level before it refills. The dimensions of the Smart Valve are (LxWxH) 13 x 7 x 6cm.

How does the Autopot Smart Valve work?

When connected to a water supply via 4mm tubing, the valve opens to allow water to enter the bottom of the growing container to a set depth (approx 35mm). The valve then closes, and will not permit further water to enter the container until all the original water has been used up by the plant / pot. The water absorption is achieved by capillary action that naturally occurs in the growing medium. Once the water has been absorbed to the extent that the film of water under the valve has gone, the valve re-opens and another supply of water enters the growing container. The wet - dry cycles are dictated by the pot's own rate of consumption.

The Autopot Smart valve Mk3 features a redesigned top float to eliminate the possibility of a waterlogged top float.

How to connect water to the Autopot Smart Valve?

Water is supplied via pressure reduced mains, a pressure pump (like the AutoPot Smart Pump Set) or gravity fed from a water or nutrient tank. We recommended installing a 4mm or 13mm filter in the irrigation tubing before the water reaches the smart valve to prevent blockages.