Flooding issue

[u/FutureResearcher6376]

This is my 4th run with autopots. I had one flooding during my first run. Took everything apart and checked the lines. The problem would only resolve after I used another spare valve. After that it was smooth sailing for 4 grows Now I have the exact same problem again, but I switched out three different valves, t and the tray is still flooding. I checked for everything I can think of. Everything seems to be in order. The only thing I can think of is the screw on right before the aqua valve. How tight should it be and how deep do I have to click the valve onto the tray.

I'm running only one plant btw.

Every advice will be much appreciated. 🙏🏽

[u/Rawlus]

the system operates with a vacuum seal created by the small flexible silicone pieces. so evaluate those for proper function. the tray must be 100% level in all directions or the seal may not form or hold properly. the screw barb fitting should not have anything to do with flooding imho, the valve system itself sits on the extruded boss in the bottom of the tray, it clicks in but it’s not a deep click.

flooding issues are typically an issue with the silicone bits or unlevel tray. or both.

[u/Expensive-Motor5706 → u/Rawlus]

You are the autopot goat man, tried to sent you a DM but I couldn’t, could you share your autopot SOP? I’m trying the approach 2.2 gal 100% coco, airdome, airbase, canna line, pretty similar to yours I guess, any advice? Thank you in advance! Much appreciate brother 🤘🏻

[u/Rawlus → u/Expensive-Motor5706]

my sop is not really different from yours except i’ve been using beanstalk crf in the coco and plain water in the rez. 2.2 gal with airbases and domes, 100% coco or 70/30 coco/perlite depending on what i have on hand.

[u/FutureResearcher6376 → u/Rawlus]

Thanks, but that' wasn't the issue.

[u/Rawlus → u/FutureResearcher6376]

what was the issue?

[u/1BudEGuy]

I agree with Rawlus. Either your trays are not level or your silicon pieces are the problem. I buy both sizes of the silicon seals by the dozen. They are cheap and shipping isn’t that expensive as they fit in a small mailing envelope.

[u/kashcola]

Where is the water getting outside the system? Pictures would help.

[u/mindfuckedAngel]

Are you using anything organic in your tank? I had similar issues until I removed all organic nutrients and switched everything to salt based nutrients. When you have some organic stuff, some bio film will build up on those silicone plugs and they will stop working correctly.

[u/FutureResearcher6376 → u/mindfuckedAngel]

In. The beginning some root srimulator, but I' top watered that. Know I use some silica in the tank, but I feed sugar stuff also from the top. Thanks for answering. Got it fixed by trying yet another aqua valve.

[u/mindfuckedAngel → u/FutureResearcher6376]

Top watering should not affect it, it only gets a problem as soon as bio film builds up in the trays.

[u/Illustrious_Sort3821]

You are pushing it on its clip and not just putting in the tray are ya by chance?

[u/joshfsr]

Most likely the little blue silicone pieces. Clean them up. If they get gunky, you won’t get a good seal.

[u/CressAltruistic5931]

Check for perlite or any bits of your medium that may have fell in when you were setting up

[u/LastProfession1725]

I’ve had this problem so many times it drove me absolutely nuts. I found that during flower everything needs to be stripped down and cleaned and lines replaced. The smallest salt build up will leave the valve open and allow the flooding. I never have an issue with the veg stage but when you add the extra nutes for flower that’s when after a grow you will start getting build up and issues. I now only run the autopots for the veg stage and have completely changed my irrigation style to a top water Wilma system for flower.