AutoPot XXL System | Self-Watering System for Large 35L and 50L Plants

The AutoPot XXL System is a power-free, gravity-fed watering kit for big plants in 35 litre or 50 litre fabric pots. It is for growers of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, fruit bushes and specimen shrubs in grow rooms, polytunnels and greenhouses who want hands-off watering with no pumps, timers or mains power. Choose 1 to 100 pots, 35L or 50L, with a reservoir or without.

How the AutoPot XXL System works

It is the XL idea scaled up. Every pot sits in its own XXL tray, and an AQUAvalve5 in each tray refills the solution only when the plant has used what is there. No recirculation, no waste, and the plant decides the schedule. The fabric pots air-prune the roots, which cuts out root circling and gives you a bigger, fibrous root system to feed a bigger plant. One reservoir feeds the lot by gravity.

AutoPot XXL System specifications

Which reservoir comes with the AutoPot XXL System?

The No Tank option starts at 6 pots. For 1, 2 and 4 pots the kit always includes the 47 litre tank.

What's inside the AutoPot XXL System

Setting up the AutoPot XXL System

1. Fit the adaptive collar on 35L systems, put a PotSock on the base of each FlexiPot and seat the AQUAvalve5 in its housing.
2. Use a light, free-draining mix: about 50% perlite or clay pebbles with coco or soil, over a 2.5 cm drainage layer.
3. Pot up established plants, water each pot through outside the tray and let it drain for 15 minutes before it goes in.
4. Raise the reservoir so the outlet is 15 cm or more above the highest AQUAvalve5, connect the pipework and fill.
5. Wait 7 to 10 days after potting up, then open the tap. Refill at about a third full and open the end-of-line taps for a minute each week.

AutoPot XXL System FAQ

Should I choose 35L or 50L pots with the AutoPot XXL System?

Go 50L if you want maximum root space for big, long-running plants such as tomatoes, peppers and fruit bushes, and 35L if floor space is tighter. Same tray and same AQUAvalve5 either way, the 35L simply sits in an adaptive collar.

Does the AutoPot XXL System come with the adaptive collar?

On the 35L systems, yes: one adaptive collar per tray. The 50L pots do not need one. The collar also means a tray can switch between 35L and 50L pots later.

Does the AutoPot XXL System need power or a pump?

No. It is gravity-fed, so there are no pumps, timers or mains power. The reservoir outlet just needs to sit at least 15 cm above the highest AQUAvalve5.

Can I use the AutoPot XXL System in a polytunnel or greenhouse?

Yes. AutoPot sell the XXL for indoor and outdoor growing, and it suits grow rooms, polytunnels and greenhouses. Keep the reservoir outlet 15 cm or more above the valves and the tank within reach of the pipework.

Can I buy the AutoPot XXL System without a tank?

From 6 pots up, yes: choose No Tank and supply your own reservoir. For 1, 2 and 4 pots the kit is only sold with its 47 litre tank.

Which tank comes with each AutoPot XXL System?

1 to 4 pots get a 47 litre tank with a lid, 6 to 9 pots a 100 litre FlexiTank, 12 to 16 pots a 225 litre FlexiTank, 24 to 60 pots a 400 litre FlexiTank and 80 to 100 pots a 750 litre FlexiTank.

1. UK SHIPPING COSTS

Here’s the deal:

• Orders under £99: £8.49 shipping

• Orders £99 or more: FREE shipping 🎉

BUT… bulky or awkward items still carry a surcharge:

• £5 per 50L soil bag

• £15 for large tents, trays, 6ft poles, etc.

• £2.50 per extra 5KG of Coco bricks (over 15KG)

• Anything that needs to go on a pallet; from £60 pallet 

If you're in the Highlands, Islands, NI, or similar, there's a flat £27 charge + any surcharges. These all get added automatically at checkout.

1.1 Missed or Failed Deliveries

If your parcel comes back to us because you weren't in, didn't collect it, gave us the wrong contact/address details, or didn't respond to the courier, we'll offer to resend or refund:

• Resend – the reship fee is whatever you paid for shipping the first time round. If your original order had free shipping, we'll work out the reship cost based on what it actually costs to send it again.

• Pallet items – reship starts from £60, but can be more for remote areas (Highlands, Islands, NI, etc.) – same surcharges that applied the first time.

• Refund instead – minus courier costs and a 15% admin/restocking fee. See our Refund Policy for how refunds work.

Please double-check your delivery details and track your parcel to avoid this altogether.

International missed/failed deliveries follow the international section below – courier and customs costs plus the 15% fee apply, there's no flat reship rate.

2. UK SHIPPING TIMES

We usually dispatch within 1–2 working days, and send on a next-day delivery after that (mainland UK). However, some parts of the UK like Scottish Highlands, may take 2 days to ship.

Some delays are out of our hands (stock levels, courier hiccups, bank holidays, peak sales), so please allow up to 5 working days before chasing.

Need it urgently or on a Saturday? Call 020 8686 9643 first and we'll help.

2.1 Previously Used Courier Preferences

If you've ever told a courier “leave it in the shed/porch/bushes” – that preference may stick. They might do it again even if you didn't ask this time.

We're not responsible for items lost, damaged or stolen due to these delivery instructions. If in doubt, let us know in advance and we'll try to override it.

3. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

3.1 Do You Ship Abroad?

Yes, we ship worldwide 🌍

UK VAT is removed where applicable. Local VAT, customs duties and import charges may then apply when your parcel enters its destination country.

Ordering from Germany? Gute Nachrichten! 🇩🇪

We are now German VAT registered and send German orders DDP. This means the relevant VAT and customs charges are handled by us, with nothing extra for you to pay when your parcel arrives. Almost like we're part of Europe again!

For every other country outside the UK, orders ship DAP – that's standard for goods sent from the UK. Your order price doesn't include the destination country's VAT or duty, so local VAT, customs duties, clearance charges and any courier handling fee are your responsibility when your parcel arrives.

We ship in good faith, but it is your responsibility to check whether the products you order are permitted in your country. With more than 7,000 products, we cannot monitor every local restriction.

3.1b UK Specification: Plugs & Voltage

All our electrical products are UK spec – UK plug, UK 230-240V voltage.

If you're ordering from outside the UK, it's on you to sort out a plug adapter or rewire, and to check your local voltage is compatible. We don't rewire, re-plug, or convert voltage before dispatch, and we're not liable for damage caused by using UK-spec electrical items on an incompatible supply. If you're not sure your setup can take a UK-spec item, check before you order.

3.2 Shipping Costs

Our system is not perfect yet. Standard EU shipping normally starts from around €35, but if the actual cost is higher, we will contact you before dispatch.

You can pay the difference or cancel the order for a full refund.

Want a quote before ordering? Email info@thehydrobros.com, or select bank deposit at checkout so we can review the order before payment.

3.3 How Long Will It Take?

Europe: Usually 2 to 4 working days, although customs can add delays
USA: Surprisingly quick, sometimes around 2 working days
Rest of the world: Usually up to 7 working days or longer, depending on customs

Tracking will be provided as soon as your order leaves us.

3.4 Customs and VAT

International orders may be subject to local VAT, customs duties, clearance charges and additional paperwork.

Please provide a valid email address and phone number so the courier or customs authority can contact you if needed.

Germany is the exception. German orders are sent DDP, so we handle the relevant import charges and you should not be asked to pay anything extra on delivery.

3.5 Temporary EU Customs Duty

From 1 July 2026, the EU introduced a temporary customs duty on qualifying low-value parcels entering the EU from outside the EU.

For consignments with an intrinsic goods value of €150 or less, the duty is generally charged at €3 per customs item or tariff classification, rather than simply €3 per parcel.

For example:

• Several identical products under one tariff classification may attract one €3 charge
• Products under two different tariff classifications may attract two €3 charges

This duty is collected by the courier or destination customs authority when your parcel arrives – not by us at checkout – so it'll show up as part of what's due on delivery, alongside any local VAT.

This measure is temporary because it acts as a bridge while the EU prepares its permanent customs system. It is currently intended to apply until 1 July 2028. After that, low-value goods are expected to move onto the permanent system, where normal customs tariff rates will apply according to the type and origin of each product.

This temporary customs duty is separate from VAT and is also separate from the proposed EU parcel handling fee, which is a different measure.

3.6 What If You Don't Pay Customs Fees?

No payment means no parcel.

If you ignore a customs payment request, the parcel may be delayed, returned or destroyed.

If it is returned to us, your refund will be reduced by:

• Original shipping costs
• Return courier charges
• Any unpaid customs or carrier charges billed back to us
• A 15% administration and restocking fee

If the parcel is destroyed, abandoned or lost because the required charges were not paid, no refund will be issued.

This does not apply to German DDP orders where the relevant charges are being handled by us.

3.6b What If Your Country Won't Let It In?

We'll ship almost anything to almost anywhere – if it fits in a box, we can put a label on it and hand it to the courier. But getting it through customs at the other end is on you.

It's your job to know:

• Whether the product you're ordering is legal to import into your country
• Whether it needs a licence, certificate, or extra paperwork to clear customs
• Whether restrictions apply to that item specifically (voltage, plant nutrients, electricals, batteries, etc. – rules vary wildly by country)

With over 7,000 products shipping worldwide, we can't check every country's import rules for every item – so we don't, and we won't be held responsible for a parcel that gets stopped because it wasn't allowed in, or because customs wanted paperwork you couldn't provide.

If your parcel is delayed, returned, or destroyed because of import restrictions or missing paperwork on your end, the same terms as 3.6 above apply:

• Original shipping costs (non-refundable)
• Return courier charges
• Any customs or carrier fees billed back to us
• A 15% admin/restocking fee

If it's abandoned or destroyed rather than returned, no refund will be issued.

Not sure if something can legally land in your country? Check with your own customs authority before you order – not after it gets stuck.

3.7 Faulty Products

For overseas orders, you're responsible for the shipping costs of any return, repair, or replacement – including if the item is faulty – unless we've confirmed otherwise with you in writing.

3.8 International Summary

For most international destinations, customs rules, local taxes, duties and paperwork are your responsibility.

For Germany, we are VAT registered and ship DDP, so there should be nothing extra to pay when your parcel arrives.

For qualifying EU consignments worth €150 or less, a temporary customs duty may apply on delivery. This is normally calculated at €3 per customs item or tariff classification, and is collected by the courier or customs authority – not by us at checkout.

Check before buying if you are unsure. It saves everyone a headache.

Thank you for shopping with The Hydro Bros. We hope you're happy with your purchase — but if you've changed your mind, ordered the wrong item, or need to return something, here's how it works.

How long do I have to return something?

You have 14 working days from the day your order is delivered to request a return. All returns must meet the following conditions to be accepted.

What are the return conditions?

To be eligible for a return:

• The item must be unopened, unused, and in original condition

• All packaging must be intact, including outer boxes and security seals

• The product must be returned in "box-fresh" condition — clean, untorn, and free from tape, labels, or writing

• Faulty items must be returned in full for inspection

• Returns are only accepted from end consumers, not businesses purchasing for resale

• Returns must be authorised by us before sending anything back — contact info@thehydrobros.com

Who pays for return shipping?

If the item is not faulty, you are responsible for the return shipping costs.
We recommend using a tracked and insured service — the item remains your responsibility until it arrives back with us.

What if I reject the delivery or miss it?

If you refuse delivery or fail to collect your parcel and it gets returned to us, we'll offer to resend or refund:

• Resend — the reship fee is whatever you paid for shipping originally. If your original order had free shipping, we'll calculate the reship cost based on what it actually costs to send it again. Pallet items start from £60, and can be more for remote areas (Highlands, Islands, NI, etc.).

• Refund instead — minus the original delivery cost, reship/return costs, and a 15% restocking and handling fee.

Full detail on missed and failed deliveries is on our Shipping Policy.

Will I get a full refund?

If your return is accepted, we'll issue a refund minus:

• The original delivery cost (even if not listed separately at checkout)

• A 15% restocking and handling fee

These fees help cover the cost of inspection, repackaging, and processing — returns aren't free to manage, and this keeps pricing fair for all customers.

Why do you charge a restocking fee?

Hydroponic gear often requires careful inspection, cleaning, and handling to be resold safely. The 15% restocking fee helps cover these operational costs and allows us to continue offering competitive prices across the board.

What if my item is faulty?

If you believe an item is faulty, contact us first with photos/videos to verify the issue. If confirmed, we'll guide you through the return process and offer a like-for-like replacement.

If the item is returned and found to be fully functional, the return will be treated as a standard one — and all standard fees will apply (delivery + 15%).

For orders shipped outside the UK, you're responsible for the shipping costs of any return, repair, or replacement — including if the item is faulty — unless we've confirmed otherwise with you in writing. See our Shipping Policy for international shipping details.

What happens if I return something in poor condition?

If the item is:

• Used,

• Damaged,

• Missing parts, or

• Returned with torn, marked, or taped-up packaging,

We reserve the right to refuse the refund entirely.

You'll then have two options:

• Arrange return shipping at your own cost

• Leave the item with us — if unclaimed after 28 days, we will responsibly dispose of it

Cancellations

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. Under UK distance selling rules, you have 14 days after receiving your order to cancel it entirely. The same return conditions as above apply — unopened, unused, original packaging, box-fresh.

What if I cancel after it's already shipped?

You'll get a refund once we receive the item back, minus the cost of shipping and a 15% admin fee.

What if the returned item isn't in as-supplied condition?

If it's been opened, used, or marked, we reserve the right to treat it as a partial loss and refund a clearance value rather than the full amount paid.

Damages & Receiving Your Order

What should I do when my parcel arrives?

Inspect it for damage before you sign for it. If there's any sign of damage, tell the courier in writing at the point of signing — and keep all packaging in case you need to make a claim.

What if I sign for it without mentioning damage?

We can't accept a damage claim for a parcel you've signed for without noting damage at the time. Once signed for, any damage found afterwards is treated as having happened after delivery.

What if something's missing from my order, or the wrong item's inside, or it's damaged in transit?

Open your parcel and check the contents as soon as it arrives. You need to report transit damage, missing items, or wrong items within 24 hours of delivery.

We get contacted weeks — sometimes months — after delivery by people who never opened the box, saying an item's missing or damaged. We can't do anything with that. No packaging, no timely report, no proof it didn't happen after the fact — there's nothing to investigate and nothing we can action. Check your order when it lands, not when you finally get round to using it.

What if an item develops a fault later on?

That's a different situation to transit damage — see the Faulty Items section above. There's no 24-hour cutoff for genuine faults; contact us with photos/videos when the issue shows up and we'll take it from there.

What if my order doesn't arrive when expected?

Let us know within 2 days of the expected delivery date — that gives us the best chance of sorting it.

What if my parcel goes missing entirely?

You must tell us in writing within 7 days of the expected delivery date. Couriers have a claim window, so if we're not told in time, we can't make a claim and can't refund the loss.

Are damage claims accepted for items caused by misuse or abuse?

No — we don't accept return or damage claims resulting from physical damage or abuse after delivery.

Lost Parcels

What happens if my parcel goes missing?

We'll open an investigation and claim with the courier. You'll need to participate — this may include completing and signing a legal declaration form to support the claim.

How long does this take?

Once the claim is approved, a refund can take up to 10 working days to process.

Refund Timing

How will I know if my refund is approved?

We'll notify you once we've received and inspected your return, and confirm whether it's been approved.

How do I get paid back?

Approved refunds go back to your original payment method automatically, minus any deductions covered elsewhere on this page (shipping costs on non-fault returns/cancellations, restocking fees, condition deductions).

How long does it take to arrive?

Please allow 10 working days from refund confirmation for the money to actually land back with you — your bank or card provider can add extra processing time on their end.