AutoPot Flexi Tank – 13 Gal

The AutoPot FlexiTank 13 Gallon (SKU: APWS007) is a collapsible water reservoir designed to feed AutoPot gravity-fed irrigation systems without pumps, electricity, or mains pressure. The tank ships flat in a compact 20.5 by 6.3 by 5.1 inch box, weighs roughly four pounds empty, and assembles in minutes with no tools required. Once filled, the reservoir stands 13.8 inches in diameter and 20.9 inches high, holding a full 13 US gallons of water or nutrient solution. A zipper lid provides top access for filling, mixing, and cleaning, while an integrated tap at the base routes water to your AutoPot system. When the growing cycle ends or you need to reclaim floor space, the FlexiTank collapses flat for storage.

AutoPot FlexiTank 13 Gallon Specifications

The specifications below are drawn from the canonical supplier record (mass-hydro.com, supplier SKU APWS007), the AutoPot USA manufacturer product page, and the canonical row attribute data captured during catalog ingestion. AutoPot manufactures the FlexiTank line in two standard capacities — 6.6 gallon and 13 gallon — plus a Pro variant; this listing covers the 13 gallon standard model.

Specification	Value
SKU	APWS007
Brand / Manufacturer	AutoPot Watering Systems (AutoPot Global UK Ltd)
Capacity	13 US gallons (approximately 49.2 liters)
Dimensions when full	13.8″ diameter × 20.9″ high
Packed box size	20.5″ × 6.3″ × 5.1″
Shipping weight	4 lbs (5.5 lbs product weight per canonical row attributes)
Construction	Collapsible flexible-wall reservoir (not rigid)
Assembly	Tool-free; assembles in minutes
Top access	Zipper lid for filling, mixing, and cleaning
Outlet	Integrated tap for gravity-fed feed to AutoPot systems
Power requirements	None — gravity-fed operation
Storage when empty	Collapses flat for off-season or off-cycle storage

Why Choose the AutoPot FlexiTank 13 Gallon

The reasons below are drawn from the supplier description, the AutoPot USA product listing, and the brand voice notes captured during research. They describe what makes the FlexiTank a practical reservoir choice for growers running AutoPot gravity-fed irrigation in space-constrained indoor or greenhouse setups.

• Fits where rigid reservoirs cannot go. The supplier description identifies this as a defining feature of the FlexiTank line. A rigid 13 gallon barrel takes up a fixed footprint whether full or empty and must be maneuvered into position as a single bulky unit. The FlexiTank ships flat in a 20.5 by 6.3 by 5.1 inch box, fits through narrow doorways and around obstacles, and assembles in place at the spot where it will be used. For grow tents, basements, closet gardens, attics, and other tight indoor spaces where moving a rigid drum is difficult or impossible, the FlexiTank is often the only practical way to get a 13 gallon reservoir into the room.
• Tool-free assembly takes minutes. The supplier description states that the FlexiTank “requires no tools for assembly” and “takes minutes to assemble.” There are no screws to drive, no clamps to torque, no adhesives to cure. For growers who do not want to spend their setup time building infrastructure, the FlexiTank is one of the fastest ways to add a meaningful water volume to an AutoPot system. The same simplicity applies in reverse when you break the system down at the end of a cycle.
• Collapses flat for off-season storage. Unlike a rigid drum, the FlexiTank does not need to occupy floor space when it is not in use. The supplier description specifically calls out that the reservoir “can be stored away when not used.” After cleaning and drying, the tank folds back into its original compact form for storage in a closet, shelf, or under a bench. Growers running seasonal cycles or rotating between different setups gain back the floor area that a permanent reservoir would otherwise occupy.
• Dramatically reduced shipping and storage costs. Because the FlexiTank ships flat, shipping costs are a fraction of what a rigid 13 gallon drum would incur. The supplier description states the FlexiTank “reduces storage and shipping costs” as a deliberate design goal. For growers ordering reservoirs online or restocking a hydroponics shop, the compact packaging means lower freight charges and the ability to receive the tank via standard parcel carriers rather than LTL freight.
• Designed around AutoPot’s power-free irrigation philosophy. AutoPot’s brand positioning centers on power-free gravity-fed irrigation that requires no pumps, mains pressure, or timers. The FlexiTank is purpose-built as the reservoir component of that ecosystem. The integrated tap at the base feeds AutoPot AQUAvalve-based watering systems through standard piping. Growers building out an AutoPot system gain a reservoir designed by the same manufacturer to integrate cleanly with the rest of the kit, rather than trying to adapt a generic barrel or tote with aftermarket fittings.
• Zipper-top lid and tap make filling and draining straightforward. The zipper lid opens wide enough to allow a hose, bucket, or measuring container to fill the tank from above, and provides full access for mixing nutrient solutions or scrubbing the interior between cycles. The tap at the base lets you connect a feed line to your AutoPot system or drain the tank quickly without tipping it. Both features are common conveniences on commercial water totes scaled down to a 13 gallon home-scale form factor.

Best Uses for the AutoPot FlexiTank 13 Gallon

The use cases below are derived from the supplier description, the FlexiTank’s physical characteristics, the AutoPot system context, and the category placement (Hydroponic Systems & Water Management > Water Hardware > Trays & Reservoirs). The 13 gallon capacity occupies a useful middle ground in the FlexiTank line between the 6.6 gallon model for small setups and the 25 gallon or Pro variants for larger systems.

• Primary reservoir for small to mid-sized AutoPot systems. The 13 gallon capacity is well-suited to AutoPot setups running roughly four to twelve pots depending on plant size, growth stage, and environmental water demand. For a six-pot AutoPot 1Pot system in late vegetative or early flowering stage, 13 gallons typically provides several days of autonomy between refills, freeing the grower from daily reservoir top-ups while remaining small enough to mix nutrient batches quickly and avoid long stagnation times.
• Reservoir for grow tents and other space-constrained setups. A 13 gallon rigid drum is bulky enough that fitting one inside a 4×4 or smaller grow tent is impractical. The FlexiTank’s collapsible form lets you carry the packed box into the tent, assemble it inside the space, and end up with a usable 13 gallon reservoir in a footprint that a rigid drum could never fit. For tent-based AutoPot systems, this is often the only realistic way to keep the reservoir inside the tent rather than running supply lines through tent walls to an external drum.
• Compact storage option for seasonal or rotating growers. Growers who run only part of the year, alternate between different growing methods between cycles, or share grow space with other uses benefit from a reservoir that can be put away when not in use. The FlexiTank’s collapsed footprint takes up less space than a typical sleeping bag, making off-season storage straightforward in a closet, garage, or storage shelf.
• Mobile or temporary irrigation setups. Because the tank ships and stores flat, it is also practical for growers who relocate periodically, run pop-up greenhouse setups, or maintain temporary grow spaces. The reservoir can be packed away, transported, and reassembled at a new location without the logistics challenges of moving a rigid drum.
• Secondary or backup reservoir for larger systems. Growers running larger primary reservoirs sometimes need a smaller secondary tank for mixing nutrient solutions, holding pre-treated water, or providing emergency capacity during reservoir maintenance. The 13 gallon FlexiTank works well in this role because it can be set up on demand and broken down when no longer needed, without the storage burden of keeping a second rigid drum on hand. For growers building out treated-water supply lines, pairing the FlexiTank with a 200 mesh inline filter on the feed side keeps debris out of the AutoPot AQUAvalve mechanism.

AutoPot FlexiTank 13 Gallon vs. Rigid 13 Gallon Drum Reservoirs

The closest competitive alternatives to the FlexiTank in the 13 gallon class are conventional rigid plastic drums and totes commonly used as hydroponic reservoirs. The comparison below is drawn from the research conducted for this product and from general category knowledge of rigid reservoir products in the hydroponics market.

Footprint and accessibility: A rigid 13 gallon drum typically has fixed external dimensions in the range of 14 to 16 inches diameter by 22 to 26 inches tall and must be transported into your growing space as a single bulky unit. The FlexiTank ships in a 20.5 by 6.3 by 5.1 inch flat box that fits through any standard doorway, around tight corners, and up narrow staircases that would obstruct a rigid drum. For attic, basement, closet, or tent installations where moving a rigid drum is impractical, the FlexiTank is often the only way to get a 13 gallon reservoir into the space.

Empty storage volume: A rigid drum occupies its full external footprint whether full or empty. The FlexiTank collapses to its original packed dimensions when empty, recovering floor space during off-season or off-cycle storage. For growers running seasonal cycles or sharing grow space with other household uses, this difference is significant. The FlexiTank’s collapsed form stores in a closet shelf or under a bench; the rigid drum requires permanent floor space year-round.

Cost of shipping: A flat-packed FlexiTank ships via standard parcel carriers (UPS or FedEx Ground) at a much lower shipping cost than a rigid drum, which typically requires LTL freight for direct delivery or commercial shipping for retail restocking. The supplier description specifically identifies reduced shipping and storage costs as a design goal of the FlexiTank line.

Durability and wear over time: Rigid plastic drums are generally more durable to point impacts and abrasion than flexible-wall reservoirs. The FlexiTank’s flexible walls require more careful placement to avoid puncture from sharp objects, and the zipper seal and tap fittings represent additional potential wear points compared to a single-piece rigid drum. For permanent commercial installations where the reservoir will stay in place for years and durability outweighs portability, a rigid drum may have a longer service life. For home-scale and hobby growers, the FlexiTank’s portability and storage advantages typically outweigh the durability tradeoff.

Integration with AutoPot systems: The FlexiTank is designed by AutoPot to integrate directly with AutoPot AQUAvalve-based gravity-fed irrigation systems. Generic rigid drums require aftermarket bulkhead fittings, valves, and adapters to interface with AutoPot piping. For growers building out a complete AutoPot system, the FlexiTank’s purpose-built design reduces fitting compatibility issues and shortens setup time.

Capacity options across the line: The FlexiTank line offers 6.6 gallon, 13 gallon, and 25 gallon standard models plus the Pro variant. The 13 gallon size sits in the middle of the lineup and is the most versatile for typical home-scale AutoPot setups. Growers running larger pot counts or wanting longer autonomy between refills can step up to the 25 gallon model; smaller setups or supplementary mixing tanks may suit the 6.6 gallon model better.

Which reservoir fits your setup: If you are building an AutoPot system in a space-constrained location (tent, attic, basement, closet) or you need a reservoir that can be stored away between cycles, the FlexiTank is the practical choice. If your grow room has permanent floor space dedicated to a reservoir, you do not need portability, and maximum durability is your priority, a rigid drum may be a reasonable alternative. The two products solve the same problem — bulk water storage for hydroponic irrigation — through different tradeoffs between portability and ruggedness.

Compatibility & Operating Range

The compatibility notes below are derived from the supplier description, the AutoPot USA product page, and research into the broader AutoPot accessory ecosystem. The FlexiTank is purpose-built as a reservoir component for AutoPot gravity-fed systems, but it can also serve as a generic 13 gallon water reservoir for non-AutoPot setups.

• AutoPot AQUAvalve-based irrigation systems: The FlexiTank is designed to feed AutoPot’s gravity-fed AQUAvalve watering systems through its base-mounted tap. The reservoir sits at or above the level of the irrigation system, and water flows by gravity through standard AutoPot piping to the AQUAvalves at each pot. No pumps, timers, or mains pressure are required. The 13 gallon capacity is appropriate for AutoPot 1Pot, easy2grow, and similar small to mid-sized system configurations.
• AutoPot Click Fit Inline Filter or Click Fit Pro Filter: Research confirms that the FlexiTank should be plumbed through a 1/2 inch Click Fit Inline Filter or a Click Fit Pro Filter (the choice depends on the specific piping used in the rest of the system). The inline filter removes debris that could otherwise reach the AQUAvalve mechanism and cause clogging or improper sealing. When the FlexiTank is elevated on a stand, install the filter at a distance from the tank’s tap so that the filter weight does not pull on the tap fitting and stress the seal.
• Stands and elevated platforms: Gravity-fed AutoPot systems require the reservoir to sit higher than the watering points. Many growers place the FlexiTank on a sturdy stand, bench, milk crate, or shelf to establish the required head pressure. The FlexiTank’s empty weight is light enough that placement on a stand is straightforward, but verify that any stand you use can support the filled reservoir weight (roughly 110 lbs when fully loaded with 13 gallons of water).
• Nutrient solutions and pH-adjusted water: The FlexiTank’s wall material is suitable for storing standard hydroponic nutrient solutions, pH-adjusted water, and common horticultural additives. For growers monitoring solution conductivity, a calibrated EC meter is essential for mixing accurate nutrient batches; an Apera GroStar EC calibration kit keeps your meter reading accurately over time. For pure-water input, growers with municipal supply may pair the FlexiTank with a small reverse osmosis system upstream to remove chlorine, chloramine, and dissolved solids before mixing nutrients.
• Generic non-AutoPot use: While the FlexiTank is designed for AutoPot systems, it can also function as a standalone 13 gallon water reservoir for any application that needs collapsible water storage. The integrated tap will mate with standard tap-compatible fittings for non-AutoPot uses. Growers running drain-to-waste or recirculating systems with their own plumbing can use the FlexiTank as a nutrient-mixing tank or a holding tank for treated water.
• Environmental and placement notes: Place the FlexiTank on a level, sturdy surface that can support the filled weight. Avoid sharp objects, screws, or rough surfaces beneath or around the tank that could puncture the flexible wall. Keep the tank out of prolonged direct sunlight to limit algae growth in the water and to extend the working life of the polymer wall material. Operating temperature for nutrient solutions should remain within the standard hydroponic range (roughly 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for most plants).

Usage Guidelines

The FlexiTank is a passive water-storage device with no moving parts beyond the zipper lid and tap. Most usage considerations involve placement, refilling, cleaning, and seasonal storage. The guidance below covers the most common operational scenarios.

Initial filling: After assembling the FlexiTank on a level, sturdy surface (or a stand at appropriate height for your AutoPot system), open the zipper lid and fill the tank using a hose, bucket, or measuring container. Fill in stages if you are mixing nutrient solution directly in the tank, stopping periodically to stir and verify mixing uniformity. Once filled, close the zipper lid to limit evaporation, debris ingress, and algae-promoting light exposure. Open the tap valve to begin feeding the AutoPot system.

Refilling during a growing cycle: Check the reservoir level at least every few days during active growth, more frequently during peak flowering or hot weather when plant water uptake is highest. Top up with pre-mixed nutrient solution to maintain steady reservoir concentration, or empty and refill completely if your nutrient program calls for periodic reservoir changes. The 13 gallon capacity provides several days of autonomy in most home-scale AutoPot setups, but specific consumption rates vary widely with plant count, growth stage, and environmental conditions.

Nutrient mixing in the tank: If mixing nutrient solution directly in the FlexiTank, add water first, then nutrient concentrates one at a time with stirring between additions, in the order specified by the nutrient manufacturer. Verify final EC and pH with calibrated meters before opening the tap to feed the system. The wide zipper opening provides full access for stirring with a paddle, mixing stick, or recirculating pump.

Cleaning between cycles: Between growing cycles, drain the tank completely through the tap, then open the zipper lid and rinse the interior with clean water. For more thorough cleaning, scrub the interior with a dilute hydrogen peroxide solution (3 percent household peroxide diluted further in water works well) and rinse thoroughly before refilling. Inspect the zipper seal and tap fitting for residue, mineral buildup, or wear before reassembly. Address any deposits immediately to prevent them from interfering with the seals.

Algae prevention: Algae growth in hydroponic reservoirs is driven by light exposure on nutrient-rich water. The FlexiTank’s opaque wall material limits this, but extended exposure to ambient light in a grow room can still encourage algae over a long cycle. Keep the zipper lid closed when not actively refilling or mixing, and avoid placing the tank in direct sunlight or strong supplemental lighting. If algae appears, drain and clean the tank between cycles as described above.

Off-season storage: When you reach the end of a growing cycle and the FlexiTank will not be used for an extended period, drain the tank completely, open the zipper lid, and allow the interior to dry fully before storage. Residual moisture in storage can promote mildew growth that is difficult to clean up later. Once fully dry, fold the tank back into its packed form following the reverse of the assembly process. Store in a dry, temperature-stable location away from direct sunlight, sharp objects, and rodent activity.

Inspection before each use: Before refilling a tank that has been in storage, inspect the wall material, zipper seal, and tap fitting for any signs of damage, cracking, or wear. Address any issues before adding water. A pre-filled inspection prevents leaks during operation and catches potential problems before they affect your AutoPot system or growing space.

How to Set Up the AutoPot FlexiTank 13 Gallon

Setup involves unpacking the flat-packed tank, assembling it on a suitable surface or stand, connecting it to your AutoPot system through the appropriate inline filter, and verifying flow before loading plants. The steps below cover the standard setup flow for a typical home-scale AutoPot installation.

1. Inspect the packed tank on arrival. The FlexiTank ships in a flat box approximately 20.5 by 6.3 by 5.1 inches. Open the box and inspect the contents for visible damage, missing components, or manufacturing defects. The tap and zipper lid should be intact and free of cracks or warping. If you see shipping damage, document it before proceeding with assembly.
2. Choose your placement location. The FlexiTank must sit on a level, sturdy surface that can support the filled weight (roughly 110 lbs at full capacity). For gravity-fed AutoPot systems, the reservoir must be elevated above the watering points to establish flow. Common solutions include a sturdy stand, bench, milk crate, or low shelf. Verify that the surface is free of sharp objects, screws, or rough textures that could damage the tank wall during operation. Allow access around the tank for refilling, cleaning, and monitoring the tap connection.
3. Assemble the tank. Follow the AutoPot assembly instructions included with the product. The tank requires no tools and assembles in minutes. Unfold the flat-packed body, work the wall structure into its upright form, secure the zipper lid in place, and verify that the tap fitting at the base is fully seated. Inspect all seams and seal points for proper closure before adding water.
4. Connect the inline filter. Install a 1/2 inch Click Fit Inline Filter or a Click Fit Pro Filter (whichever matches your AutoPot piping) downstream of the tap. If the FlexiTank is elevated on a stand, position the filter a short distance away from the tap so that the filter weight does not pull on the tap fitting. Connect the filtered output to the rest of your AutoPot piping running to the AQUAvalves at each pot.
5. Perform a leak test with clean water. Before adding nutrients or loading plants, fill the tank with several gallons of clean water and open the tap to verify flow through the inline filter and into the AutoPot system. Watch for leaks at the tap fitting, around the filter connections, and at any other plumbing joints. Address any leaks before proceeding. This step catches assembly issues early when they are easy to correct.
6. Mix nutrient solution and fill to working capacity. Once the system is verified leak-free, drain the test water, refill with your prepared nutrient solution (mixed either in the tank or in a separate mixing vessel), and fill to your target working volume. Most users do not fill to absolute maximum capacity; leaving a small amount of headroom under the zipper lid allows for thermal expansion and reduces the chance of overflow during stirring or mixing.
7. Open the tap and prime the AutoPot system. Open the tap valve to begin feeding the AutoPot AQUAvalves. The system will fill the AQUAvalve reservoir at each pot to its set water level, then close until plants consume enough water to trigger the next refill. Verify that each AQUAvalve is filling correctly. Adjust as necessary if any valve is not receiving flow.
8. Establish your monitoring and maintenance schedule. Check the reservoir level every two to three days during active growth, more frequently in late flowering or hot weather. Inspect the tap fitting and zipper lid weekly for residue, mineral deposits, or signs of wear. Plan reservoir cleanings between growing cycles, and inspect the entire system for damage or wear before each new cycle.

Sources & Further Reading