Growbox idea (input needed)

[hazewarrior]

That cabinet would look good mounted on the wall. Hummm, gives me an idea..

 

[BioShock]

depends on bucks and wiring capability bro.
you can go compact flos....or....what I recommend
go to e-conolight.com and pick up a 100W HPS flood light. gut it and put the ballast outside of the cab. They have em for about 40 bucks with bulb.
I'm using flos, but thats gonna change soon. I sorta put a challenge to myself....what can I do with 150+ Watts of flos in a confined space. My temps are much higher than a 100W HPS would put out. just having fun is all. My flos cost more than the HPS would have. but I'll use them for veg.

Nice...so I looked around on eBay for something like a 100w HPS floodlight and I came across 2...for $48.99 [here]
I figure they're interally balasted, like the ones on e-conolight. I'll gut them and put the sockets inside, the balasts outside; and use one socket for veg with the 100w HPS then I'll get a MH to use in combination (or not?)with the HPS during flowering. Does that make sense? I've heard the best way to flower is with both spectrums covered. Correct me if I'm wrong
Also, what kind of MH would be good if I chose to do that? What kinda wattage for the size of the box?

Then I'll put two passive intakes on the back at the bottom and then two 120mm case fans out either/or on the top and back; probably the back to stay stealthy.

Hmm...what else do I need now..?

 

[Mutt]

sounds like you got it....get a therm and humidity meter at wal-mart for five bucks and your set bro. You can use the month of veg to read up on things like odor control.
I f you really wanna move some air just wire two more to the 12vdc wall pack for intake. more air n light the better.
just monitor the Amp with the fans...

oh one last thing!!!!
the most important.
1. fire alarm
2. fire extuingisher
Not to freak you out...but every "smart" grower has these no hand....better safe than the fire dept reportin "grow op caused fire"

 

[BioShock]

So I've got the two floodlights coming; but both have HPS bulbs in them.

Should I just stick with HPS or should I get an MH for veg?

What kind of wattage should I be considering for a box this size using a MH bulb? Keep in mind it will probably be used in combination with the HPS during flowering so it might get hot...

 

[hazewarrior]

Bio, unfortunately you can't switch bulbs on a conventional HID light, only with digital. You're stuck with the HPS's but don't worry, they'll do fine.

 

[BioShock]

Aw I was hoping I could put the second one to use...should I put them both in the cabinet? That might be too much...

but what about for flowering? Should I plan on putting in another bulb for more spectrum coverage? haha i sound like a total noob

 

[BioShock]

Alright the ball is rolling...

I picked up a 2 door storage cabinet (24"x11.75"x31.8") from KMart, a light timer, all necessary wiring, 2 6" plastic pots, some Miracle Grow Moisture Control potting mix that guarentees to feed for 3 months, and this interesting piece I'll be using for odor control when the time arises. Check this out
http://www.castlewholesalers.com/DEFLECT-O-LTF-Lint-Trap-Kit-Indoor-Dryer-Venting.html

It's 4" tubing into a box that's supposed to be used as a lint trap. I figure there's gotta be some way to use this for odor control. Maybe if I got some activated carbon sheets and/or fabric softener sheets and stuffed them in there?

So that's what I need help with right now; what should I use for this thing? There will be one 120mm fan pushing out near the top of the box to behind the box into this lint trap thing.

The floodlights are on the way, as well as the seeds. So stoked!!!
I picked up an eigth of haze...ohhh boy :joint:

 

[Mutt]

Not a bad idea with the indoor dryer thing...looking forward to seeing how it works out for ya. DLtoker has a carbon filter how to in the DIY section...might give you some ideas.
100W should be plenty for that box. i would not add the second as the heat will be hard to manage.
Keep the other as a back-up
Careful with the MG moisture control. I use the regular MG potting soil. Both are a little on the hot side not really great for MJ but works for me and The brother's grunt.

 

[BioShock]

I also got an analog temperature gauge with humidity...

How does one control the humidity in a box like this and what kind of humidity reading should I expect?

 

[Mutt]

To be dead honest...My box rarely goes over 30% I don't sweat it too much. Others here really control it...but I have and am growin fine with what ever my household humidity is.
Seen some use humidifiers, or set water to evap in it.
I just let it go and just keep an eye on temp. Thats the biggest factor IMO.
but 40-80% is a good window. 60% is a mark. but like i said....i'm lucky if I get over 30%. I'd rather have it lower in flowering phase anyway...bud rot i don't like much.

 

[hazewarrior]

Bio, remember not to touch the bulbs. The oils in your hand can make them blow up .

Not sure if you knew that or not. I use a sock?

 

[BioShock]

Alright, everything is lookin good! I just got the seeds in today and the box is almost done. It needs a bigger fan because I left the light on inside for an hour or so and checked the temp, it was getting up over 90F. I think I'm gonna get an inline fan and attach it directly onto the lint trap.

So I got some northern light female seeds, 4 pack. They also gave me 10 free South African Durban Poison X Skunk. Not sure what I'm gonna do with these.

Gonna do the wet paper towel technique to germinate them. Any other suggestions?

 

[BioShock]

Alright I need some help dudes...
I've set everything up and have the 100w HPS right in the middle towards the top and I've set a thermometer on one shelf that I'll be starting the seedlings out on. Problem is, it's really hot. It's reading upwards of 100ºF.

I put in a new inline duct fan right below the bulb...

do I need more exhaust or more intake or what do you guys think? I don't wanna burn these ladies

 

[Mutt]

Can you post a picture of your cab up?
What else you can do is put a peice of tempered glass between the light and where the plants grow. Then hook up a couple fo CPU fans that just exhaust the heat from the bulb area. The plants could get closer to the bulb that way as well.

 

[BioShock]

For some reason my phone isn't sending the pics to my online album so I can't post any pics...yet.

I realized what the problem was. The inline fan refuses to power on at the same time as the bulb, I have them both plugged into the same balast; I didn't think it would be a problem but as soon as the bulb is warmed up and gets bright, the fan shuts off.
Does you know what would be best to use to power the inline fan?

EDIT:
nevermind...i'm running out to get a 3 prong plug at home depot. That should do it.

 

[BioShock]

Alright...thing doesn't want to stay cool. I'm thinking of getting a 70w HPS instead...I figure it must put out enough light for such a small area, and it should be cooler, or so I hope. I put the thermometer right at the top of one of the planters and an hour later checked to see it was at 114ºf! Wayyy too hot.
So I took the shelf out and put the pots on the bottom of the box, where the intake fan can hit them. The shelf was severly restricting that flow it needs. Blah...i don't want to kill these things

 

[Mutt]

how close did you have the plants?

 

[BioShock]

Something like 6" or so. I know you're supposed to keep them pretty close when theyre gonna sprout. I'm sorta out of money on the project so I only have what I have to work with from here on in

 

[Mutt]

no man, light needs to be further away until they get there first set of real leaves. i would set it at more of 8" away.
Try runnin it with the doors open till you get more cash for fans
here is a link to where a "lousy looking growbox" but very functional did the glass thing...very inexpensive mod that will help reduce the heat.
http://greenmanspage.com/guides/growbox.html

 

[BioShock]

All right, couple of them sprouted today!

I'm still worried about the heat. When everything's all locked up (the box is in a closet), it ranges from the low to upper 80's. I'd prefer it below 80 but easier said than done. Is switching to a 70w HPS going to help?