Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on some of the questions you posed especially THG. I had some minor surgery and just getting caught up with a number of things. Anyway, the available space under my stairs has a footprint of 60" x 36" with a height of 76". We rent our home (single family dwelling). I have known our landlord for many years and he is ok with the 420. However, I do not want him knowing of my plans. Therefore, I do not want to get into any construction (adding walls) so I am leaning to a tent approach. My hot water tank and washer/dryer is approx 15 feet from the stairwell. I all ready have two dehumidifers for the basement that keep it quite dry.
I can easily fit a 3x3 footprint tent in the area. But I am leaning to a 4x4 tent for greater capacity. If I go 4x4, some of the tent will stick out on side of the stairwell. However, I can hide the tent with storage boxes, old cabinets,etc. On the access side of the tent, I can use some old lightweight cabinets and empty storage boxes that I can easily move on a daily basis for access to the garden.
Right now, I am looking at a 400w HID from HTG supply. HTG has a store within driving distance so it is no problem for me to take a short trip. I have some relatives about 20 minutes from the store, so I can make a trip to see them then travel to the store.
The 400 watt HID I priced used a 4 sided reflector that is not air cooled. Based on what I have read, I probably need to upgrade to an air cooled hood? Your comments please.
Also, in studying the many indoor grow pics with tents, I have noticed that some growers only have ductwork coming out of one side of the hood only. While other growers have duct work coming out of both sides the hood. Assuming that ductwork coming out of one side only means they are pulling hot air from the entire tent and exhausting it to the outside of the tent? Assuming that ductwork coming out of both sides of the hood means that cool air is being pulled from outside the tent, through the hood, and then being exhausted? Your comments please?
A couple more questions on the HPS size. Based on the information I have read, a 400HPS seems adequate for a 3x3 footprint tent. But not sure, if the 400HPS is adquate for a 4x4 footprint.
I have also seen some tent grow pic where a non cooled hood is used. Perhaps these were smaller lights.
My ultimate goal is to have 6-8 plants.
I have not yet decided to start with some bagseed for learning purposes or go directly to the Northern Lights that I plan on starting with.
If the recommendation is to go with a air cooled hood, then it will add cost to my startup budget by adding a quality fan and hood. But, I want to do this right the first time and avoid re-work or disappointment after starting. If I have to wait a month or so to obtain additional funding, then so be it.
I have asked lots of questions and thanking you all in advance for the guidance. I will surely have more questions.
)? Basements generally stay considerably cooler than main levels unless you have your furnace and water heater in your basement. I wish I had a basement to grow in--IMO, they are a great place to grow.
