First Grow - Bag seed, soil in a cabinet.

[Farmer Rich]

Hi Folks,

Like most, I'm looking for advice on how to improve this project. I got a great book on hydro growing for my birthday back in September and decided it was time to get busy but needed a place to grow. I ended up building a cabinet with the following features:

Kinda stealth, nothing obvious showing from the front, most controls are on the back along with vent input and exhaust output.

Top Section - 4' w x 2' d x 4'10" h, 600 w HPS (air cooled), CAP Air-3DN, input ventilation 2 x 60 cfm duct fans, exhaust 2 x 50 cfm bathroom vent fans, going to use small heater to maintain night temps.

Bottom Section - 2 x 24" florescent tubes (daylight), 3 x 100w (23w) CFL, seedling heat mat with controller.

Our seed stash was a collection of what ever with no known heritage. First germination was in Rapid Root cubes with 14 seeds. Ended up with 6 germinating, 4 living. After a week with only 4 babies, we decided to germ a 8 more seeds but used Pro Soil in peat pots. Basically poked a hole in the soil, laid the seeds in, sprayed down the medium and put in a black plastic bag until they germinated.

At this point we're 2 weeks into the grow with 9 babies. I've ditched the mini-greenhouse lid because it seemed to keep them too far from the lights and was causing stretching. The cabinet temp is being maintained at 68-76 deg and I vary it by turning lights off if it gets too hot. Currently I have the tubes off, but have 3 CFLs going with 74 deg.

I'm not liking the color of the older babies and think I may have over watered. My partner in crime is telling me we need to start with nutes very soon..

Any comments and/or advice will be much appreciated.

Here's the pics.. well, once I figure out how to put inline in a post!

Thanks! Farmer Rich :)

[Farmer Rich]

Since I can't seem to figure out how to put pics inline in a post, here's the link to my gallery:

First Grow - Bag Seed - Whoopee.. - Cannabis Photo Gallery (http://gallery.cannabis.com/showgallery.php?cat=705&ppuser=0)

Thanks! Farmer Rich

[Mic-Mechanic]

Cute seedlings. perhaps its the Camera light but they look a tad yellow. If this is the case, is your soil pre-nuted?

If not, forgive a stoner in the morning

Now your cabinet set up... That is some dope shit man. Wanna come build me one of those? :P

Also your partner in crime is wrong unless they're 2 weeks old. some strains can handle ferts earlier but 2 weeks is just the safe mark for nutes. (also start with 1/4 the reccomended dose, then 1/2 then the full)

[luvbud]

nice set up:thumbsup: Good luck with your grow:D

[Farmer Rich]

Hi Mic,

Thanks for the comments! After a quick trip to get a Ph test kit, I've found out our water is very alkaline, like 7.5+. Currently I'm using some fish tank chemical to balance it out. I ended up adding 1/2 tsp to a quart of water, which brought it to about 7.2. Added 1/2 strength nutes, which took it right to 7.0. As usual, I've read your advice after feeding the babies last night. What I did was put the pots in a smaller round drain tray and added about 8 oz. of the nute solution and let it soak up through the roots.

I'll send some more pics in a day or two after I see how they're going to react. Partner in crime is also telling me to move them up to the top under the HPS. What do you think about that?

Thanks man!

Farmer Rich

PS - Thanks on the box! It's a work of love.. Let me know if you want more pics of it.

[specs]

I wouldn't nute yet. In my experience if a plant cannot grow a few inches from what's in the soil , then it isn't worth the effort (problems later). Having said that I agree that the plants are yellowing, what is your soil medium? Also if you can buy good fert, not MG or the 20-20-20 as they burn seedlings quickly.

Good Growing
Bless
specs:rastasmoke:

[Farmer Rich]

Heya Mic, how's it going. You weren't off base, those little suckers were on the yellow side. Since you were diggin' the box I uploaded a few more pics for ya. This wasn't what you'd call a budget box! I have a whole stack of receipts that I'm afraid to add up..

Who says bud and power tools don't mix!?! - Cannabis Photo Gallery (http://gallery.cannabis.com/showgallery.php?cat=706)

Peace, Rich

[Farmer Rich]

Like I mentioned above, added the nutes.. these pics are from the morning after.. they seemed even better this evening but my photo ability was sucking tonight..

A little improvment overnight - Cannabis Photo Gallery (http://gallery.cannabis.com/showphoto.php/photo/17117)

Peace!

[Farmer Rich]

Hey fellow weed lovers.. one thing you learn during your first grow is patience. After dialing in ph, temp, humidity and moving the babies under MH lighting, things appear to be takin' off!

I'm planning on starting flowering on 12/31, and going 18/6 lighting about week prior to that.

Since I can't figure out how to post inline photos, here's a link to the pics of the grow in the gallery.

First Grow - 34 day update - Cannabis Photo Gallery (http://gallery.cannabis.com/showgallery.php?cat=710)

Be great to here any suggestions/recommendations.

:) Farmer Rich

http://gallery.cannabis.com/showphoto.php/photo/17205

http://gallery.cannabis.com/showphoto.php/photo/17204

http://gallery.cannabis.com/showphoto.php/photo/17203

http://gallery.cannabis.com/showphoto.php/photo/17202

http://gallery.cannabis.com/showphoto.php/photo/17201

[chongman420]

Hey Farmer Rich what kind of ventilation do you have hooked to that light? Are they 6" duct fans? If so do you have one blowing in and the other sucking out or are they both sucking hot air out?

[Farmer Rich]

Hey Chongman,

I have a 6" Suncort duct fan sucking air across the light and pushing it out the left side of the box, which is always on when the light is. I also have an active input/output vent system I run to maintain the environment in the box.. Currently running at 72-78 deg, 50-70% humidity, with the box sitting in a garage getting into the low 30s.

You building something similar?

Peace, Farmer Rich

[chongman420]

Yea i got one cab for veg and another for flowering. Im trying to get ideas for ventilation in my flowering cab. I have a 400hps lamp in it hooked to a 140cfm dayton blower sucking the air out of the reflector. I dont have an inlet to the reflector its just sucking the cab air. Im looking at your cab pics and Im really impressed! I vote it grow cab of 2007! :thumbsup:

[norkali]

I vote it grow cab of 2007! :thumbsup:

I second that movement. It definitely gets my vote. :thumbsup:

[daihashi]

Definitely an awesome grow cab. I want to build a similar one when I get money together for lumber. I'd still need a second for flowering though, but I have to say that is a quality job there.

How long did it take you to build that grow cab?

[Farmer Rich]

Glad you like the cabinet! It ended up taking about 4 weeks to build but I gotta tell you, I get a little focused on projects like this one. So far I'm pleased with how it's working, though I was starting to worry that I over ventilated because I was drawing the humidity down to the 15% range. Currently (winter) I'm running one (of 2) exhaust fans and have the main input blower (160 cfm) running with the duct boosters off. The CAP AIR-3DN is keeping everything dialed in just perfect. I also added a small cold water mister to increase the humidity.. When I go to flower, I have a small electric heater I'll sit in the box to maintain nighttime temps. If you want more pics or anything on it let me know. I'm thinking I need a second box for dedicated veg..

:jointsmile: Farmer Rich

[norkali]

I really think you should do a full construction guide for that cabinet. I think it's absolutely amazing.

I do have a couple of questions though... What is that piece of split ducting doing on the top of the cabinet? Also, what is that box and is it connected to the ducting?

http://gallery.cannabis.com/data/501/cab.jpg

P.S. You can't add images to your posts until 50 posts I believe. That's why I did my first "grow log" (http://boards.cannabis.com/closet-cabinet-growing/121325-came-closet.html) in the Indoor Growing section. ;)

[chongman420]

Im not sure Norkali, but i think the ducting goes to another bathroom exhaust vent in the opposite corner. As far as the silver box in the middle is probably the ballast for the light. I looked at those photos at least 50 times in the last month! Truly an inspiration to cabinet growers! Keep up the good work Rich! :)

[norkali]

Possibly, I know the box in the middle is the ballast, I've got the same one. Digital Greenhouse 600w digital. :thumbsup:

I'm asking about the box on the left. :stoned:

[chongman420]

The box on the left is another 50cfm bathroom exhaust vent he has 2 of them on top, one on each side of the ballast

[Farmer Rich]

Thanks again on the box, it seems to be rockin'. Today is day 1 of week 6. 4 plants - 5 weeks, and 5 plants - 4 weeks old (all from bag seed). So far it's looking like 3 sativa, and 1 indica from the first batch. All of the ones from the last batch have really broad leaves and look afghani to me.. but hey, I'm a noob and don't know squat.. learning fast though!

Ok - Ventilation; Exhaust - 2 x 50 cfm bathroom fans, with individual switches to disable/enable as necessary. That's what you're looking at on top. Input - 160 cfm eco fan (also on top) pumps air to the T at the bottom of the main grow chamber, each side of the T has a 4" Suncort duct booster pointing to the two inputs. The box is going to vented to the outside, but I'm waiting for some electrical work (18kw generator ;)) to be done before cutting the holes in the wall. I'm also going to have to use another 2x4 to add a spot to circ clamp the fan in order to raise the light to full height.

The light has a 6" suncort duct fan on the left side. It fit perfect into the 6-4" reducer. I used the reducers on either side and just capped them with vented covers on the back to keep any critters out.

I have a CAP AIR-3DN in the top which controls the intake/exhaust systems using day temp. During lighting < 24 hours, I'm going to plug a small heater in to maintain night temp. I may have to figure out some sort of shelf due to the 9 plants taking up so much room. I'm a little worried about it being too close to a pot and over heating the roots. There's only about 38 cu ft, plus the shiny material inside the box is duct wrap I put in for insulation.

I will make it a point to upload some frame pictures. I'd intended to document the build, but just ended up doing it..

Okay.. since we're supposed to be talking about growing here, I'll upload some plant pics a little later and you guys can critique the progress.. :jointsmile:

Later, Farmer Rich

[Farmer Rich]

Ok.. here's some updated first grow pics (same URL).

First Grow - 34 day update - Cannabis Photo Gallery (http://gallery.cannabis.com/showgallery.php?cat=710)

any thoughts on the spots on the leaves on the plants closest to the humidifier?

also added a couple of frame pics on the box gallery.

Who says bud and power tools don't mix!?! - Cannabis Photo Gallery (http://gallery.cannabis.com/showgallery.php?cat=706)

:smokin: Farmer Rich

[chongman420]

I dunno Rich but your plants look better than mine! I keep having probs with red stems and yellowing lower leaves with small brown spots on them. I use earth juice products. What do u use to feed them?

[Farmer Rich]

Hey Chongman, I'm using a product called Gardening Magic I get at a place called Linda's Hydro in Puyallup, Washington. http://www.hydrolights.net/ It's a 2 part nute they whip up themselves and a lot of folks up here seem to use it. I'm liking the results but I'm going back to once a week for a couple of weeks (I've been alternating on watering) and see how the plants do because I'm concerned about those spots on a couple of the plants. I'm trying to avoid doing anything too much, so cutting back seems appropriate. I'm also balancing the water to a Ph of 6.5. My water is coming from the tap (well) at 7.6, the nutes dial it right in. For straight water, I use Ph down product. I was also planning on veggin' through December, but if they keep growing like they are I'm starting to get a little worried about space in the box and may have to consider starting sooner.

Thanks for the input dude!

:D Rich

[Farmer Rich]

Hey Norkali,

I'll see what I can come up with on a box build plan.. but it will probably be after the holidays. Thanks for compliments on the box!

Rich

[Balkey]

Your box is sweet son. Nice job!!! GOOOOOOOOOO TEAM!

[Farmer Rich]

Hey, long time no post.. I wanted to put an update to show you all the progress on my first grow and how my box is doing. Out of 9 plants, it's lookin' like 6 females and I've been running with 12/12 HPS light since Christmas eve. I can't wait to see how the bud turns out!!

Peace and Happy New Year!!

:smokin: Farmer Rich

Hopefully the attachment worked..

[Farmer Rich]

Hey all,

For those of you who were interested in my grow cabinet I thought I'd put up another post to show how it's working. From my noob perspective, like a champ!! I did have to raise the light as high as I could get it (had to remove the sun lifters and use only S hooks), due to the fact I was beginning to scorch the leaves on the tallest plant that was about 4" under the light.

I've just started week 2 of flowering, and week 10 of the grow. Out of 9 plants I ended up with 6 females.. beginners luck I guess. :D

Anyone have any idea how long the sativas may take to finish flowering? I'm planning on up to 12 weeks total for them..

:smokin: Farmer Rich

[chongman420]

Farmer Rich glad to see that awesome cabinet in action! I totally drooled over your cab pics! LOL! Boy, your ladies look lovely :thumbsup: You could try the LST method or lean the top over so the stalk is horizontal to keep it even with the others

[Balkey]

I know with your cabinet it might be impossible, but it would always be nice if you had 2 movers in your grow space. Not only have the light adjustable, but the floor as well. Could have solved that pesky huge plant you got there being burned. Lovely grow though, keep the pictures coming!!!!

[Farmer Rich]

Hey Chongman,

I thought of LST, but the main stalk is about the size of a no. 2 pencil at close to the top where the cola is growing.. I ended up getting an additional 10" in total, which leaves over a ft. if the plant were directly under the reflector. Corina, the largest plant, is doing great since moving the light and I'm hoping she'll be done in 6-7 weeks.

The other issue is the cabinet is FULL with 6 flowering plants. The 2 sativas are little bushes but seem to be reaching for the light as the buds are starting to develop. I've been pruning all the plants to remove light blocking leaves and so far, it seems to be working nice.

Balkey, nice idea on the floor but probably better in the initial design. You'd also give up the baby chamber in the bottom, which is pretty useful with seedlings. Going to be adding ventilation in the bottom for the next go around. Active exhaust with passive intake should do it with the CFLs.

What do you guys think of doing a SCROG grow in the box? Seems like it might really kick ass in that configuration with a nice yield with the 600w MH/HPS system.

Later! I'll put up some more pics in a few days.

:) Farmer Rich

[Farmer Rich]

Here's a couple more pics from the grow..

The Christmas Tree was the first male.. it started flowering under 24 hour MH lighting. Grew balls, so we hung some more on it for a few days. He and his two brothers are now deceased.. :(

The other indica is Carmelita. The sativa is yet to be named..

Damn, gardening is fun!!!

:D Farmer Rich

[Farmer Rich]

Hey Everyone,

When and how much molasses should a person use during flowering? Are there any concerns in regard to the nutes being used, or the strain? My one inquiring brain cell is dying to know.. ;)

Here's another pic of the girls.

Thanks, Farmer Rich

[Farmer Rich]

Hey all!

Here's some updated pics of my girls at the end of week 2 of flowering and week 10 of the grow.

I have 2 questions I'm hoping I can get some advice on:

1. I have 1 sativa (Candy) who appears to possibly be hermi. I plucked the starting male buds (6 in total) and haven't removed her from the box yet. Should I continue to pluck or get her the hell outta there?

2. Carb loading - when should I add molasses during flowering?

:jointsmile: Farmer Rich

[Shovelhandle]

Rich, I've used molasses every third watering during flowering. One or two tablespoons to the gallon. I had nice buds either way.

Cool update.

shvo

[Farmer Rich]

Hey all!

Here's some new pics of the girls after a major pruning over the last couple of days. My logic was to get them over the stress, provide plenty of light into the canopy and not mess with them too much from week 3 to harvest.

The pics of the buds are fairly high resolution, please take a look and see if you agree on the trics.

Shov, thanks for the recommendation on the molasses.. I'll be starting on it shortly.

:jointsmile: Farmer Rich

[Farmer Rich]

Hi all,

Thought I'd post an update with pictures of the girls at week 4 of flowering. My grow box is singing along with day time temps of 77 and dropping to 67 at night with the heater. With the 6 females I'm hoping for 4-6 oz from the grow. Bag seed is definitely fun.. never know what you'll get! I have two, one primarily indica and the other all sativa that are MUCH crustier than the others in terms of trics and have high hopes for these two.

When do you normally start seeing the pistils change color? Mine are all still nice and white..

:jointsmile:

Farmer Rich

[godofganga]

hey that is a really sweet setup that you have there.

i hope that i can get mine to look that good.

[Farmer Rich]

Thanks! 600 watts of HID lighting in 8 sq. ft. rocks! If you go with a lot of light, plan your cooling well. It can potentially cost as much or more than the lighting.. I'm scared shitless to add up what this box ended up costing.. In terms of the electric bill, it's gone up by $50+ a month, nearly doubling. If the first harvest turns out good, the box will nearly be paid for. I'm guessing 6-8 oz. will basically pay for the initial outlay of $$.

Good luck on your grow!!

:jointsmile: Farmer Rich

[Farmer Rich]

Hey all,

Here's some new pictures of my grow. That's Corina in the pic with the lighter. This is week 4 of flowering and her cola is filling out nicely, just wish she was crustier with trics.

The next pic is Kashmir, she was FIM'd in the early stages of vegetation and appears to have 6 smaller colas growing. She is a nice and crusty girl!

Mary and Jane are on the right side of the box and are looking sweet, but will take longer to ripen.

Next is Candy, the little sativa that looks like she make take her time in finishing flowering..

Last but not least is a pic of one of Carmelita's buds.. she's a crusty girl too!

So here's my feeding schedule until finish.. comments would be appreciated!

Mondays - regular flowering nutes..

Thursdays - molasses (2 tbsp per gal), I always put a quart of water per plant, so 1/2 tsp each.

I'm guessing that the buds should have about 50% red pistils 2 weeks before they're done, is this a good assumption??? If correct, I was going to flush, and reduce the water until chopping them.

What do ya think??

:jointsmile: Farmer Rich

[Farmer Rich]

Grow Log Update - Week 5 Flowering

1. Started adding molasses once per cycle - Ber' Rabbit, non-sulphered, 1 tbsp per gallon
2. Many plants are showing false seed pods (better be!!) with pistils starting to turn. The false seed pod part is freaky..
3. Carmelita's top leaves are turning purple and she's getting crustier with trichs every day!!
4. In process of building a drying box.. speeding up construction!!
5. Planning on incremental harvest to let the lower buds finish. Any tips on this?

:jointsmile: Farmer Rich

[everyonedoesit]

Hey. Nice setup and grow. I haven't been around "this" type of growing environment for a while. I am EXTREMELY curious of how you used your lighting structure? It looks to me as if you took a wall outlet splitter, and plugged in a bunch of "adaptors" of some sort, which you then screwed the light bulb into? If this is so, thank you very much! I just would like to know what these are called and where you got it? Thanks!

[Farmer Rich]

What do you mean this type of environment? It's a big assed wooden box with a 600 watt lighting system plus a bunch of other shit to maintain the environment.. See the front end of this thread for a fairly detailed description.

:wtf: Farmer Rich

[zebulon]

Wow....awesome plants and a real nice setup...:thumbsup:
That plant in the second pic has seeds....so i think you should maybe kill the hermi cuz in the end you will have lots of seeds, and no smokable bud...(but i am not sure)
But anyway,really nice work...:thumbsup:

[Farmer Rich]

Well, the noob has learned yet another lesson... Trust your original judgment!! I knew this plant was hermi because I found balls on it once during early flower and plucked them. Of course I questioned what I found and I talked myself out of pulling it early on.

After freakin' out yesterday, pulling heshe out of the box for a close inspection. I did find a couple of nanners and pulled them, and also kept it in the spare bedroom for the night, I finally decided it's so close to the end of the grow to put it back in the box. A test bud sealed the deal! :stoned: Growing up in the 70's I've smoked plenty of weed with seeds..

The question I have, in the future why wouldn't you want to use a product like Reverse as a preventative measure for hermi's??

I've also started a drying box with heater and home made carbon filter. Should be pretty stealthy and go pretty well un-noticed under a work bench in the garage. The big grow box is pretty obvious, but I had no where to really hang bud to dry. Will put up pics soon..

:jointsmile: Farmer Rich