NEW to growing, Tips ?

[oldskoolgrower]

OK.. Soo, i have spent the last couple weeks doing some research trying to figure out whats going to work and what wont work.

I don't want to waste any time, or money... If there is something worth buying that is a few more bucks, let me know! I'm attempting ( like everyone else ) to get the most product, the cheapest easiest way.


My shopping list [ Unfinished ] ( Constructive criticism appreciated )

Grow tent 4x4' (48x48x76) - 104.99 $

Amazon.com: 4x4' Mylar HYDROPONIC GROW TENT 48x48x76 HYDRO BOX HUT by LEDwholesalers, GYO1008: Sports & Outdoors (http://www.amazon.com/Mylar-HYDROPONIC-48x48x76-LEDwholesalers-GYO1008/dp/B002V9PBXO/ref=pd_sim_ol_2)



Light ~ 400 Watt HPS/MH - 155.00 $

Amazon.com: 400 Watt Electronic Switchable Ballast Hydroponic Grow Lamp System with Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium HPS Light Bulbs, Cord + Hanger, GYO2002: Home & Garden (http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Switchable-Hydroponic-Pressure-GYO2002/dp/B002J7PYSU/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1285892663&sr=1-2)

Time - 11.25 $

Amazon.com: CDN TM15t Design TM15 Extra Large Big Digit Timer: Home & Garden (http://www.amazon.com/TM15t-Design-TM15-Extra-Large/dp/B0000W4MYI/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1285895982&sr=1-1)




--------------------> Questions ~ Im sure i will have more!

~ How many plants can i/should i put in my tent?

~ What light for what stage of the plants growth?

~ How long should the light be on/off for each stage?

~ Do i need an Inline fan, and ducting?


--------------Thank-you for reading, and any suggestions!

[oldmac]

Hello oldskoolgrower,

Let me see if I can answer some of your questions.




--------------------> Questions ~ Im sure i
~ How many plants can i/should i put in my tent?
Depends on what style of grow you plan, for SOG style plants you could theoretically fit 144 plants max, each one will produce a small amount but the numbers add up. Most folks here doing small grows tend to grow medium size bushes, so 4-9 plants depending on the size of container you use.
~ What light for what stage of the plants growth?
Least expensive route is to use a MH for vegative growth and an HPS for flowering. Keep in mind if you go to with an ellectronic or digital ballast, not all bulbs will be happy...make sure you get bulbs that will work with the ballast.
~ How long should the light be on/off for each stage?
During vegative growth anyting from 24/0 to 18/6 will work, tho 18/6 is more ecomonical.
During the flowering or bloom stage 12/12 is typical. Keep in mind you can run the 12hr on time, during the night when air temps are lower or whatever works for you. You do not want to enter or open that tent while the light is off.
~ Do i need an Inline fan, and ducting?
Yes you do need a good inline fan. The good news is if you use an air-cooled hood, you may be able to use that one fan to both cool the light and exhaust air from the tent while bring in cool air to the tent's air inlet. You connect a duct from one side of the hood to your fan and if needed an odor control device, ie charcoal filter. The other side of the hood you leave open to exhaust the tent and passive air intake and ducted if need be, to get the coolest, freshest air possible.


--------------Thank-you for reading, and any suggestions!

Just a couple of thoughts.
A 400watt HPS is not going to give you as much light as the plants can use. I figure 4'x4' (16 sqft) needs 1000 watt, which gives it 62.5 watts/sqft. While a 400w in the same area gives only 25 watts/sqft. I would consider a smaller tent or a bigger light. Obviously it would be cheaper to do a smaller tent.
K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stoner):D Consider using a soil mix that does not contain fertilizer, such as Sunshine Mix or ProMix (big plus it comes sterile, so you don't start haveing bug problems). You control what to feed and when to feed. You do not need a bunch of additives and snake oil stuff.

Hope this helps you a bit. This site and google are your friends.
Best of luck getting going.:thumbsup:

[oldskoolgrower]

Thanks for the reply, helped out alot!

I ditched the whole 4x4 Tent idea.. Using a 3ft x 3ft x 5ft Cabinet.

[khyberkitsune]

Personally I'd build a growing cabinet for less $$$ than it takes to buy and ship a grow tent. I like my enclosures SOLID.

In a 4x4 area, minimum you want is 600w if you're going with HID. If you went LED, you'd want minimum 300w.

Soil is the best for starters, unless you have experience maintaining pools and aquariums, in which case I'd recommend hydroponics since you've got half of the required maintenance stuff already in your head/practiced and the rest is not too much of an issue at all.

But you say you're doing 3x3 area, so 240w LED or 400w HPS would be the minimum I'd recommend. Make sure you line the box well with a reflective material. If you can't do that, eggshell white paint is the next best substitute, or silver/chrome spraypaint that is evenly applied can work better.