need help building pc microgrow

[xsailbox]

i wanted to build a computer minigrow for its ultra stealthliness and novelty purposes...

something like the pc planter by sunlightsheds

http://sunlightsheds.com/pc_planter.htm
doesnt seem too complicated... I woulda got it premade but they want obscene amounts of money for it...
($600 for what amounts to a computer case, a 50w hps, some mylar and computer fans)

CASE
1. I plan on getting a computer tower(which is roughly the same size) or a server case for this project. anyone know any

particular cases that work well? It shouldnt be too hard to cut the extra metal and mount some mylar right? locking would be

nice but not absolutely required...

LIGHTING
2. I was thinking of either using CFL(like flourex) or 70HPS(sunlightsheds uses 50wHPS) Im leaning towards the HPS since I
read its much more efficient(and better color spectrum)...though the CFL would have lower heat wise...
I havent seen any 70W hps lights with remote ballasts around..anyone know where I get one besides retrofitting one at home depot? I beleive the sunlightsheds model uses an electronic ballast...(it looks like they could have it integrated inside the unit?)
anyone have any recommendations on a premade or home depot light that would be good for this retrofit? it looks like their lighting setup is 'fixed'
anyone know what are good options for a 'screen' or 'glass' around the light?(to protect the plant from touching the bulb directly)

VENTILATION
3. I guess 2 'stock' 80cfm exhaust fans in the back should do the trick...wired to 12v adapters...(is there a better way?)

anyone have input on this? case selection would determine placement...
any ideas on how to lightproof the fans in the back? I can see how there would be a direct light leak back there..

STRAIN
4. I think only lowrider would really work in this setup. with a little training of course..l. plus the quick harvest time and not have to worry about the seperate veg/flower stages(if one turns out to be male, I can leave it in there for more seeds or quickly remove and replant another one..)

ODOR CONTROL
5. maybe a combination of a ONA block & and small ozone generator like they have on the site

HYDRO SYSTEM
6. anyone have any recommendations for a compact system that would fit into this unit like they have?

thanks in advance for any input they may have
btw anyone know any other good sites where I can look up stealth and minigrows like this? og was a great resource.. but

unfotunately its gone =(

[l3lunts]

I've been thinking of using a computer case as well since a friend of mine mentioned the idea to me a few days ago. Here is a site to help our research:

http://www.highbred.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=1122&hl=pc+case

also, here our a couple of cases you could use because I dont think anything smaller would be worth the while:

http://store.yahoo.com/mypccase/atxfultowcas2.html,
http://store.ramplus.com/78qufutoatpc.html

I was actually thinking about useing two of the first case, one for a mother/clone chamber and possibly to house the ballasts, reservoir, pupms and power supply. The other would be devoted solely to flowering. Thats all I have for now, maybe soeone else can chime in with some lighting/hydro system advice.

[turtle420]

Please let us know how it goes...

I'm scratching my head as to the computer case thing, but it's very interesting! :)

[ade dnb]

does anybody know where to get hold of them big towers? Ive looked everywhere but can't find them at a decent price and im not paying £100+ for a friggin computer case.....

I was thinking...

what if you have some ducting somehow attached to the back of the computer case to stop the light leakage. I know this won't fully stop it but i think it sould help.

There has already been a topic about sombody trying to stop light leaking out the back of their GR ill try and dig it out...

[graph]

ebay my friend! Type in computer tower. They're like 20-60 bucks, and some have very tight-closed designs.

[ade dnb]

i must be stupid or sumthing....

are you looking at the american ebay or uk?

Ive seen some quite tall towers in my local maplin's shop but that was along time ago.

Im not ready to build it just yet anyhow...ive still got to finish the main box but i will still be looking around and if i find 1 quite cheap il get it...

[xsailbox]

anyone have any ideas on lightproofing?
I sandwiched some carbon filter stuff between the intake and exhaust fans but the exhaust fans blow back into the case!
i need something that will block out 100% of the light so theres no light leaks at night..