Raelum's first grow

Ok, i have about a 5' x 5' area to work with.

I havent decided between ebb and flow and NFT yet, I ruled out aeroponics and the other systems for various reasons.

I am trying to decide between a t5 flourescent setup that comes with veg and bloom bulbs and puts out about 30k lumens or a 400W HPS with a MH conversation bulb. I am leaning towards the 400W HPS/MH as it puts out more lumens and seems to be the perfect size for a 5' x 5' area. The cost for each are about the same on ebay ($160-200 from htgsupply).

For a reservoir I have an air pump, and water pump already. I have also gotten a airstone and planning on picking up a temperature controller (not sure if ill need it?)

I'll be using a 5' x 4' growing surface, about 3-4 inches deep. maybe cinderblocks or PVC pipe stand to hold it up (looking for a cheap solution).

As for growing media I havent decided between net pots with hydroton and a 1 inch rockwool or just a large rockwool cube.

I plan on using either mylar or polywrap wrapping paper (the plastic wrapping paper with a shiny side, I read this is a cheap alternative but I wasnt able to find what percentage of light it reflects.)

I got a heating mat, a large cake container (clear plastic dome and flat black tray), and then 3 small flourescent lights like 13 watts total (that enought??) that i plan on using for cloning and seeds.

I also planned a CO2 feeding system you can see here http://boards.cannabis.com/advanced-...ml#post1522474

As for nutrients I am open to suggestions, I read that Australian brands are the best? confirm? and i read about alot of others things that can be added, like birth control pills, boosters, etc.

Lastly, i am trying to decide if i WANT or NEED to drop alot of money on a sensor for EC, TDS, PH, CO2, etc. Whats better?

The best deal i could find for an all-in-one is this: eBay: PH Temp CF EC TDS PPM 6 in 1 Water Monitor Tester Meter (item 330144025335 end time Jul-07-07 16:25:32 PDT)
anyone have experience with that item?

ANY input would be greatly appreciated. I believe ive done all the research and reading before i posted this. and just basically want some reassurance :)

Oh ya, i plan on growing 16 plants, doing a Sea of Green method, and growing a NL-C99 hybrid or NL-?? hybrid. I feel pretty comfortable with everything up to the curing stage, but i will more then likely look into that when the time comes.

Thanks!
~Raelum:smokin:

Only one problem stands out in your post, and that is your lighting. It seems knda weak all around. Usually the rule of thumb is around 50 watts/ square foot, with a 5'x5' area, running 400w HPS you only have 16 watts/ square foot, and with the 5'x4' dimension, you only have 20 watts/ square foot. This will work to grow plants, but it's far from optimum.
And 39 watts of flouro is not gonna be enough to root the amount of clones needed to fill your growing area, unless you do a few clones and grow em' big.
Just keep on reading and saving for proper equipment, you'll get your garden going beautifully.
Also I would reccomend a 1000watt HPS system for your desired grow area, your going for about the same size I'm going for, and a 1000 watt in a 4'x5' puts you exactly at the desired 50 watts/ square foot.
peace

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Originally Posted by davejohnwright

Also I would reccomend a 1000watt HPS system for your desired grow area, your going for about the same size I'm going for, and a 1000 watt in a 4'x5' puts you exactly at the desired 50 watts/ square foot.

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all the advertisements said 400watts were good for a 5' x 5' area... guess they were being a little optimistic :P
been looking around and didnt want to spend too much money, im hoping that this will actually save me money in the long run, and plus growing is awesome

Quote:

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And 39 watts of flouro is not gonna be enough to root the amount of clones needed to fill your growing area, unless you do a few clones and grow em' big.
Just keep on reading and saving for proper equipment, you'll get your garden going beautifully.

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i was asking because i already had these laying around, ill pick up something with a little more punch....

and i think i may just by like a cheaper t5 fluorescent and start working on my moms, and by the time they are ready i should have the rest set up. know any good deals for a 1000W hps?

thanks,
~Raelum

First off check craigslist.com, I often see growers closing shop and selling their equpiment for a good rice on there.
Check in the yellow pages for an electrical supplier/ wholsaler in your area they should have HPS/MH systems for way cheaper than any hydro shop.
Or you can make your own, there may be a guide in the growfaqs here, but if you check around the other stoner sites you will find instructions on how to make your own, it's a good way to save a buck.

And as for 400 watts over a 5x5 area, they are talking about using it on common vegetables, and fruits, not Mary Jane.
peace