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Planning first personal grow so need friendly advice please. Looking at stealthy addition to my huge toolbox, once gutted will be 15L X 24W X 50H. Thinking about 2 foot T5 4 or 6 tube fixture mounted on side. 6 inch passive intake running under the light, 4 inch can filter/fan combo mounted to roof. Is this OK? Not sure about adding any over head lighting at all, or should I cut back on side lighting to add overhead CFL's? Or just use all overhead CFL's? Thank you in advance
I'm pretty sure you need a light mounted on the top of the toolbox. Otherwise, the plants will grow sideways towards the light. This might not be a problem if you had a really long toolbox, but they will outgrow the box quickly with only 24". Besides that, one T5 light will only really get the plants through the veg cycle. You really need more light. Otherwise you'll be looking at a lot of stretching and a disappointing yield. Good luck :thumbsup:
Thank you for your very helpful input, I could not sleep last night thinking about what you said, so I have made some changesto my plan.
Found another side cabinet 18L X 18W X 60H. It is actually a semi truck toolbox with waterproof door (maybe light/smell prooof?)
Thinking based on what you said to put a single T5 4ft tube in every corner PLUS as much CFl overhead that I can fit in. About the same price as 4ft 4 tube T5 fixture but will spread light out to prevent funky growth pattern (leaning) you mentioned.
Thought just hang A/C computer fans from ceiling blowing towards plants for circulation BUT I saw a sweet fan for $15 at drugstore that is cylinder shaped and is similar in design to squirrel cage but oscilates. It has about a 6inch footprint, would this be better even though space is at a premium? Or hook computer fans to passive intakes to blow at plants? I know I must keep intake CFM less than out going CFM, is this another NOOB dumb idea???
while not all inclusive by any means, these threads will help give you a much deeper understanding of the topic at hand
your postings show that you have done some research and also they show a willingness to follow suggestions.
i suggest you invest an hour or so and read these threads, one is in lighting theory and if you need more info than that, just ask.
another deals with grow room design, how big or small, lighting, ventilation etc..., etc..., all things you need to consider (your building a mini grow room)
the other threads are a bit more entertaining, lol, they have more pics, and are examples of some of the things others are doing right now and how they're dealing with the issues facing you. (hopefully, you will be inspired)
and check out my own imaginary garden, everything makeshift, on the cheap.
anyway, good luck, and put up some pics, people like looking at them, and, if you have any trouble, it'll be a lot easier for an advanced grower to help diagnose your problem
http://boards.cannabis.com/indoor-gr...-progress.html
http://boards.cannabis.com/indoor-gr...s-numbers.html
http://boards.cannabis.com/grow-log/...-grow-log.html
http://boards.cannabis.com/grow-log/...first-run.html
http://boards.cannabis.com/hydroponi...effective.html
http://boards.cannabis.com/indoor-gr...-gro-ever.html
I would go with one of the links above for your first time grow.
I built this towards the end of my first grow. I had finally learned enough to sit down and design a cabinet to the specs I needed for my next grow.
http://boards.cannabis.com/growroom-...ther-area.html
It walks you through how to make a 72"Hx32"Wx32"D cabinet with a door. Inline fan installation, Ducting, passive intake, Sealing the room of light leaks and other things that will soon be added to put the finishing touches of the HOWTO.
Honestly though. A rubbermaid grow box would probably your best choice to start your first grow. Do 2 plants in soil in a rubber maid stealth setup.
You can throw it in a corner and toss clothes around on top of it. Make it blend in somehow. People don't usually suspect the rubbermaid tubs :thumbsup: