Grow Plans... Good? Bad? Check it...

[chron-tron]

Okay, I am a greenhorn when it comes to serious growing. I've grown outdoor and had window plants before, but I'm looking to get just a bit more serious. I'll run you through my proposed set-up, and I'd like some input on how you think it will work.

The Set-up:

2 strains - Black Domina - Blueberry.

1st cabinet - 3' x 3' homemade hydro* with a 3' high 1000w HP Sodium bulb (10,000 lumens) for flowering (12 hrs light)

2nd cabinet - 2' x 2' homemade hydro* with 2' high 400w metal halide (9,997 lumens) for smaller plants/clones (18 hrs)

*homemade hydro - aquariums (lightproofed) with pots in styrofoam floating atop the water, herb planted in pots in clean peat gravel, aerator hose, fan blowing accross

Walls of cabinets to be flat white as it is said to reflect more light than aluminem foil/safety blankets.

I have an AutoCAD drawing of the bitch if anyone needs clarification on what exactly the setup looks like.

CONCERNS:
The lumens remain consistent (close enough), so I don't THINK the light change should cause any problems.

Hydroponics - the system seems fairly airtight in theory, but I've only used soil up to this point... are there any crucial factors I should know about hydro (changing water, consistent temps, transplanting tips, etc)

Plant Spacing - I am giving them basically 1 square foot each in my 12hr cabinet, and I don't know if this is enough! Obviously I want to have a good harvest if I'm gonna put in the time to set this up. I could leave them unpruned, or prune them... doesn't matter to me, I just want the best yield possible out of the set space.

Cost of running lights - Chances are I will be renting a place while I have this set-up, and I don't want the hydro bill jump enough to raise suspision. Any estimates on the cost of running these lights (400w sylvania MH, 1000w HPS).

This is not yet set up, so by all means post your suggestions/improvements... I will be getting this project under way in May... and it'd be nice to learn as much as possible before then.

1 Last Thing... I want input, but only if you actually know what you are talking about. Don't post what you think 'would work better' unless you know your shit! Let's see what you've got...

BLAZE ON!:jointsmile:

chron-tron Reviewed by chron-tron on 04-12-2007. Grow Plans... Good? Bad? Check it... Okay, I am a greenhorn when it comes to serious growing. I've grown outdoor and had window plants before, but I'm looking to get just a bit more serious. I'll run you through my proposed set-up, and I'd like some input on how you think it will work. The Set-up: 2 strains - Black Domina - Blueberry. 1st cabinet - 3' x 3' homemade hydro* with a 3' high 1000w HP Sodium bulb (10,000 lumens) for flowering (12 hrs light) 2nd cabinet - 2' x 2' homemade hydro* with 2' high 400w metal halide Rating: 5

[Bree1978]

Well I think either your watts are off or your lumens.....HPS 1000w put out 140,000 lu and 400w MH put out 37,000 lu.....So, that is way too much light and HEAT in that little of space! CFL's or floros would be good in that veg chamber and a 400w HPS for flower. Or perhaps you have the wattage off...?

Instead of pruning look up LST. Basically tying and training the plant. Or you could flower once they reach 6 nodes, that way they don't get too big.


Bree don't know hydro, so I can't comment on any of that.


:jointsmile: Bree

[chron-tron]

Bree... thanks for the response. As for your lumens/wattage questioning, the numbers you have quoted are if you have the light 1' away. I have looked at the J. Cervantes 'indoor grow bible' which has a table in it for each lamp, and how far away to have it from the plants in order to deliver the disired number of lumens (10K). The heat on the other hand, I haven't taken into consideration. I didn't think 1 light with a fan blowing on the cabinet would require additional exhaust vents. I've seen plants grown with flouro tubes, and they just don't seem to get enough light... growing in a window is more effective.

[keeko]

how do you plan on cooling the 1000w in the 3x3........thats kinda overkill if you cant keep your area cool

[Bree1978]

Bree... thanks for the response. As for your lumens/wattage questioning, the numbers you have quoted are if you have the light 1' away. I have looked at the J. Cervantes 'indoor grow bible' which has a table in it for each lamp, and how far away to have it from the plants in order to deliver the disired number of lumens (10K). The heat on the other hand, I haven't taken into consideration. I didn't think 1 light with a fan blowing on the cabinet would require additional exhaust vents. I've seen plants grown with flouro tubes, and they just don't seem to get enough light... growing in a window is more effective.

Well, if you have too much light in that space, you will bleach your plants.[attachment=o130570] Photo taken from : International Cannagraphic Magazine Forums - The Complete guide to Sick Plants,pH, and Pest troubles!
I know this first hand because I am working in a slightly bigger space with a dual spec 800w (87,000 lu) and have bleached my plants, slightly. In your CAD design (which I am familiar with, share if you'd like) did you take space out for ventilation and lighting fixtures? Just a thought. Heat will be a huge issue. And don't start a fight (saying lightheartedly) I and many others have grown with floros and had good results-mine was a first grow so it couldda been much better.... Before that I had trying growing in a window and got SHITE!!!! lol...that is how I came to join this site. Another point- why bust your energy budget in the beginning stages? A lot of growers use floros for moms/seedlings/clones. Of course you have been an outdoor grower so you can't compare that with indoor, consider the enviromental issues...especially space!!!! So why deal with heat and mo' money?

:jointsmile: Bree

[chron-tron]

Aight, I'd like to toss my CAD file up here for... whoever really, just gives a better idea for you of what I'm up against (design-wise). I'd like to post the FILE itself, as I've used the layers and such which would be useless in jpeg format. Is there an easy way to post a file on the board?

[Dizzy1]

You should print that CAD file as a PDF so the non-cad people here can view it as well.
I have the capability if you need help.

subzero @ gmail . com

edit:
missed your last post. What do you mean you used the layers and it would be useless as a jpeg? As in if you just did a screen shot?
You should still be able to print it to a PDF or TIFF using your pen table and have it look correct. Or even do a print preview and take a screenie.
If you need help lemme know.

[chron-tron]

I tried to upload the file, but the forum won't let me post a DWG file. I converted the file to a BMP, then in paint to a jpg. Lost quality, but better than nothing! on the photo. Also, layers were labelled so you could tell what they were (eg. styrofoam, hidden lines, screen, etc) but as long as you didn't just blaze a cannon, you should be able to piece it together. If anyone has interest in seeing the CAD file, I can email it (as I will to dizzy1).

[JackdaWack]

Yo man, fans dont blow through walls..... ha. U need some sorta serous active exhaust and intake to keep that shitts cool, 235cfm to cool a 400 wtt 4 foot tall cab.

[whitestalkslongwalks]

well i'm pretty sure that's not a solid wall silly


is the room lightproofed? cuz this cab is VERY open. you can't be letting light in your flowering room when your girls are sleeping