some questions before starting (building) a rubbermaid stealth grow box

[mgjscdhl]

First post here. I've been lurking around and looking at some growbox projects. I'm in Canada and tiny bit shy about posting. I want you to know I may make some grammatical errors and if so please ask me to explain. I've read some stuff but I'm not the type to dive in without checking how deep the pool is. I also know I need to read a bit more but want to start of with posting my ideas for discussion and (of course) help.

Whats caught my eye are smaller grow boxes; stealth pc box, rubbermaid or small closet.
I found these two posts my favorite (same guy though), but I'm sure I've missed a few other great ones.

Questions...138w CFL rubbermaid grow...flowering - Cannabis Forums Message Boards - Medical Marijuana, Cannabis Club, Dispensary, News
How To - Rubbermaid Tub Growbox - Cannabis Forums Message Boards - Medical Marijuana, Cannabis Club, Dispensary, News


Following these threads I made two pictures, which I hope help illustrate my ideas.

Picasa Web Albums - mgjscdhl

Picasa Web Albums - mgjscdhl


Here is what I have so far:

2x rubbermaid boxes (18" D, 23.5" W, 16" H)
4x cflu lightbulbs (13w, 800 limens, 10,000 hr life)
1x emergency/space blanket
2x (120mm x 120mm) computer fans
thermometer/hydrogemeter.

My plan:

Plants: I want to buy some random seeds, or early flowering breed, from a shop online. They will be sativa or hybrid because I am using for medical purposes; pain releif, anti-inflamatory, sleep aid and stress/"depression". I will likely get a seedling kit/greenhouse to start with. I haven't looked at those yet without getting this box started.

I only want to grow a few plants at a time. Maybee 3-4x, nothing big since this is for personal use.

**
I have two boxes, but I didn't want to use both unless absolutely necessary. I was thinking if I used non-feminized plants I could seperate the female that way, or I could have some redundancy. In this example I'm using 1x box.

**
I want to make a "viewing" glass on side. Just large enough to see the lights are operational and to glue the thermometer/hydrogmeter to the glass for easy reading (without removing lid).

Lights: I want to wallpaper the insides/lid with the space blanket around using silver duct tape, then either buy a lighting fixture or make something with light sockets and a metalic sheet or hood. My first thoughts were using clothes hangers but afraid it would not be sturdy enough. I could hang the hood from the lid and raise/lower it if needed.

Perhaps when the box is made I can better check out the light intensity and reflectivity but right now these are my ideas. Considering I have 52w and 32,000 lumens is that enough for this scale and number of plants?? He has more lamp power but he also has more plants than I would.

Airflow: I'm undecided to buy a duct fan or use my 2x computer fans for intake and exaust. I want to follow these specs on the thread, keeping on ontop and one near bottom on opposing sides..and keep the top for exaust since warm/hot air rises.

Heat: One thing I'm not sure of is how a small box like this will heat up. The thread I meantioned didn't seem to have to many issues. I think I could try the two computer fans and upgrade to a duct fan if it has problems. Is there a way to test this prior to growing?

Filter: One hole in my design, and one of concern is filter. I am fairly worried about smell and would like to know if there are any cheap homemade filters?

Water: Well, the only question I have is automation. I briefly looked at the local gardening for irrigation systems but I dunno. They are like 50$ and don't seem to be for indoors. I also remember a commercial for a glass blown bulb. I was wondering if anybody used those? I am more or less just curious.


I know.. I need to do more reading but this is a peliminary post. I also know these forums are probably best way to get knowledge. There is so much information to soak in and so many different methods, box sizes, genetics to consider. I've watched a few videos, grow logs, and other resources, including the "Jorge Cervantes" book. I need to read more up about chemicals/nutrients and soil. I am not "green thumb" so this is a topic I know I need to work on. I thought of finding compost or organic treated
if there is such a thing. If there is anything at all wrong please let me know. If you have suggestions, comments (constructive of course lol) I want to hear it and I want to discuss it. Hopefully I can get something going pretty soon and not rely on anybody else for my weed.

thanks for viewing and I hope my grammar wasn't difficult to follow
I hope you all don't mind the post to another site
Freeballer

mgjscdhl Reviewed by mgjscdhl on 12-11-2009. some questions before starting (building) a rubbermaid stealth grow box First post here. I've been lurking around and looking at some growbox projects. I'm in Canada and tiny bit shy about posting. I want you to know I may make some grammatical errors and if so please ask me to explain. I've read some stuff but I'm not the type to dive in without checking how deep the pool is. I also know I need to read a bit more but want to start of with posting my ideas for discussion and (of course) help. Whats caught my eye are smaller grow boxes; stealth pc box, rubbermaid Rating: 5

[mgjscdhl]

** editing, update**

I made a mistake in calculation of lumens. I think I need around 6k for the plants. I looked at a local shop and saw 26w, 1700lumens. Maybee need 4-6x of those?

[Phunnyman]

I know the glass bulb you are speaking of, I use them for all of my regular house plants and they actually work pretty well on those. I have no idea how they would work on mj plants, hopefully/maybe someone else has tried them? I'de like to know as well.

[bonedaddy420]

If you are looking for a rubbermaid in action, you can check out my current grow log(link in my sig). I would not do the 2 fan system, 1 for exhaust is fine as long as its a fan of good quality. Also I personally don't think you could fit more than 1 plant at a time in the box unless you are running a sog/scrog style with multiple clones. FWIW Bodom was also only running a single plant in his(hers?) rubbermaid aswell. Good luck:jointsmile:

[mgjscdhl]

awesome. I love reading the small grows.
Also helps me see what mistakes I already made
thanks for the link

yeah. perhaps the amount of plants was a bit overzelous. I'm thinking 1 or 2 at most now.

[mgjscdhl]

I'm taking the low $$, "easiest" method. Since I put up some lightproofing, and hopefully soundproofing, in the closet I think the light will not be visable inside the room. I cleaned, dried and let stand the bins prior to painting. One sticker would not easily removed.. Oh well. I've painted the tops and one bin using a can of krylon fuzion white paint (spray).

There are a few patches, some globs and one crack. I have a few pictures below, the first being light seeping out with no paint and a 26w cfl just to test. I'm going out later for more paint. I hope a second coat will cover my LOUSY paint job. I'm hoping a second coat will help. If not I'll sand it off, add a third or ditch it all for mylar/panda film.

Oh, and I'm partway in my construction. IF the pain works I have my fixtures already madeup. The fans just need the controller and my equipment for testing moisture, light, ph. Still..... Waiting on seeds



Picasa Web Albums - mgjscdhl

Picasa Web Albums - mgjscdhl

Picasa Web Albums - mgjscdhl

Picasa Web Albums - mgjscdhl