setup input

[jpond83]

had to tear everything down today. I give up.

[Farmer Rich]

Hey Farmer Rich,

I was looking at some of your pics, I see a fellow builder!

Looks good!

I haven't built much yet, just quickie things but I'm working on a better design. I thought about a two level box, a small grow box on the bottom and a flower box up top. T5's don't take up a lot of room, so might be possible.
Design is hard!

A lot easier to see problems after you build it.

Design by evolution.

Hey Tacman7,

Yeah, it was trial and error for me. In hind site, I think I over did the light by going with a 600w system.. In a box now, I'd opt for an LED or go with a cooled 400w system. T-5's seem to be the wrong dimension, and IMHO the other CFLs are just too weak. Hope the pics helped you out. I also have some of the frame if your interested..

Peace,

Farmer Rich

[Farmer Rich]

had to tear everything down today. I give up.

Hey Jpond,

Don't let it get to you. Just rethink your approach and adjust.

Peace,

Farmer Rich

[jpond83]

everything was growing great. my wife didn't like them smelling up the house. i will wait until summer and do it outside. gave the plants to a friend

[tacman7]

Well that's a shame.

I think it makes the house smell good.

I have a friend who clones indoors and plants them in his yard in the summer, works good, you can do that in the garage in a box, or buy a clone tray and dome.

[Farmer Rich]

The wife card generally trumps all! :jointsmile:

[tacman7]

Hey Tacman7,

Yeah, it was trial and error for me. In hind site, I think I over did the light by going with a 600w system.. In a box now, I'd opt for an LED or go with a cooled 400w system. T-5's seem to be the wrong dimension, and IMHO the other CFLs are just too weak. Hope the pics helped you out. I also have some of the frame if your interested..

Peace,

Farmer Rich

Yes I'm looking at a larger cabinet with substantial framing like you have, looks like 2x6's.

The whole top of my bloom box is an 8 bulb T5 HO light. I built the box to fit the light. All the inside is reflective material the way it came.

I think with the high reflectivity and if I keep the buds up within 6 inches of the light it can have decent results. Takes work but I find it entertaining.

It's like having a technical hobby like an aquarium or something.

I like putting it on wheels. It looks like your other rolling boxes are in a big light room, looks good.

I don't know if I'll run lights in the summer, might do all outdoor grow.

I keep thinking about floor space and I'd like to design a bloom and grow box in one.

Things start out simple but can get very complex.

Yes I'd like to see your framing or any lessons you've learned that I might want to avoid.

I'm going to have an intake and exhaust fan in each section.

I use 12v computer fans running on 5v or 6v power supplies, that way they're pretty mellow and not screaming.

Thanks for the help!

[Farmer Rich]

Hey Tacman7,

You're welcome!

Here's some of the frame pictures for you. The idea was to overlapping joints to prevent light leaks. all 2 x 4s, 3/4 plywood for horizontal surfaces, 1/2 plywood on back, sides and doors (everything vertical). I used outdoor deck screws to fasten it together.. If I were doing it again, I'd size it for an 8 tube t-5 like your using. Less heat and your right, you can put them right on top of the plants.. Not sure where you live, me in the Pacific NW.. The first year with the box, I ended up shutting down for about 6 weeks in the summer and restarted in the fall.. but it is a lot easier up here with cooling since it normally doesn't get hot very long in the summer. Also, since I lived rurally I was able to vent my box through the garage wall by putting in another dryer vent.

Farmer

Attachment 281811Attachment 281812Attachment 281813

[tacman7]

Thanks, looks nice, Heavy Duty!

Yea my 8 bulb fixture gets pretty warm, I put heat sinks on it to keep it cool, so it could be on the very top open to the air.

The 4 bulb unit is cooler and could sit under a shelf with some air space around it for a grow section.

Well I'm getting antsy now. Want to get building. I hurt my foot so I'm taking it easy until it heals, that's the only way I get a vacation is injury.

Gets pretty hot here in SoCal, I was wondering why they called it a desert.

Actually we change the climate. When I helped my uncle move to Mira Loma it was like dirt, rocks and hot. Then over the decades there was so much building and agro growing around him it because humid there.

And there's climate shift.

It's actually been berry good to me. A lot more really mild weather when it used to be 110 for weeks and weeks, now we just get a few hot days here and there.

I'm just waiting for when half of California falls in the ocean and I have my beach front property.





Thanks

[Farmer Rich]

I feel you on the heat in the Inland Empire.. I used to live in Chino Hills. Where do you put your box, inside or garage?