I am a newbie that is on his first run with a system I built myself. I just did a little research. I did buy the better items because I had planned on buying a sunlight shed, but feedback was bad. I could have done it cheaper but I was ready to start ASAP so I just bought what I needed.

I bought a cabinet for 99$ at HD
vent fans and ducting HD
400W light setup with bulbs (2 bulbs MH/HPS)
Water farm kit (comes with a lot of what you would need)
Air pump and Air stones - Petco
Dehumidifer -Sears
osc. Fan -HD
temp\humd gauges
A\C unit (cabinets get hot) 99$ HD
PH\EC\Temp meter for res (these get pricy, but make easy)
Nutes and PH control(just read label and slowing increase, keep plant happy, dont overdo)
Mylar
CO2 (I have a 40lb bottle on relay) Bottle was free becuase I had a few around, CO2 regulator kit is $150, filling bottle is ~$30
Carbon filter
Clay balls
Power strip or timer tree


My system is working really well. I have a short plant, though I think it is the strain. I have a 48"x18" that is 72" tall. Currently my main plant (the only one I have hope in) is 11" tallx 18" wide one way and 26" wide the other. I have a second small plant that is turning around, but with the main plant I already have 60% screen coverage. I just started flowering and I have not had a yield yet, but it sure has been pretty easy getting to this point. I had no instructions, just read a few books and bought some parts.

Pics details
The pics of the cabinet showing a\c and filter are 12 days apart. What is cut off in the pic is my venting, which I have two cheap 8" fans and in the bottom behind the mylar are two vents for fresh air


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