Any advice on starting....

[markjohns]

Hi All,
Basically I am looking to setup my own system, My two biggest problems are size & smell- to be in my Garage (+ the fact I have never grown before) I have seen some very good enclosed systems (blackbox/quick grow) which would be ideal, but they are a bit on the big side for what I need. Are there any smaller totally enclosed systems which are as easy to to use similiar to the two mentioned? (have you made one and willing to share how to?)

Please, if you had a chance to start again what advice would you have wanted from the off. (great FAQ section BTW). This is just for me, so don't really want factory/mass production methods!!
Peace for now (probably be quite a few questions as time goes on...)
many thanks in advance,:thumbsup:
M

Needs must. I was hoping BM (Ca) would be back up and running by now I live in the UK. [email protected] any help/advice greatfully received.

markjohns Reviewed by markjohns on 04-29-2006. Any advice on starting.... Hi All, Basically I am looking to setup my own system, My two biggest problems are size & smell- to be in my Garage (+ the fact I have never grown before) I have seen some very good enclosed systems (blackbox/quick grow) which would be ideal, but they are a bit on the big side for what I need. Are there any smaller totally enclosed systems which are as easy to to use similiar to the two mentioned? (have you made one and willing to share how to?) Please, if you had a chance to start again Rating: 5

[hydroponicphx]

Are you planning on building a system or buying one? Building is probably a better way to go, as you get exactly what you want. You should look through the forums more, there are some really good posts that cover cabinet/stealth setups. ScROG seems to be a good way to grow in small spaces. I plan on using it. For odor, an ozone generator, air ionizer, or carbon filter will work.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, this is only information I've read through the forums or books.

[markjohns]

hydroponicphx -thanks for the reply.
I was originally thinking of buying because err not really sure on what exactly I need to get started ScROG never heard of it? I will search the forums more for info on stealth/cabinet set ups. Are there any good books about building? (that someone would recommend)?
thanks again,
M

[DoctorFeelGood]

hydroponicphx -thanks for the reply.
I was originally thinking of buying because err not really sure on what exactly I need to get started ScROG never heard of it? I will search the forums more for info on stealth/cabinet set ups. Are there any good books about building? (that someone would recommend)?
thanks again,
M

Hi
Can you tell me what the size of your grow area will be? Can you tell me what lights you have or want? What kind of money do you have to invest in your grow op?
Do you want soil or hydro? Do you have an old refrigerator or can you get one? They are pretty good.
You can also buy grow tents on-line check ebay maybe one of those suit your fancy.
Smell wont be a major problem in a garage I dont think.
Answer these questions and I will try to help the best I can.
Doc

[markjohns]

sorry posted same reply twice.

[markjohns]

Doc,
Many thanks for taking the time to reply
the grow area I have is a max of 80cm x 56cm x 100cm (height x depth x width) ideally less width! I am not sure on which lights to go for? Money is not a problem. Would rather go for hydro (less hassle I believe?) I was also thinking of making/buying a type of cabinet to fit the above (easier to blend in with what is already there. The fridge is a possible but woud rather make it out of wood. (stealthier) the growtents are'nt really what I was after, and again i think i would still need some smell retardent (activated charcoal filter?) Stealth is quite a priority and again no smell!(if possible) The reason for steath and smell is to keep it away from prying eyes. (family/friends etc) If it helps I was hoping of something to cater for just 1-2plants only. (also if it's possible to have things automated, electric timers etc. There may be times where I would have to leave it unattended for a max of 12-14 days.
Again many thanks,
M
Ps. Hope I am not being too specifc! LOL

[turtle420]

Hey Mark,

Welcome!

I would definitely go the custom build route. As was said, you get exactly what you want/need.

If money ain't a problem, that's good. Very good. Not that you need to spend big bucks (thousands) for a 1st, good grow, but... it can go to your head (trust me, I know about buying un-necessary stuff).

<><><>
Smell: I haven't used ionizers, ozone generators, etc... so I can't comment reliably. But carbon filters will work perfectly... no smell.

As for stealth, understand that you will have various cables (probably) running into your box. I don't know your garage, but maybe you can carefully place the cables throught the floor/wall edge, and nobody notices.

Question: Is the stealth part, more like:
-You don't want it to look blatantly like a grow setup. So people can walk into the garage with you, grab whatever, then leave without noticing...

Or is it stealth like:
-absolutely 100% stealth...

????

Both of them are doable... just that the "100% stealth" thing is very difficult (fan noises (there are mufflers), the cables, a big box in the garage, etc.)
....

Nothing, just two or three things to shoot for.

I converted your measurements, for the other half of us ( )
80 centimeter = 2.624 ft
56 centimeter = 1.837 ft
100 centimeter = 3.280 ft

Will you be using HIDs? (High Intensity Discharge bulbs... ie, HPS, MH (high peressure sodium, metal halide)? They'll give the best results.

[Garden Knowm]

5-10 CFLS
1-3 plants
soil medium


Perfect beginner set up.. with a nice yield!!!!!!!!!

: )

[markjohns]

Hey Mark,

Welcome!

I would definitely go the custom build route. As was said, you get exactly what you want/need.

If money ain't a problem, that's good. Very good. Not that you need to spend big bucks (thousands) for a 1st, good grow, but... it can go to your head (trust me, I know about buying un-necessary stuff).

<><><>
Smell: I haven't used ionizers, ozone generators, etc... so I can't comment reliably. But carbon filters will work perfectly... no smell.

As for stealth, understand that you will have various cables (probably) running into your box. I don't know your garage, but maybe you can carefully place the cables throught the floor/wall edge, and nobody notices.

Question: Is the stealth part, more like:
-You don't want it to look blatantly like a grow setup. So people can walk into the garage with you, grab whatever, then leave without noticing...

Or is it stealth like:
-absolutely 100% stealth...

????

Both of them are doable... just that the "100% stealth" thing is very difficult (fan noises (there are mufflers), the cables, a big box in the garage, etc.)
....

Nothing, just two or three things to shoot for.

I converted your measurements, for the other half of us ( )
80 centimeter = 2.624 ft
56 centimeter = 1.837 ft
100 centimeter = 3.280 ft

Will you be using HIDs? (High Intensity Discharge bulbs... ie, HPS, MH (high peressure sodium, metal halide)? They'll give the best results.

Hi turtle420 & Garden Knowm ,
Thanks for the reply
Question: Is the stealth part, more like:
-You don't want it to look blatantly like a grow setup. So people can walk into the garage with you, grab whatever, then leave without noticing... CORRECT
Will you be using HIDs? (High Intensity Discharge bulbs... ie, HPS, MH (high peressure sodium, metal halide)? They'll give the best results. -sorry still not sure about these? if you say HID's are best I will go for one of them

5-10 CFLS
1-3 plants
soil medium
-Not really sure what this all means 5-10CFLS ??
I get the 1-3 plants LOL
medium soil?
sorry but I am total basic to growing things.
regards M

[BizzyStick]

He meant Compact Flouresent Lights. They are also used to grow, they are cheaper and give off way less heat then HID's but aren't as good as HID's when it comes to yield. As for the medium lol...medium is the type of growing compound? you use to grow. Ex. soil, hydroponics?

(I hope i explained the medium thing well) =\