Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. This is the first primary question... what size space should I have for my room? ....The cieling is 8 feet tall, I've been debating on a size of 7x5 for the grow room?
That'll be fine if you're not even considering getting more than a 400w light

Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. I will only be growing for a max of 3 years and hope to yield enough to keep me supplied for years to come.
Good luck preserving it for years to come.

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Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. Now, do I simply paint the drywall with flat white paint or invest in the sheets of steel I saw mentioned on here?
It's not steel, it's mylar (like a cross between plastic and chrome- sort of.
Flat white is just fine.


Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. (or is it just a smell barrier?)
Nope. You're going to have to deal with that issue separately; see below.


Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. I've planned on an exhaust either out the back of the house or up through the roof (
Up through the roof is ideal. If you have an unused chimney, use it. The higher up the exhaust is, the more the wind disperses smell, the more stealth the whole thing is.


Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. Next, as far as lighting goes I COULD afford a 400W fps,
YES! Get one! [HPS you mean]


Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. but I already have several regular light bulb balasts with circular reflectors and wall clips (the utility lights you can buy at wally world or wherever)
NO! Those are useless for agricultural applications.


Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. In this case and for my limited grow time, would a few Compact Flourescent's be better?
If you insist on using clip lights, flouro's are better than incandescents.

Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. Also, should I create an automatic / timer-ed watering system or would I be ok watering them myself?
In dirt, you're well off to water them yourself because it forces you to pay more attention to your garden and you will see problems right away.


Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. I've purchased 2 high-end Panasonic Computer Fans, one I planned to use for the exhaust and one for the intake.
You'll want a bit more air flow than that. Ventilation is crucial. Have some other fans blowing gently around the room.


Quote Originally Posted by televisor
. Finally, and most importantly, what type of door for this closet would you recommend? Smell is a serious concern although people will rarely ever be in my basement, I will inevitably have a family member who will want to see the front tool closet.
It's the exhaust air you're going to have to deal with the most. search for 'carbon scrubber' or 'ozone generator'.

Good luck. Do your research.