Building grow cabinet.. Need help. First timer

[dragit]

I been reading on hydroponics for months (probably a few years would be more accurate), and now ready to go build my own system.

Main reason i want to build my cabinet is i'm very hands on, and being a plumber, it's somewhat up my alley.

Alright... i'll give you all a overview of my rough plans and then I need suggestions and some answers to a few questions.

I plan on getting a storage cabinet similar to what can be found in Sears, Kmart, Walmart, etc... Something about 6 foot tall, 3 feet wide, and 25 inchs deep. Im sure you all know what im talking about. Mainly doing something like this for expandability and possibly stuff a couple stages into it. Keeping all my activity's in enclosed area.

Up top I was gunna get a 400w lighting sytem that i can use both a HPS and MH bulbs in to make sure I get the plant what it needs during all stages of growth. Also plan on doing some sort of 3 inch venting and exhaust system to keep heat from bulbs down and try and keep enough co2 in the cabinet to promote fast growth.

Plans will probably be held in net pots and whatever grow medium I feel like trying at the time. I have a lot of wood ships/saw dust so I may see how well that works for shits and giggles the first grow. Design of the "hydroponics" are is simple with a rubbermaid container holding nutrient with a pump under another rubbermaid container that will house the net pots and plants. Common design.

As for feeding system I plan on a no-return drip system. Reason for no return is keeping the pH level and amount of nutrients in my solution to the desired level will be easier. I know it wastes nutrient but i can deal with that. This is where most my questions are.



-How big of a line should i use to transport the nutrient from the pump?
-What should i use for drip emmiters and what kind of GPH should i aim for?
-Also, most everything i read on this subject has never gone into detail on
frequency of watering and how that varies through stages of growth. Does
have any tips on how often to water and how much at a time. I will set the
pump up on a timer of course to follow a schedule.
-Lastly I do realize all this depends on something else. There are a lot of
variables that affect a lot of things. I just need someone to put a number
in "x" and "y" so I will end of with "z" (figure of speech, but still need advice)



I will probably set up it up so everything above uses most of the room in the cabinet and below that I have a small level for the "infancy" stages of grows and to practice cloning and what not.

Smell will be somewhat of an issue and I was hoping the use of a charcoal filter at the end of the exhaust system and a in the room the cabinet is in, have a ozone generator to keep smell down. At first I will just be keeping track of temp and pH. Later on I will watch humidity and the ppm in the nutrients, I just have no way at the moment.



Here is where you all come in and make suggestions and what not to better my plans. I wanted to try aeroponics first, but this will be a good start either way. The drip system questions are my biggest worry; That and if 400 watt bulbs are too much for this size of an area.

SO ANYTHING you have in your mind to say please do so. I have been reading so much and I want my first crop to come out as if a professional did it. Also, links to good nutrients to use are helpful. There are so many kinds I just dont know what to order.


THANK ALL OF YOU FOR EVERYTHING ON THE FORUM AND EVEN MORE TO THOSE THAT HELP ME!


Couple more questions...

-In this size of an area.. what is the best method to get the best yield?

-Should i do a couple plants or can i fit many smaller plants and flower sooner?
Suggestions here would also be great help... I was planning on 16"ish tall plants.

-After i start getting clones im going to try a scrog. Seems they are working out well.

[iddoher]

Just as a suggestion, you may want to look into a hydro hut instead of conveting a cheapo partical board cabinet. I was looking for a cabinet to convert as a veg box but they seem to be costly compared to huts ($150-$200). However, building your own would be the best way. Which ever way do do decide, it seems that you do have the right idea. Sorry can't help you on drip systems.

peace

[dragit]

Originally Posted by iddoher

Just as a suggestion, you may want to look into a hydro hut instead of conveting a cheapo partical board cabinet. I was looking for a cabinet to convert as a veg box but they seem to be costly compared to huts ($150-$200). However, building your own would be the best way. Which ever way do do decide, it seems that you do have the right idea. Sorry can't help you on drip systems.

peace

thanks for the suggestion... but hat im looking at is the lil more tough and light plastic cabinets... found them from about $60 to as much money as anyone could want to spend... They seem to be fairly sturdy and pretty cost effective. Also they will be good "sealed" units to make sure its dark when i want it to be dark and light when i want it to be light...

[dragit]

i added a few more questions.... someone please help?