Mini-Fridge Grow Box!!!

Dopehead_680 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 07:42 AM

My buddy and i recently began our first attempt at a growbox. It needs to be stealthy, because there are family members that shouldnt see this stuff

this what we got

Light:
2x 150w MH

Circulation:
Fan driven intake and exaust, 2x 4.75" Bi-Sonic fans

Fridge:
Samsung Model: SR-120G
(old dorm fridge)

Tools:
Dremel
Various screwdrivers
Bolt cutters
Forceps(or something similar e.g. needle nose pliers)

Pictures:
Intended light placement, making H.D. run to get hooks to suspend with tomorrow.

First question; Should we suspend the lights with chains and move the light up as needed, or, should we leave them stationary at the top of the fridge and use the racks to move the plant down from the light as we go?

Reflectors

Not much to say here, shiny metal things.

No space wasted

We cut the freon lines and tore out the old compressor. In this void we stuffed the ballasts; they fit like a glove. To the left of the ballasts we used a Dremel to saw out a 4.75" square for out intake fan.

Wireing went through the existing hole that once held the freon line.

This was a small 1/4" hole, using forceps we beveled out the hole slightly and fed wires from the inside out. Throw some wire nuts and electrical tape and presto. We have electricity to the lights.

Exhausting work

Again using a Dremel with a cut off tool to cut another 4.75" square for the exhuast fan. Hence the carefully placed pun.

Let there be light

. 300w of 10,000K HQI

The lights didn't finish warming up yet and the Camera couldnt take it.

so basically we started by gutting it completely including ripping off the rack on the inside door. That has left exposed insulation and we were wondering what is the best to slap on there, other then Mylar. I've read mixed reviews about aluminum foil any other suggestions?

next stepped was the cutting, fitting and wireing. already covered in the pics.

We feel as if we are well on our way however we would like some feedback.

The only things left to do on our lovely Fridge after a days worth of work is to do something with the lights, and get power to our fans.

again any feedback would be great.

craziazn1469 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 08:06 AM

I was wondering how to go about doing this, I have a minifridge sitting around and wanted to use it for the same reasons.

nuggs419 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 11:16 AM

how did u get the freon line out and where did you guys pick up your lights at?

Dopehead_680 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 05:05 PM

damn... 47 Views and no questions answered.

To answer your question Nuggs,

First of all, **VERY IMPORTANT** When cutting the freon lines and removing the compressor, you MUST go outside. Freon is obviously no good for you.

First you gotta locate the freon tube. It was a hard metal tube that ran from the top of the back of the fridge, down to the compressor. We used wire cutters, bolt cutters, anything we could to get it open. Once it was cut, we tipped the fridge and let the freon drain into a pile of leaves in my driveway. When it was done we ripped out the clip-tie thingies that held the compressor in and voila! a fridge w/o a compressor.

As for the lights, we got the from a fish/aquatics store.... a special 5 finger discount

If anyone could read up and maybe attempt to give us any feedback or answers to our questions it would be greatly appeciated!!!!

thx!!

Satchmo · #5 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 05:41 PM

I hope the fridge was filled with r134a and not r12, but either way it looks like its coming along nice. Depending on how many plants you plan to have in there I think it would be easier to have the lights stationary at the top and move the plants up and down so you dont have to worry about the wires.

bitterscooter · #6 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 06:01 PM

why not have the fridge still working hook it up to a thermstat so if your heat gets to high it will turn on for you and keep things at the right temp??

nice job BTW I run a full fridge old 40's one that I have had for over 20yrs!! after 5 yrs of the wife telling me how much hydro it sucked I took out the compressor and crap, and now wish I did'nt , my temp would run alot better if I had thought about more first!! but now it sucks hydro for the cause!!
you might need more fans?? I found those PC fans did'nt do much for me!!
do alot of testing with heat before you get plants in it ,plants will just add more heat so you should be prepared

cheers

Dopehead_680 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 09:52 PM

Satchmo, what exactly do you mean by that? what is the difference between r134a and r12??

In response to bitter scooter,
1st of all the fridge was not fully functional, so the thermostat is out of the question.

2nd of all, ive learned from looking at past mini-fridge grows in the forum that a fridge is designed to keep a certain amount of air cool,and to maintain that temperature. Having ventilation and lights in it would eventually blow the compressor, which would eventually lead us back to where we are now. So we skipped the aggravation of a possible set back, and took out the compressor altogether.

I bet that fridge from the 40's is a friggin horse tho, could possibly be why the compressor hasnt blown yet.

Satchmo · #8 (**permalink**) 11-13-2007, 10:09 PM

R12 kills the ozone layer r134a afaik does not.

Dopehead_680 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-14-2007, 07:14 AM

So we got the lights up today! We used satchmo's advice on keeping the lights stationary,(Props to Satchmo) and used hooks and some random metal craft wire that i had lying around the house to get them suspended. Heres a picture of the box with the lights up.

Although we had never mentioned it before in the thread, we were wondering what to put on the inside of the door, since we took off the rack. We figured tin foil wouldnt hurt, and was a real simple solution.

Does anyone have any better ideas as to what i might be able to replace this with? or is the foil good enough??

Oh yeah, i almost forgot. we ran into a small problem with the fans. neither of them work.. pssh. Im going out and grabbing a couple more tomorrow afternoon.

Soon after we will begin testing.

Cant wait!

Feedback y'all, plz leave some feedback.

Thx for the help thus far!

Dopehead_680 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 02:50 AM

I went out today and bought some fans and a sheet of activated carbon filter. cost me about 75 bucks between the 3 items.
I began testing as soon as i got the fans plugged in. Its about 90 degrees right now.

im gonna run it for a little while longer just to make sure it wont get too hot.

Keeping in mind that the plants need to be kept short, Does anyone have any suggestions on what soil and nutes i should use?
I hear foxfarm is the best for nutes. I also hear that miracle grow soil sucks. Can anyone throw some ideas my way???

Thx!!

Mr. Muffin · #11 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 03:19 AM

u should use 4 fans, if its really 90 in there...where are u taking temps?

hydro would be soo easy in ur setup, cheap too

Dopehead_680 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 03:44 AM

Isnt that a pretty good temp to be growing in?? I moved the thermometer towards the top of the fridge, its about 5 or 6 inches from the lights.

And would you care to give me a bit more detail about making my setup hydro???

Thx man!

Swa_Swa · #13 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 04:01 AM

75-78 is ideal. I grow in 85 and still have good results. At 90 with out any co2 being added to the room growth really slows down and can hurt growth later hurting yields down the road.

Dopehead_680 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 04:22 AM

So do you advise that i use one of those Co2 injection systems? or isnt there a way i can produce co2 with yeast?

Does anyone think it will bring down our temperature but not hurt the overall process if i cut out one light from the operation??

I really dont want to have to add any more electrical appliances.

What options might i have???

Thx for the continued help everyone!!

Dopehead_680 · #15 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 05:59 AM

Ok, so I was hoping we could get to use both of the lights, but it seems much more suitable to use just one light. i powered down one light and left the fans running for about an hour and a half. The temp went down to about 75 and as swa swa said thats an ideal temperature.

Does anyone think it will matter if the light isnt centered at the top of the fridge????

The way i have it set up now, the two lights are side by side.(as you can see from the pics.)now that im only using one, could it just stay where it is?? I just dont want to have to drill anymore holes into the top.

Thx!

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#1 (permalink) 11-13-2007, 07:42 AM
Dopehead_680 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 323	Mini-Fridge Grow Box!!! My buddy and i recently began our first attempt at a growbox. It needs to be stealthy, because there are family members that shouldnt see this stuff this what we got Light: 2x 150w MH Circulation: Fan driven intake and exaust, 2x 4.75" Bi-Sonic fans Fridge: Samsung Model: SR-120G (old dorm fridge) Tools: Dremel Various screwdrivers Bolt cutters Forceps(or something similar e.g. needle nose pliers) Pictures: Intended light placement, making H.D. run to get hooks to suspend with tomorrow. First question; Should we suspend the lights with chains and move the light up as needed, or, should we leave them stationary at the top of the fridge and use the racks to move the plant down from the light as we go? Reflectors Not much to say here, shiny metal things. No space wasted We cut the freon lines and tore out the old compressor. In this void we stuffed the ballasts; they fit like a glove. To the left of the ballasts we used a Dremel to saw out a 4.75" square for out intake fan. Wireing went through the existing hole that once held the freon line. This was a small 1/4" hole, using forceps we beveled out the hole slightly and fed wires from the inside out. Throw some wire nuts and electrical tape and presto. We have electricity to the lights. Exhausting work Again using a Dremel with a cut off tool to cut another 4.75" square for the exhuast fan. Hence the carefully placed pun. Let there be light . 300w of 10,000K HQI The lights didn't finish warming up yet and the Camera couldnt take it. so basically we started by gutting it completely including ripping off the rack on the inside door. That has left exposed insulation and we were wondering what is the best to slap on there, other then Mylar. I've read mixed reviews about aluminum foil any other suggestions? next stepped was the cutting, fitting and wireing. already covered in the pics. We feel as if we are well on our way however we would like some feedback. The only things left to do on our lovely Fridge after a days worth of work is to do something with the lights, and get power to our fans. again any feedback would be great. Last edited by Dopehead_680; 11-13-2007 at 08:17 AM. Reason: Pictures werent working:(

#2 (permalink) 11-13-2007, 08:06 AM
craziazn1469 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 10	I was wondering how to go about doing this, I have a minifridge sitting around and wanted to use it for the same reasons.

#3 (permalink) 11-13-2007, 11:16 AM
nuggs419 NEEDS A BONG HIT Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 183	how did u get the freon line out and where did you guys pick up your lights at? __________________ Now when the love is lost and your spirits are low The world’s closing in around you got no place to go Done all that you could to ease and please another soul And in the end you’re in the cold, another sad story told That’s why I make my own decisions on how I’m liven Try to get by with the knowledge that I’m given Can’t make me believe cause a tree is a tree And when my soul bleeds, the color that I’m spillin’ is green -KottonMouthKings http://musikisgood.blogspot.com/

#4 (permalink) 11-13-2007, 05:05 PM
Dopehead_680 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 323	damn... 47 Views and no questions answered. To answer your question Nuggs, First of all, VERY IMPORTANT When cutting the freon lines and removing the compressor, you MUST go outside. Freon is obviously no good for you. First you gotta locate the freon tube. It was a hard metal tube that ran from the top of the back of the fridge, down to the compressor. We used wire cutters, bolt cutters, anything we could to get it open. Once it was cut, we tipped the fridge and let the freon drain into a pile of leaves in my driveway. When it was done we ripped out the clip-tie thingies that held the compressor in and voila! a fridge w/o a compressor. As for the lights, we got the from a fish/aquatics store.... a special 5 finger discount If anyone could read up and maybe attempt to give us any feedback or answers to our questions it would be greatly appeciated!!!! thx!!

#5 (permalink) 11-13-2007, 05:41 PM
Satchmo Banff Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Quebec, Canada Posts: 86	I hope the fridge was filled with r134a and not r12, but either way it looks like its coming along nice. Depending on how many plants you plan to have in there I think it would be easier to have the lights stationary at the top and move the plants up and down so you dont have to worry about the wires.

#6 (permalink) 11-13-2007, 06:01 PM
bitterscooter Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 227	why not have the fridge still working hook it up to a thermstat so if your heat gets to high it will turn on for you and keep things at the right temp?? nice job BTW I run a full fridge old 40's one that I have had for over 20yrs!! after 5 yrs of the wife telling me how much hydro it sucked I took out the compressor and crap, and now wish I did'nt , my temp would run alot better if I had thought about more first!! but now it sucks hydro for the cause!! you might need more fans?? I found those PC fans did'nt do much for me!! do alot of testing with heat before you get plants in it ,plants will just add more heat so you should be prepared cheers

#7 (permalink) 11-13-2007, 09:52 PM
Dopehead_680 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 323	Satchmo, what exactly do you mean by that? what is the difference between r134a and r12?? In response to bitter scooter, 1st of all the fridge was not fully functional, so the thermostat is out of the question. 2nd of all, ive learned from looking at past mini-fridge grows in the forum that a fridge is designed to keep a certain amount of air cool,and to maintain that temperature. Having ventilation and lights in it would eventually blow the compressor, which would eventually lead us back to where we are now. So we skipped the aggravation of a possible set back, and took out the compressor altogether. I bet that fridge from the 40's is a friggin horse tho, could possibly be why the compressor hasnt blown yet.

#8 (permalink) 11-13-2007, 10:09 PM
Satchmo Banff Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Quebec, Canada Posts: 86	R12 kills the ozone layer r134a afaik does not.

#9 (permalink) 11-14-2007, 07:14 AM
Dopehead_680 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 323	So we got the lights up today! We used satchmo's advice on keeping the lights stationary,(Props to Satchmo) and used hooks and some random metal craft wire that i had lying around the house to get them suspended. Heres a picture of the box with the lights up. Although we had never mentioned it before in the thread, we were wondering what to put on the inside of the door, since we took off the rack. We figured tin foil wouldnt hurt, and was a real simple solution. Does anyone have any better ideas as to what i might be able to replace this with? or is the foil good enough?? Oh yeah, i almost forgot. we ran into a small problem with the fans. neither of them work.. pssh. Im going out and grabbing a couple more tomorrow afternoon. Soon after we will begin testing. Cant wait! Feedback y'all, plz leave some feedback. Thx for the help thus far!

#10 (permalink) 11-15-2007, 02:50 AM
Dopehead_680 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 323	I went out today and bought some fans and a sheet of activated carbon filter. cost me about 75 bucks between the 3 items. I began testing as soon as i got the fans plugged in. Its about 90 degrees right now.im gonna run it for a little while longer just to make sure it wont get too hot. Keeping in mind that the plants need to be kept short, Does anyone have any suggestions on what soil and nutes i should use? I hear foxfarm is the best for nutes. I also hear that miracle grow soil sucks. Can anyone throw some ideas my way??? Thx!!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

#11 (permalink) 11-15-2007, 03:19 AM
Mr. Muffin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 347	u should use 4 fans, if its really 90 in there...where are u taking temps? hydro would be soo easy in ur setup, cheap too

#12 (permalink) 11-15-2007, 03:44 AM
Dopehead_680 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 323	Isnt that a pretty good temp to be growing in?? I moved the thermometer towards the top of the fridge, its about 5 or 6 inches from the lights. And would you care to give me a bit more detail about making my setup hydro??? Thx man!

#13 (permalink) 11-15-2007, 04:01 AM
Swa_Swa Banned for life! Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 779	75-78 is ideal. I grow in 85 and still have good results. At 90 with out any co2 being added to the room growth really slows down and can hurt growth later hurting yields down the road. __________________ When I started caring about what people thought about me I started to lose my mind.

#14 (permalink) 11-15-2007, 04:22 AM
Dopehead_680 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 323	So do you advise that i use one of those Co2 injection systems? or isnt there a way i can produce co2 with yeast? Does anyone think it will bring down our temperature but not hurt the overall process if i cut out one light from the operation?? I really dont want to have to add any more electrical appliances. What options might i have??? Thx for the continued help everyone!!

#15 (permalink) 11-15-2007, 05:59 AM
Dopehead_680 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 323	Ok, so I was hoping we could get to use both of the lights, but it seems much more suitable to use just one light. i powered down one light and left the fans running for about an hour and a half. The temp went down to about 75 and as swa swa said thats an ideal temperature. Does anyone think it will matter if the light isnt centered at the top of the fridge???? The way i have it set up now, the two lights are side by side.(as you can see from the pics.)now that im only using one, could it just stay where it is?? I just dont want to have to drill anymore holes into the top. Thx!