My First Cab

[Proper_Bo]

Greetings y’all from theUk

After much thought and deliberation I have come to the conclusion it’s about time I grow my own, prices are going up qualities going down and I’m sick and tired of having to wait for an order, s’all that about?

So, after reading through the majority of this site and receiving a large compo cheque I’ve decided to start
Now my build has to be as stealthy as possible so any hints and tips on how to cut noise would be appreciated. I’ve purchased timber for the cab my dimensions will be as follows; 6’h x 4’w x 2’d

I’m planning on purchasing the majority of the electrical components tomorrow but would like some advice,Ill detail the specs before I ask, they are:

400w cool shade reflector400w SylvaniaGrowlux HPS
400w Digital Ballast
Ruck 6 in Fan/Filter Combo (inc. ducting
Digital temp/humid Display
Tower Fan
Mylar Diamond Reflective Sheeting

Anyone have any experience with digital ballasts? I’ve read they use less power give off less heat and give more lumens and for £50 more I thought what the hell.

I will post pics later this week as the build starts

Regards,

[Proper_Bo]

At last, shes just about done, Ill do a few temp test this week then Im going to start my grow.

Ive gone for all the specs as above, apart from the fan/scrubber combo, the 6" ruck unit was just way too much for my space, that thing could shift some air I can tell you.

Ive now gone for the 4" unit and all is well, shes air tight and silent, lovely!

Attached are a few pics, excuse the quality but I think you'll get the idea.
Proper_Bo.

[Proper_Bo]

I've run a few temp tests today and I need another plan of action. After 1 hour the CAB was running at 90F and was still running 85F with a rather large tower fan running at full power.

I was thinking of adding another intake does 4" intake as per the pics above (bottom right hand corner), and hoping this would bring the temps down further?

Perhaps the 4" fan doesn't have enough power for the 400HPS Cooltube?

Any help/advice/suggestions greatly appreciated.

proper_bo

[Proper_Bo]

Anyone???

[OldSkool1010]

Man, i don't think I could add anything. The cabinet is a work of art. What are the ambient temps in the room where the box lives? Cool air in is the only thing that I can think of that would drop your temps.

[Proper_Bo]

At last, many thanks oldschool, its a lovely bit of kit I do agree, not my idea though. I got the plans off another site and then sat back and watched as my mate built it, I bank rolled,skinned up and made tea.

Today Ive added another 4" intake and the temps are still high, dropped a little but its annoying me now to tell the truth, I really do think Ill have to buy the 5" Inline Fan, most annoying as now Ive f'ing purchased the whole range! You live and learn.

The CAB is in my bedroom (hence why the 6" fan was too much) and the amb temps are quite high for the UK at 20C

Im starting to think it might be my Ebay Digi Temp purchased for £8.00 thats giving incorrect readings. Asked a friend for a spare and will double check. Also checked the seals around the fans and light, theyre ok too.

Im going for a smoke and a think...poss a sulk too.

Proper.

[OldSkool1010]

20 degrees Celsius is positively frigid for where I live. Even with the AC blowing full force at night, I don't think my rooms get that cool. (20C = 68F)

It really doesn't make sense to me that that box would get so hot with all the gear you're using to keep it cool and the temperature of the surrounding air. Those inline fans aren't cheap.

I'm only using 70W HPS and around 130W CFL in my box that is much smaller than yours, and I'm only using a bathroom exhaust fan with passive intakes to move the air and even on the hottest day, I haven't seen the temps go above 86F (30C)

Good luck

Originally Posted by Proper_Bo

At last, many thanks oldschool, its a lovely bit of kit I do agree, not my idea though. I got the plans off another site and then sat back and watched as my mate built it, I bank rolled,skinned up and made tea.

Today Ive added another 4" intake and the temps are still high, dropped a little but its annoying me now to tell the truth, I really do think Ill have to buy the 5" Inline Fan, most annoying as now Ive f'ing purchased the whole range! You live and learn.

The CAB is in my bedroom (hence why the 6" fan was too much) and the amb temps are quite high for the UK at 20C

Im starting to think it might be my Ebay Digi Temp purchased for £8.00 thats giving incorrect readings. Asked a friend for a spare and will double check. Also checked the seals around the fans and light, theyre ok too.

Im going for a smoke and a think...poss a sulk too.

Proper.

[Proper_Bo]

Im sure its the fan, Ive asked a friend to take a look, hes into air conditioning and thinks he can make a switch to increase/decrease the fan revs. I shall try my luck with that and update as and when.

Until then, Ill carry on buying.

[Emperortim21]

hey man do u have ne pictures of the outside of the box, im planning on making one but need to be able to either hide it in a closet, cover it with a tapistry or something, or make it an end table sorta thing let me know

[darkstar999]

Nice cab! I will be building one soon. Care to give the parts details/prices/etc?

[mordgrow]

u need a 300-400 cfm fan or higher, what are you running ?

[Proper_Bo]

Hey y’all,

Emporortim21, I shall take pics for you on Sunday and post, Ill take pics of the front,sides and rear - I believe my babies stealthy enough, ill let you be the judge of that though I guess

Darkstar999 – Prices (off the top of my head), room & equipment;

Cabinet £100 (timber frame from B&Q £2 x 10pcs - Panels from local Timber yard £65 Delivered). All screws fixings sealants, varnish locks…..from any £1 shop
All intake/exhaust grills/fans were supplied by a local Air Con Trade supplier, dirt cheap £10.
Ruck 5” Fan Filter Ducting £ 100
400w Digi Ballast £120
Cooltube 6” £70
Sylvania Bulbs X 2 £ 40
3k 4 point Ecotech Contactor £40
Diamond Mylar £35
Timers X 4 £20
Tower Fan £10
Fan Speed Controller £30
250W Ecolite & Holder £25 (for seedlings & mother plant)
10 point belkin extension lead £45

Think that’s about it, anything I forgot???

Mordgrow, Greetings, firstly, let me say I’ve read your journals with much interest, your pics of the 20oz harvest have been the motivation for me and the lads whilst we toiled with the build. In answer to your question I’ve just purchased a 5” Ruck fan which I believe to be more than sufficient, agreed?

I now have to purchase some EC/PH testers for my grow, can anyone give me advice on what testers to use for soil?? Can I use Bluelab testers??

Regards,

Proper_Bo

[RandomJack]

hey, im still curious if the temps are wrong, i too can not understand how they are so hot.

[Proper_Bo]

Well Ive purchased a new 5" fan now, I honestly believe the 4" fan I was using was a little weak. We shall see.

Ill be sure to let you know either way.

[seagrass]

Are you shooting air into the top of your cab? If so u need to shoot it out of the box. From the pics it looks like your just re using stale air more then anything. Also helps to exust out a window as well.