Originally I had planned on doing most of this on my own but in using my fiancé for a sounding board for some of my grow ideas; I got him super into it too. He is now my partner in crime in this endeavor. Mostly I am the brains (learning all the how to stuff) and he is the brawn (building everything and doing the wiring and such), though he is likely to catch up with me. As far as the care of the plants go, we plan to split the work 50/50. Our grow plan starts with 4 seeds from HerbiesHeadShop. Herbies sends three free seed with every purchase, and this was a major reason we chose them. The seed we are buying is Pyramid Osiris Feminized(40% Sativa, 60% Indica. A cross between AK47 and White Widow). We chose this one because two of the fiancé's favorite strains to smoke are its parents. The three seeds we are receiving with it (unless they change their freebies between now and when we can actually purchase.) are: One Royal Queen Fruit Spirit Feminised (mostly Indica). And two Seedsman Sleestack x Skunk #1 Regular (mostly Sativa). For our first grow (call it A), we plan on LSTing each plant, and taking two clones from each (collectively, B) before flowering. We will then take A all the way through to harvest. Meanwhile we will be LSTing B as well. Out of each of pair, (Four of them will be the same. Please think of them in pairs for consistency's sake) we will choose the healthiest, happiest girl and this will become a mother plant to take new clones from (call it C+). From these four healthy, happy, mother plants, we will start our clone box. We will be SOG-ing our clone box. We hope to harvest 32 plants per clone cycle. This would mean eight cuttings from each mother. So that's the plan, here is how we plan to execute it. For A's grow, we plan to use four, three gallon pots. The soil will be an organic bagsoil(yet to be determined) with some additives under direction of Jerry. Hopefully enough help that we will not need to feed our plants, and will be watering with straight distilled water. We plan to use this basic idea, ( http://forum.grasscity.com/do-yourself/634231-dyi-guide-9-socket-cfl-fixture.html ) with 23watt CFLs(all we can afford for starting. Eventually, as more money is saved, upgrading to higher wattage, maybe HIDs eventually). (Also subject to change as the man and I have come to an agreement on how much to spend on bulbs) Obviously using daylight and softwhite for vegging and flower. For the box itself, we are using half inch plywood. This box will be 3ft X 2ft X 5ft. The inside of the box will be lined with Mylar (taken from emergency blankets). Caulk will be used around all edges, with weather stripping on the door edges. We are looking to use three 120mm computer fans as exhaust fans at the top of the box, and three holes for intake at the bottom. We will have a home-made carbon filter on each of the exhaust fans (one of these: http://forum.grasscity.com/do-yourself/507790-my-coffee-can-carbon-filter.html , http://forum.grasscity.com/do-yourself/281136-how-cheap-easy-efficient-diy-carbon-scrubber.html, or http://forum.grasscity.com/do-yours...mart-carbon-filter-micro-grows-zen-style.html depending on how well it will work after looking into it further, money when we get to building this part, and how it will fit with our final box) We plan to use four desk fans inside the box to keep the plants cool and increase stem strength. Grow B will be almost identical, in the same box even, also LST-ing. With the only difference being that only veg lights will be used, because these are our mother plants for our future clones and will stay in veg their whole lives. Grow C+ (named C plus because every clone cycle will run this way, unless something doesn't work and needs modification) will start in a bubble clone machine. We plan on building our own, with the general idea of it coming from here (http://forum.grasscity.com/do-yourself/444974-lets-build-clone-machine-*step-step*.html) but using an under-bed storage Rubbermaid bin with much more PVC and clone holes. Haven't quite worked out all the kinks, but I've got a general idea for it. For actual growing of the clones, we plan to use 32 cut, 1 liter soda bottles. By the time we make it to this step, I hope to have gotten everything together to make my own organic soil, but if not, will be going with organic bagsoil with additives again. General design will be basically the same, the only difference being in ventilation. We would like to use two fans instead of three (we think). Additionally, we will need a box for the clone machine to go in. I plan to make it just wide and long enough to fit the machine, with approximately six inches of space between the top of the machine and the lights. My point in posting this was basically to get an idea of what the experienced growers of the city think. If they have any ideas on what could go wrong with our plan and how to prevent it. If they have an idea on how I could improve my ideas to make the whole process easier/better. Basically, give me your input and ideas, you wonderful geniuses!!!! But I do have three questions; 1. Have any of you purchased from HerbiesHeadShop? If so, how was your experience? Any problems? Good quality seed? 2. Has anyone smoked OR grown any of the strains I am planning on using? (Pyramid Osiris Feminized Royal Queen Fruit Spirit Feminized Seedsman Sleestack x Skunk #1 Regular) -If smoked, how was the high? Head, body, or both? Also, if you don't mind me asking, how much did it run you to buy? -If grown, how does it compare to other strains you've grown? In your experience, did it need anything that most strains you've grown didn't? Was it easier/ more difficult? 3. In each of our boxes, is this enough ventilation to keep the air circulating as needed? 4. Which carbon filter would you go with out of the three I listed? As far as best for filtering, not taking cost into account? I'm really excited about growing, and I would LOVELOVELOVE some input from some awesome growers with more experience than I have. Please answer my questions if you can, and if you have any other advice, please don't hesitate to post it!! Thank you so much!!!!! (Plus rep for any and all helpful advice/links/answers!)
1. No you will find most on here order from Attitude Seed Bank. Very safe you'll have your order about 10 days to 2 weeks after placed. Comes in a plain mailing envelope that says gifts. 2. Never heard of them. Billion strains out there stick to the top breeders for seeds. DNA Genetics, Reserva Privada, Barney's Farm, Dutch Passion, Paradise Seeds are a few also my favorites 3. Best way to figure that out is to set it up let it run and see for yourself. Everyones grow area is different. 4. I use HTG Supply.com's. Never has not worked for me but I know others dont prefer it.
It sounds like you have done your homework and planned everything out well-this is the first step in a successful grow. It's funny that you say you are the "brains" behind the operation and your fiance is the "brawn"-same thing with me and mine. Although I also do all the plant caretaking too. I think that as you go you may find some things that need to be tweaked, that's just the way it is. Here are my thoughts after reading about your system: -Make sure to put enough ventilation in your box so that, in the future, if you wanted to upgrade to HID lighting you wouldn't have to retrofit the box. -So glad you are going organic, there's no other way to grow in my opinion. You are listening to the right person, jerry will give you excellent advice. (If you need any extra help with your organic soil, send me a PM, I'd be more than happy to help out) -As far as ventilation/filtration goes: I can't tell you which DIY carbon scrubber is better. I was planning on making my own and then I found a good deal on one so I bought it, although the builds you are looking at are the same ones I was considering. Make sure you are using activated carbon. I have heard that the fish tank stuff they sell at the pet store is apparently not the best for odor control (just what I've heard). Also, go for rough carbon vs pelletized. The rough carbon has a greater surface area and more nooks and crannies that help trap odor vs the smooth, pelletized carbon. -And I think that you might run into problems with those computer fans (in your flowering box, not your veg box). They are just not very powerful and have a hard time blowing enough air through the carbon filter to create adequate odor control/ventilation for flowering plants. By the time you buy 3 computer fans, you could just buy a 4 inch inline fan (squirrel cage style fan, not the cheapy duct boosters). That way you could have one powerful ventilation/scrubber combo. You don't want to cut three holes in your box and build three filters only to find out that the fans aren't powerful enough. IMO, when it comes to ventilation and odor control, it's much better to have more than you need than not enough. I was originally planning on using computer fans but the more I learned the more my gut kept telling me they wouldn't be able to push enough air through the filter to keep the odor under control. I was right. Started with computer fans; ended up with a 440cfm inline fan lol. Not too long ago we finished outfitting a new grow area, and everything (lights, fans, etc.) ended up being upgraded from what I had originally planned on using to more powerful versions. That's my best advice, go a little bit bigger than what you think you need. You are already putting a lot of time and money into it, better to spend the extra $20 and do it right the first time. -With your clone machine, you might want to leave a little more than 6 inches between the top of the box and the light. Go with 10 inches if you can. -Lighting: Instead of buying all those CFLs, have you considered buying a shop-light type fixture from HD or Lowes? You can get a 24" T5 (best but a little pricier) or T8 (2nd best) and not have to buy all those CFLs. Just something to think about. -You have done your homework, so you have probably already done this, but make sure to check the load rating of all electrical components that you are using. Then double check. Make sure you don't overload your circuit. Keep it safe. -Since you are on a budget, have you considered using flat white paint instead of mylar? Flat white paint reflects almost as much light as mylar, and it's way easier to install and clean. What eventually convinced me not to use mylar is that it can cause hot spots, which I didn't want (I also have HID lighting so this was of more concern than if I were using CFLs). HTH As far as seeds go, my vote is for attitude. I'm definitely with rr on choosing your seeds based on the breeder, not on the specific strain. It can be exciting looking at all the different strains and I know you are trying to find the cheapest option, but you will end up with better genetics if you choose your strains based on the breeder. RR gave you a list of excellent breeders. I also like sensi seeds. Best of luck with your grow!
Would this be considered a cheapy duct booster? ActiveAir In-Line Booster Fan, 6" - 188 CFM I tried looking up squirrel cage style, but I can't find one for less than around 60 bucks.
Yes that is a cheapy duct booster. The main application of that is say your vent system in your house you have a long way to go for its exhaust you put that in the middle and it keeps air flowing. You can buy inline fan combos for about 120 bucks. It includes a carbon filter.
Check ebay, that's where I got mine. I recently saw 4 inch fans with the carbon filter included for $90. You should be able to get just the fan for $50 or $60. If you shop around you can probably get a better deal than that. I did a search on ebay for "4 in inline fan" just disregard the cheapy duct boosters (like rr said, these are made to boost airflow in ducting that already has a fan pulling air through it, not as the primary fan). Check this out: 4" 6" 8'' in inch Inline Fan Exhaust Blower Ventilation Duct Fan Odor Control | eBay
Like this? 2 ft.T5 High Output Fluorescent Grow Light Fixture 1-Bulb-V21 at The Home Depot A bunch of cfls would be more of a hassle, but this doesn't seem like it could do nearly as much. It's only 24watts and I have no idea what the color temperature on it is. I have a lot of trouble trying to understand how all the lighting stuff works, but this just doesn't seem like it could do both veg and flower for me??
even t-8's will get the job done, 4' 2 tube fixtures are $11 at home depot these days... get the 6000-6500 kelvin (blue) light
You would need to change the bulbs out just as you would with regular CFLs. You want 6500K for vegging and 2700K for flowering. Lighting can be confusing. You hear a lot of talk about watts, when really the most important thing is lumens. Just like I could run 250W of CFL's, but it wouldn't be as efficient as a 150W HPS because the HPS has a better spectrum for growing plants and greater lumen output. T5's have a greater lumen output and are a more efficient spectrum than CFLs. Plus, they put out way less heat than CFLs. T5s are the best, but like H2T said, you could also go with T8s. IMO, other than HID (and the expensive LEDs that work), T5's are the best choice for growing. HTH EDIT: I would also go with a 2 bulb (or 4 bulb) fixture over the 1 bulb fixture you linked to.
This helped sooo much! Thanks for explaining. I'd rep ya, but I just did a little bit ago and it won't let me again. But seriously, thanks
I know you want to stick with fluorescent lighting. I understand that, but I just can't help it, I've got to point out some other options. You just can't beat HID lighting. This is a 250W HPS/MH rig with an aircooled hood. You can use MH for veg and HPS for flowering. For $132, it's not a whole lot more money. Amazon.com: 250w Digital Super HPS Grow Light System with Air Cooled Hood. Best 250 watt hydroponic grow light set. 250w Ballast, Super High Pressure Sodium, 6" Air Cooled Hood, yoyo and Timer kit. Compare with Hydrofarm and Sun Light: Patio, Lawn & Here's a 4 bulb T5 light: Amazon.com: EnviroGro FLT24 2-Foot Four Tube T5 Fluorescent Grow Light System: Patio, Lawn & Garden And a 2 bulb T5 http://www.amazon.com/EnviroGro-FLT22-Fluorescent-Light-System/dp/B0031CA3OM/ref=pd_sbs_lg_2
Glad I could help! It can be confusing at first, I understand. When I first set up my closet I was originally going to go with fluoros. Then I decided I might get a 150W HPS.....I ended up with a 600W HPS lol. It helps to remember that once you put a certain number of CFLs in there, you've got just as much heat as you would have with HID lighting, if controlling the heat is a factor in your decision.
Generally it's anywhere from 3,000-10,000 lumens per square foot (veg req-->flower req). The more the better (you need more for flowering). Each T5 bulb puts out around 2,500+ lumens (somebody please correct me if I'm wrong here, I'm no expert on fluoros). T5HO puts out closer to 5,000 lumens. I found this chart, which might be helpful. T5HO means high output T5 bulbs. T8's are another type of flouro bulb (less efficient than T5 but still good). Remember that the above ratings are for one bulb. So, a two bulb T5HO fixture would produce about 10,000 lumens per square foot. You'd need anywhere from 7-10+ CFls to get that many lumens, and it still wouldn't be as efficient as the T5. 3 of those T5 fixtures you linked to would produce 9,700 lumens. HTH And again, if I'm off base on any of this, somebody please chime in and correct me.