I'm new to this, and trying to keep it stealth. I decided to get a wooden locker from ikea and convert it into a grow box. The idea behind it is I will raise the 1 shelf as the plant grows. On this shelf I have 2 computer fans blowing air up the locker. There are 4 CFL lights, each are 42W. So a total of 168W. In the corner near the lights I included another fan helping the circulation within the box. At the bottom back of the locker I have 2 holes (air intake), each are cut 4 inches wide with a 4" PVC pipe in a 90' angle (for light trapping purposes). At the top of the locker I have my power bar and another 120mm fan blowing air out of the locker. The temperatures are around 70-73, and humidity is low 50's. Sorry for the shitty pictures. Best I could do. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Looking pretty good: What are the dimensions? What is the total CFM of your exhaust? Have you tested light sealing it yet? Any Odor control concerns? What growing method DWC? Rubbermaid might work for you if it fits if you are worried about vertical space single plant in a rubbermade bubble bucket style might be pretty cool.
The dimensions are 14w 15d 72h. Exhaust is 80mm fan doing 28.5 cfm, the 120mm is 98 m3/h (not sure what thats in cfm). These 2 fans are built into the shelf, and theres another 120mm (98m3/h) built into the top of the locker. Light proof is perfect. I have black weather stripping around the edges of the door, and a lock on the swinging door to complete a tight seal. I dont have anything included for oder control. I don't think 1-2 plants will be to stinky. But I do have a jar of Ona Gel just incase, and I built a DYI carbon filter with fish Carbon, and the 2 mental pencil case, stocking. (Learnt this from the DYI forum) I don't have anything with this for a fan to pull air through. I'm just hoping I don't have to come to this stage. I think I'm just gonna grow in soil. I currently have 2 plants about 4-5 days old. I haven't looked to much into anything other than soil grows.
Soil is a good way to start if you want to maybe end up organic or like traditional, Hempy bucket is a good way to start if you want to end up advanced like hydro or aero.
In pots mix of perlite (light white rocks, like puffed up volcanic material) helps aerate medium and Vermiculite another mineral that helps retain water. It works by drilling a hole a few inches above bottom for drainage and tiny 1-2 day water res. You water hydro nutes and it works basically like a passive hydro setup where you do the work not a pump.
http://forum.grasscity.com/indoor-grow-journals/547207-jo3cools-easy-ryder-150w-cfl-grow.html check out this guy's setup..i see it's quite similar to the dimensions of your locker. and yeah he's had good results with it. your setup has great potential! you gonna do some autos in there?
Hmm, the Hempy Method seems like a really interesting idea. How fool proof is it? Is it easy to over water/under water it, over nute, or fluctuate the pH? Yeah, I found that guys grow. I'm following it too because the setup seems very similar to mine. I don't have any Autos, I have 2 Northern Lights going, and there under 24/0 at the moment (4-5 days old) I'll soon switch to 18/6 for a couple weeks and then 12/12. Do you think it I would be better off with Autos?
it's all you man! since you got NL already poppin then just stick with that, no worries. You'll have to wait it out a tad longer as opposed to an auto but the yield will more than likely suffice. When these girls are finished you can try some autos and compare.