Hi ya everyone! 2nd time grower, first time actually planning it out and I would like bring you all along while I do it! Please bear with me, and critique as I go along. My hope is to help others have a step by step guide and learn from my mistakes to make an easier build for anyone else attempting this. SO YOUR INPUT IS VERY WELCOME! Ok, so a few of you may be asking... Hey Etchi, why a foot locker, couldn't you use a Computer case like everyone else? Well, see I have a problem with computer case builds. 1. You have to have a computer case. 2. They are much smaller than your typical Foot locker. 3. How stealthy can they be, if you have one all hooked up and have no mouse, keyboard or monitor hooked up to them. That is why I am going with a Footlocker. 1. It's portable. 2. It can be used to store items in when not in use. 3. They can be secured, (mine has a 3 locks) 4. Most of them offer a nice tight seal which helps with controlling bugs, air flow, and light leakage. 5. Even in the most extreme cases... EVERYONE can use a footlocker in their room. So it wont look out of place even if standing on end. You could even toss a small blanket/towel over it and use it as a night stand next to your bed. Which if a lamp and alarm clock was set on top, it could explain for while there is power cords poking out from behind it. So with all of that being said. Lets Begin. Size Specs. A Standard Footlocker size is: L- 28 1/2 inches - 2.375 Feet W- 14 1/4th inches - 1.1875 Feet D- 10 1/2 inches (with the door closed) 7 inches (with out the door) so .875 / .583 Feet. This will give me roughly 2 1/2 cubic feet if my math is correct. Because of the size limitation of the trunk, Im going to have to use either a LST, or SCoG type of grow. I'm choosing an LST because well, I understand that easier than SCoG. Plus with LST I only need a few wires/ropes to help guide the plant/s along where as SCoG I believe I need to set up screens etc... This also allows you to still maintain the chest for storage by only needing to remove the lights. Ok the Shopping list. So lets look at what I'm going to need. Fans, Growing Medium, Lights, Pot/s and Misc Items. Fans Happy flowers need air, and circulation. With 2 1/2 cubic feet, even small computer fans would be over kill. Im going to go the middle ground and use 2x80mm fans. Im thinking of 1 near the top, and 1 near the bottom to allow a centralized air flow. Growing Medium Choices are really simple. Soil, or Water. For first time growing... I believe soil would work best and well, Lets face it. If you screw up a hydro set up, you may end up with wet spots and well there goes your stealth. Not to mention the risk for electrical fires. Lights CFLs hands down. Anything else would produce to much heat. If I'm correct, a CFL is around the size of a Soda can. So I should be able to fit 4 long the width via adapters and a power strip. With some work Possibly 6, though due to the size that may be overkill. Pot/s Ok again due to the size restraints I can only use 2x 6-7inch pots, or 1x 10-14inch pot. For veggie stage, I figure I can start with 2-4 small pots until I can figure the sex. Once the sex is determined I can focus more on the size. Example would be, say only 1 female was found, Then a 10inch pot would be perfect. However, if I found 3 females, 2x 7inch pots could be used and well 1 female would have to be tossed sadly. Reason for only sticking with 1x 10inch or 2x 7 inch pots is for an LST if I understand it correctly... I want enough room for the roots, and enough room for the stem to be circled around the pot itself. Plus allow room for the plant to actually grow and bud for up to 1 1/2 - 2 feet. Which with only 28-29 inches of height already, minus the lights and pot/s it should almost be right at or just under 24 inches of upward growing room. Misc Items White Paint/Mylar/Reflective for the interior. An Electrical Timer to help with my Light cycles. Digital thermometer / humidity device to make sure things remain a constant setting. 1-2 Power strips. PH tester. Tools Needed Electric Drill Wire stripper/snip/ Wire connectors Hot Glue gun (to help connect the power strip to the inner wall / run wires) Few Nuts and bolts Screw Drivers Pliers Ok So now that the shopping list is done. I'll stop and see what you all think so Far.
i recently had the same idea only im using a trunk instead of a foot locker. My trunk is a bit smaller then your footlocker but it will serve as a home for the next plant worthy of being a mother. Your setup sounds good have you dry fitted all of your pieces in place yet?
Nope, I'm still in the developmental stages. I am signing the papers on my new house today!!!! And well, this is my first project once I get things moved in. Also the last time I tried to grow, I rushed into it and well things didnt turn out so well. This time, Im taking my time, planing things out and hoping for ideas, or offers of advice to help me or anyone else looking to do this. So once I get moved in, I should be able to start construction on this and document it all the way.
Yeah my last stelth grow failed do to poor planning. I wish you best luck I will be watching for updates.