Could I just have my plants in a rubbermaid container Just out in the open no top? Would this take place of the fan. It will be in a closet with a closed door. Also any suggestions of how to get the lights to hang over the plants with no top.
Nope, that isn't going to take place of a fan. Sure it will help dissipate some of the heat. However, heat isn't the only reason these plants need airflow. They need it to help strengthen the stems so they dont break once they start budding, and you need good air exchange for oxygen to get to your roots. Both of those would be neglected without any fan. I have no idea how much it would effect your grow negatively, but it would hardly be optimal. Combine that with the fact that it is going in a closet, which typically have horrible circulation anyway and I think you are asking for problems.