PC Grow Experiment

Hey guys. I'm obviously new to the site. I had an idea for a grow in an old short PC Tower i had sitting around. I was only thinking of growing 1 plant for the trial run.
So, I have plans and know where what is going where, but My question is this: the specifics?

I know what bulbs I need, I know fans, wires, potting soil, or even if I'm going to use soil. Just asking the growing elders what their opinion is on materials. What type of bulb has always worked for you? Fan favoritism? Your only so secret growing technique?

I've done some research and debating with myself. I have had MANY people tell me this grow box is not going to work. I have doubted it as well. But I still need to try. Einstein said it best "You never fail until you stop trying." So what I plan to do is finish the build and try the grow. If the plant dies, it dies. I'm saving money on seeds by getting them from a friend.

Before I get post's telling me to not try, or giving me advice, I'll tell you guys what my plans are so you can accurately give advice or constructive criticism.

The Box stands 14 inches tall and 14 inches long. I have a way to set up a bulb box on the top of the box. If that doesn't work, or fit in this matter, I have a method to puting in lights that it will still work. I will be growing just One plant, but I plan to use a 8-10 inch long potter. I will attempt an LST method that I've seen around. The seed's my friend said he can get for me will be Pineapple Kush. Upon research of P.K. I have learned that the plant naturally grows short, so that will work to my advantage. I have also attached pictures of the case gutted, and stripped of extra parts, and then temporarily re-assembled. Just a slight mock up. I have another case (20x20x10) in storage I plan to get and build for a backup. One way or another, I will have a PC grow box and it will work come hell or high water.

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as a side note that i forgot to say. I have a few fans in the pre-wiring and testing stages.

 

Okay so it's been a couple of weeks. I've done some fabricating, redesigning and so forth. And i think, that i might be able to pull off a Mini in there. So far the way everything is set up, i have 3 lights that are connected to a surge protector through socket plugs. They will be CFL's all combined they will be 3,500 lumens, as the process goes i will add and switch lights and such. I have a dual intake made from an old Xbox 360 twin fan set. I will also have a 2 inch Exhaust fan until the 3 inch arrives. (friend is coming into town late September with a computer he is going to let me dismantle.
From the above picture you can see the fans, lights and coverings. Since this picture was taken (9/5/12) I have re covered the reflective surfaces. It is now smooth and purdy. The cord you see jutting through the picture is from the surge. The picture was taken under my desk(where it will be housed when i get the proper ventilation back there set up)

I was surprised when I got everything put together how much room I actually had.

Last Friday i had to make a hard decision that i eventually made. Friday was my birthday and i had to decide whether i wanted to buy something for myself, or for the grow box.......I ended up getting something for myself lol. Pay day is coming up, I plan to pick up a Thermo so i can run tests and get everything ready.

My question to anyone who's actually paying attention, What would you suggest? Also I know eventually i will need to add a speed control for the fans. Anybody know of a cheap efficient way to do so?

 

Excellent questions. I plan to do Pineapple Kush. It's a naturally short squat plant so it will do fine in there. The reflective surfaces are held on with a form of Mylar tape. Its a reflective tape. Usually you can get it at any hardware store all you have to do is ask. The lights are on through plug in sockets on a power strip. The strip has three high powered magnets super glued to the back. I got the Magnets from work so i would suggest Zip ties for yours. Just make sure that if you do the same set up i do, keep an eye on anything near the lights. You don't want anything Melting. the fans. The exhaust actually is in the original place that the fan was so i was able to just screw those in with a rubber washer on the outside to minimize light and smell leak's. The dual intake i made a cardboard cut out that i mounted the fans in. To which i put screws in through the frame, through the cardboard, with nuts on the inside. that thing isn't going anywhere.

Anything you want to ask go for it. I'm a Maintenance Engineer by trade. Meaning I'm a glorified Handyman. So I know how to do quite a bit. This box was almost too easy to build haha.

 

Some time has passed since the last time i had a free moment. A few things happened that caused me to continue to push back my project. The box is completely finished but, a new idea has been raised. I have found myself a larger case. This case would offer more grow room and more Opportunities for this. Along with the larger case, i got something else that will come in handy in the future. So what do you think guys? Go with the bigger box and scrap the old, OR Make another box and try to get two going?

 

My Ninja the fucking visionary. I had thought about that, but haden't though of a table to use until i read that. I have an old end table in a storage in a different state right now. That End table is sturdy as fuck. It's made of Maple. Has a little door, looks really nice actually. It was at one time part of my Parents living room set which was the nicest thing we had. Went out of style tho, and i don't think anyone would think twice about a random ass PC box sitting on it for no apparent reason "stuffed" in a corner.

Very nice my good man, very nice.