This is still a work in progress

Details:

Essential shoping list (to me)

-[6" fan and carbon filter]
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NYF8S4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) works great, no smell, plenty of airflow, relatively loud at 100%, virtually silent when turned down to below 30% with some sound absorbing foam around the intake and fan. 4" would have worked for my small setup. I'm pushing through the filter which is outside my grow area with no problems. Don't forget some ducting and real duct tape. Clamps aren't really needed at these speeds and pressures if you have good tape, but they won't hurt.

-[Speed controller for fan.] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NGI2RS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) This was definitely overkill, I just didn't trust cheaper voltage regulators, plus I can and have used it for other things. Pretty well made, works great.

-[pH meter.] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CMFVXMA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) I didn't want to cheap out on this since pH is so important. Meter works great. Only note is you probably want to get some extra storage solution, it only comes with a little, and after a few months you'll run out.

-Light was a Viparspectra 300 (130 actual watts). Worked well, had good growth. I added more light later but for my small space that would have probably given me decent yields.

-[This timer for lights] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYOD58S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) was super easy to program and hasn't failed. It has a bright blue LED indicating if the timer is sending power to the lights which is nice, but I had to tape over it because it was so bright. Also, the timer gets a little warm which makes me a little uneasy since I only have ~250 watts going through it.

-General Hydroponics FloraGrow, FloraMicro, FloraBloom, CaliMagic. I also got Fox Farms Big Bloom part way through flower but don't have any way to know its actual benefits so it's not an essential.

-Coco for growing medium. Most people add perlite, I didn't.

-7 gal smart pot

-Plastic storage container with a kitchen cooling rack to sit the pot into and onto and allow drainage without making a mess. Cooling rack allows for 1/2" of water to accumulate before the pot is sitting in it.

-[adjustable hangers for lights.] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098R0600/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Work great, easy to use



Set up and process

• In a closet that's 1.8' x 1.8' x 6'
  
  
• Temperatures between 72 F and 80 F. When I measure temp at the bottom of my canopy it's consistently about 5 degrees F below the temp at the top near my fan outlet. I have to use A/C in the room to keep it from moving up to 80 or a bit higher.
  
  
• Humidity between 40% and 60%
  
  
• Coco with about 30% peat moss which included time release nutrients. I didn't want the added nutes and tried running water through it for a few hours to clear it out, but I highly doubt that did anything. I wish I had waited a few days to ship pure peat moss so I could know exactly what nutrients were going into the plant. I picked peat moss because I wanted my pot to hold more water. I'm not sure if this was a good thing or not.
  
  
• 7 gallon smart pot, only ~5.5 gal full though. I'm glad I went with the bigger pot since my plant is so tall and top heavy now. I have read that if you want to go bigger for the pot it's better to go deeper than wider because of the root structure, but I don't know.
  
  
• I sprouted the seed using the paper towel method. Took a few days. Next time I'll probably use the water in a shot glass method.
  
  
• I put the sprouted seed right into the 7 gal smart pot which probably wasn't a great idea. I also watered the entire pot for the first couple weeks which probably was bad. I should have started in a small container and transplant, or at least only water a small area around the seedling at first.
  
  
• I put a bag seed in the same pot and sprouted it because I was dumb and bored. It sprouted and actually got to about 2.5 weeks old before I pulled the trigger and dug it up and transplanted it into it's own 5 gal smart pot. It wasn't happy for a few days because I know I damaged the roots in order to try to avoid the roots of the main plant. I let it grow in the new pot until about 4 weeks then I ran out of room in my closet and trashed the entire plant. Terrible idea all around.
  
  
• Viparspectra 300 initially, then around day 50 of veg I added ~100 watts of CFL. At 40 days after the 12/12 flip I added a galaxy hydro 300 and took out the CFLs (we'll see if that was a good idea...)
  
  
• Veg for 60 days after sprouting. Good idea if you have the vertical space and time. Veg took a long time because I waited too long and the first time I topped I took off like 3 or 4 sets of growth tips, it was like a whole mini plant. I don't know if waiting so long helped the plant develop more roots and a bigger stem which facilitated faster growing or if it was just wasted time. I'm going top it earlier next time though.
  
  
• I topped it twice to get kind of a manifold. The height and size of the colas were not dependent on where it's branch started which makes me doubt the need of a symmetrical manifold, which this was not.
  
  
• Defoliated a little around the 12/12 flip, a lot during about 20-30 days after flipping which left the plant with virtually no fan leaves with stems longer than 1". This was all great, next time I'll probably defoliate earlier.
  
  
• I had to go out of town for 10 days just after the 12/12 flip. I raised up the lights, but not enough and one cola grew into a CFL and killed the top. I cut the top off and now the lower flowers are growing a bit bigger and taller than their partners on other colas, just no top. Also, I only got an automatic watering system set up the night before I left and it didn't water as much as I wanted, plus the pH drifted a lot while I was gone. I started with the pH low to try to mitigate it rising, which I expected. I was expecting the plant to really be struggling, but she looked great actually.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Hey, I JUST came off building a setup and it cost me $750 total. We have 3 plants in there right now. I have the entire list with amazon links or store suggestions.

Item| Price | Where To Buy
---|---|----
Tent| $95| We bought this one, I don't know if it's worth spending a lot on anything more expensive. For a smaller option I just got a second with good reviews but can't vouch for it yet.
Lights/Hood/Ballast| $140| I got the 600W set, but 400W would make cooling MUCH easier and still get a big yield. For LEDs at similar price, Viparspectra 300W x2 or a single 600W eliminates need for extra cooling potentially (not included here, we used fans from around the house)
ph Test+Control Kit | $25| GET THIS. The water must be pH'd properly for your babies' health.
Cloth Pots| $20 | These are better for aeration, water flow, training, etc. Cheap and reusable too.
Nutrients | $50 | I got the Fox Farms Trio, but there are many good options out there.
Fan + Filter | $150 | This is huge and might be overkill for you. Make sure whatever you get fits your tent vents (This one fits the Apollo tent above with 6" vents).
Ducting | $20 | Connect fan to filter, to tent, to wherever. Might want multiple sizes, check tent vent sizes.
Foil Tape, Metallic | $10 | Here. Metal Duct tape is best duct tape.
Fan Speed Controller | $20 | Useful for if you do get a fan that is slightly overkill!
Fox Farms Ocean Forest | $15 - $40 | You can buy it online and I did for my first 3 bags....then I found it in a local store for $15. There is some controversy with FF lately, it's not organic FYI. There are tutorials on making your own soil if you care, but I like this because I didn't have to use nutes for 3-4 weeks.
Humidifier | $30 | This is the exact one I have. We're in winter so I need it to keep humidity up, you may not.
Dehumidifier | $40 | There are plenty for this much. You may not need this either.
Cal-Mag | $20 | I haven't needed it yet but it's best to have on hand if you do!
Seeds | $75 | I bought from Attitude, chose stealth, and bought like 15 seeds?, so it was expensive. You can get seeds for less.
Jiffy Pellets | $10 | Used to start seeds. There are other options.
Total | $745 | If you buy all this stuff, you have potentially even more than you need to get started, with room for 3-4x more plants than these boxes, and with nutrients to last you for a long long time!

Hope this helps! I'd hate to see you drop so much on it when you don't need to at all.

CFL's are not great but i've heard of people doing full cycle grows on 100-150 true watts

she wouldn't get massive but you could def veg her long enough to put her outside.

don't look at the equivalent wattage, you need draw wattage atleast 35w per square foot. Those are probably 13 or 23 watt bulbs. If you really want to go CFL do your research, I'd suggest 6-8 23W 5000-6500k CFL bulbs for veg.

again though it might be worth it to buy a proper light and ditch the CFL, the only time CFL is really viable is if you already have the bulbs/sockets and can DIY rig everything together into a frame/box if your time is worth minimum wage you'd probably best buying a light like this

89.99 USD https://www.amazon.com/Roleadro-Spectrum-Function-Generation-Flowering/dp/B01I4NY8KW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538516694&sr=8-1&keywords=Roleadro+LED+Grow+Light+Full+Spectrum+400W+COB+Lamp+with+ON%2FOFF+Switch+and+Daisy+Chain+Function%2C+2nd+Generation+Plant+Light+for+Flowering+and+Veg

I bought this light first go around, its not great. its not very efficient and really only pulls 165 watts for the cobbs since rest is used for active cooling, its actually a shit chinese LED but itll outperform those CFLs you got by a lot and will suit your needs just fine, I think they have a 2-3 year warranty, you could prob veg 4 plants under this thing if you want to get them like 24" before putting them outside. I did 2 bushed under it and they're doing pretty good.

I topped mine so many times and made them into a bush and right now they're about 3-4 ft one has 8 tops other has like 26 tops, its crazy. pretty tall bushes with a good canopy, mostly grown under 1 of these lights and I later added 2 better brand higher quality component LED's when going into flowering, Right now I am about to enter week 6 flower tomorrow and they are doing great.

Normally I'd be yelling at you to get a proper QB or cree cob setup but since you just wanna grow 1 plant in veg until outdoor flower I think it'd work fine and not break your bank. I think they useCxa3070 cobs, which are not the greatest but they'll work.

be aware it can run a little hot compared to a proper cob kit, ventilation will be a must.


if your budget is a bit more I'd get a 100w kit like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XFNXLBK/ref=twister_B07D368BM3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


these are plug and play use top quality components meanwell drivers and cree cob cxb3590 used amongst most DIY builds and I know for a fact 1 of these 100 watt will veg 8 plants to 24" no prob.


I'd really suggest investing in the quality stuff and avoiding the cheap chinese shit.

1. Your light is kinda weak for a 4x4 ( sorry in the US so my values will be in ft) that 450w vipar VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 450W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg and Flower https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015FLSOCE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CiZDAbMT0KHGY
   Has an actual power draw of 200w. When rating LEDS especially these cheap blurples you need to look at actual power draw. That gives you the raw wattage of the light. (I’ll explain how they get away with this clever piece of marketing later if you wish). Anyways when it comes to lighting you want to fall within a 30-50 W/sqft (watts per square foot) your 4x4 has a footprint of 16sqft to figure this out you take your actual wattage 200W and divide by 16sqft the result is 12.5 w/sqft. Also you’ll notice in the description the light is rated for a 2x2 for flowering.
   
   
2. Hps is older tech but still king. LEDS that rival HPS are expensive but an investment worthwhile if you have the money. I’d suggest as a newbie maybe grabbing a 315Cmh or you can go with a 600w mh for veg and a 600 or 1000w HPS for flower. Only issue is you’ll have to be constantly changing bulbs and occasionally ballasts.
   
   
3. Canna soil- is that the name? I tried googling it and I get canna terra profession plus??? Either way there’s a huge difference between canna coco and actual soils. Figure out what you have/want or I can give you the pros and cons for both.
   
   
   
4. As for nutes Bro there’s like a million of them. If you can go anything Dutch and a two part ( part A is veg, part b is flower) you can keep it simple as you learn. I use raw NPK powder nutes and mix to my own strength.
   
   
5. The rest looks good. Make sure your tent is good quality manufacturer. Your fans should oscillate (ideal) if not then no worries (mine don’t) be sure your carbon filter and fan are the same size. A 6in carbon filter requires a 6in fan. In this case if your freedom depends on it I’d suggest can fan, and get one with a higher Cfm than the volume of your tent and get an fan speed controller. (Negative Air pressure is another topic you’d be really interested in if you’re growing in a less than hospitable state.
   
   
6. I’m on my mobile so sorry for the wall of text.

This is my first time growing, and I 100% couldn't have done it without the help of this subreddit. Please feel free to critique/rip into my setup, as I really appreciate all the help and knowledge so far!

 

Currently running:

 

2x alibaba 240w QB

 

Promix HP + 2inch layer of worm castings on the bottom

 

Strain is The Best from JAHseeds My seeds are not feminized however, so still unsure of sex.

 

Right now they are in 1 gallon pots and I'm planning on moving them into 7 gallon fabric pots when the time is right.

 

I kinda went ham one night and bought the entire GH nutrient lineup (including all the additives....) so I'm planning on sticking to their schedule (halved) throughout the grow. I know I could have done without a lot (most) of them, but yeah it was still cheaper than buying an Oz from the LP....Currently only feeding them water.

 

The tent is a GA 48x48x80, with a Vivosun 6 inch duct fan and carbon filter

 

Holmes Lil' Blizzard fan (this thing moves a lot of air)

 

I originally had a smaller tent so I started out germinating 3 seeds by dropping them in a glass of water for 36 hours. After they all popped, I planted them directly into coco pots. At that time I decided to change to a larger tent, so I dropped 2 more seeds into a glass of water to germinate. 36 hours later one of the seeds had popped, but not the other. I planted the one that popped, and left the other in the water for another 12 hours. At this time it still hadn't popped, so I just dropped it into a pot with the others. The one that never popped didnt end up coming through the soil until about 2 days ago (I was actually just about to give up on it). It's the tiny coco pot in the middle. Pretty sure it's gonna be a retard plant but whatever, I'll give it some love and care. Don't tell Justin. The nice healthy plant on the bottom right is the other seed that I germinated with it at the same time.


 

 

Close up shot 1

Close up shot 2

 

 

 

 

tl;dr i love you all

These are my suggestions - feel free to ask more questions if you need anything!

Read these guides (not by me) - I wish I had had something like this when I started: http://homegrow-pro.com/quantum-board-build-grow-tent/ And this one: http://homegrow-pro.com/the-3x3-grow-tent-setup/

The links and suggestions below are oriented for Canadians, so feel free to ask for alternatives.

Essentials

• Grow Tent: 3 ft x 3 ft x 6 ft is the size you'd probably want. This is the one I bought: https://www.amazon.ca/VIVOSUN-Hydroponic-Observation-Window-Growing/dp/B01DXYMKIO
  
• Light: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Pre-assemabled-Kingbrite-2019-newest-samsung_62123342418.html?spm=a2700.icbuShop.41413.14.161358f6VLfhlM This light is a fantastic LED quantum board that is very easy to assemble - I got the 3000K one with the epistar, but this one has the better CREE version
  
• Fabric Pots: Head to Amazon and grab yourself a 5-pack of 7 gallon fabric pots https://www.amazon.ca/VIVOSUN-Gallons-Thickened-Nonwoven-Handles/dp/B00TF9E9PY/
  
• Also get yourself a saucer (you can get this at any garden store) and a pot elevator for each pot (pot elevator example: http://amazon.ca/Gro-Pro-725675-Level-Elevator/dp/B01J37FHF8/)
  
• Soil: Get yourself a bail of Pro Mix HP with mycorrhizae (it's cheap, reliable, and hard to overwater) from Canadian Tire, Rona, any store really and get also a bag of earthworm castings. Cover the bottom of your fabric pot with the castings (2-3 inches deep) https://www.homehardware.ca/en/20l-organic-worm-castings/p/5025712
  
• Nutrients: Gaia Green Dry Amendments (All Purpose and Power Bloom) Mix the All Purpose in with your Pro-Mix HP and then top dress your "soil" every month, changing it to Power Bloom during flowering https://www.canadiangardensupply.com/gaia-green-all-purpose-4-4-4.html https://www.canadiangardensupply.com/gaia-green-power-bloom-2-8-4-power-bloom-2-8-4-2kg.html
  
• Ventilation: Get the AC Infinity Cloudline T4 - it's absolutely worth it. Then purchase a 4-inch carbon filter and 4 inch tubing from Amazon (branding doesn't matter for these two things) https://www.amazon.ca/AC-Infinity-CLOUDLINE-T4-Ventilation/dp/B06ZXWN3BG https://www.amazon.ca/AC-Infinity-Dual-Layer-Aluminium-Ventilation/dp/B071LHCFZ8 https://www.amazon.ca/VIVOSUN-Australia-Charcoal-Pre-filter-Included/dp/B01DXYMBU6
  
• Timer: You can go cheap on this, but also consider a smart timer (like a Wemo) https://www.amazon.ca/Insight-Switch-Enabled-Compatible-Amazon/dp/B00EOEDJ9W
  
• Seeds: Jahseeds.ca - Canadian breeder, amazing beans, amazing price! Go with feminized seeds for your first round. https://jahseeds.ca/shop?olsPage=t%2Ffeminized-seeds
  
  
  Extra accessories
  
  
• 2 fire extinguishers (one for just outside tent, one for outside the room, where the tent is located)
  
• Pruning shears (seperate ones for trimming live plants and ones for harvesting) https://www.amazon.ca/Pruning-Gardening-Straight-Stainless-Precision/dp/B076HL5JJM
  a lighter (for sanitizing)
  
• a set of tweezers, for planting your sprouted seed
  
• some garden gloves
  
• rope ratchets for your lights
  
• zips ties for protecting things
  
• binder clips (for low stress training)
  
• plant ties (soft rubber and wire kind)
  
• watering can
  
• two pairs of measuring spoons for dry amendments
  
• a clip on fan and rotating fan (for air circulation over and under the canopy)
  
• markers and a pack of tag plant markers for identifying plants
  
• soil moisture https://www.amazon.ca/Soil-Moisture-Sensor-Meter-Hydrometer/dp/B014MJ8J2U
  
• paper towels (for germination)
  
• Bucket Head Wet Dry Vacuum Powerhead Lid for 19 Litre (5 Gal.) Multi-Use Buckets great for gathering up the excess water and tipped soil) https://www.homedepot.ca/product/bucket-head-wet-dry-vacuum-powerhead-lid-for-19-litre-5-gal-multi-use-buckets/1000666690
  
• 3 five gallon buckets (1 for the buckethead vacuum and 2 for extra water reservoirs) and two lids
  
• 3 surge protector power bars
  
• Various AC power extension cables
  
• 1 trellis net (for ScrOG training)
  
• USB microscrope (used to check the trichomes at harvest - if you want you can also get an adapter so it plugs directly into your smartphone, as opposed to plugging it into a computer) https://www.amazon.ca/Jiusion-Magnification-Endoscope-Microscope-Compatible/dp/B06WD843ZM
  
• 62% Boveda packs for curing
  
• Mason jars for curing and storage
  
• hanging rack for drying (you can substitute this for a hanger and some plant ties)
  
• Duct tape
  It's a little more expensive at the start, but this setup will pay for itself within two harvests.
  
  
  With this setup you can expect to yield between 8 to 10 oz every run (even with autos), once you grow accustomed to the cycle.

Cooling and ventilation are all about the efficiency of your systems to vacate unwanted air while creating proper circulation. Couple things to consider before changing your setup:

• Your room is 22ft^3. The fan you were looking at is rated at 430cfm (cubic feet per minute). Little less than 20x the volume of the room. Essentially, you will be creating dramatic negative pressure in your grow space. Might want to look at a smaller fan buying a fan speed controller. Max cfm rating should be somewhere around 4x the volume of your grow space. This will allow air to still be moved properly, while allowing the exhausting system to draw in fresh, cool air.
  
  
• Your plants will acclimate themselves to whatever temperature you have them at. People say that ~24^o C is proper, but in nature temperature fluctuates dramatically, with more extreme temperatures than your plants will ever experience growing indoors.
  
  If you do decide to go the inline fan route, make sure you're using passive intakes for your cool air. You do not want to overpower/under-power your exhaust fan. Good way to burn out motors. Keep your 6" fan for circulation.
  
  
  EDIT: Forgot to mention cool tubes. If you're running a 400W system, look into (eventually) purchasing one of these. I recently purchased this set. Installed, I have noticed a huge decrease in ambient temperature in my tent. Here is my set up for a reference. If you were to do something like this, your light would have to be put in diagonally. Corner to corner, your room should measure ~3.5" across.
  
  EDIT 2: Buy a fan speed controller

Update:

> Dried at 50% humidity and 70 degrees F for 6 days. A little too dry tbh.

> I didn't defoliate enough and therefore had a LOT of airy buds. Roughly 350 grams worth. Then another pound of quality trim. Didn't count any of that in the 850g total. Started shooting it today, hoping for some quality shatter.

> * Overall extremely happy with this grow. It was my first hydroponic grow. My first grow with these lights. My first grow with this strain. And it went terrific. Had alot of fun.

Grow Journal:

Date| Day| pH| ppm| Temp (°F) | RH (%)| Lighting | Watering Schedule | Lighting Schedule | Notes |
---|---|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----
6/04/18| V3| 6.0| 453| 66.7| 60 | 2 x 200W-Roleadro |3hr Intervals | 24/0 | n/a |
6/11/18|V11|5.8|468|69.6|57|157W x 4 Vero29| 4hr Intervals | 24/0 | Stem/Stretch Problems, PH problems.
6/18/18|V18|5.5|880|71|62|170W x 8 Vero29|4hr Intervals | 24/0 | pH Problems in Remediation, Necrosis on Plant 2
6/25/18|V25|6.1|950|70|62|180W x 8 Vero29| 3hr Intervals | 24/0 | pH/Necrosis problems resolved. Topped. Nute burn.
7/07/18|V37|6.4|850|73|66|320W x 12 Vero29|3hr Intervals | 24/0 | Skipped week due to vacation. Transplanted. Vigorously LST-ing to keep up with growth.
7/20/18|V51|6.4|820|70|62|500W x 12 Vero29| 3hr Intervals | 24/0 | Work trip means going forward I only see my girls 2 days a week. Continuing to top and LST and trim leaves. Flip imminent.
7/30/18|V60|5.8|860|74|55|640W x 12 Vero29|3hr Intervals | 24/0 | Pre-Flip Looking very healthy.
8/05/18|F06|5.7|750|76|54|900W x 12 Vero29| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Post-Flip Extremely fast growth. Ran at 1000PPM past week - too hot. Dropping to 750ppm.
8/11/18|F11|5.8|850|74.5|61|900W x 12 Vero29| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Stretch!!!
8/19/18|F19|5.8|750|77|65|900W x 12 Vero29| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Holy Mother of Stretch
8/27/18|F27|5.9|650|75|70|400W x 8 Vero29, 600W x 4 FOTOP boards| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | New lights, lots of pistils
9/03/18|F34|6.1|740|78|52|400W x 8 Vero29, 600W x 4 FOTOP boards| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Starting to chunk
9/13/18|F44|5.9|810|76|50|400W x 8 Vero29, 600W x 4 FOTOP boards| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Very rapid growth. Some foxtailing on seed #2 - seems to be genetic.
9/22/18|F53|5.8|610|72|52|400W x 8 Vero29, 600W x 4 FOTOP boards| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Lowered nute concentration to finish up.
9/29/18|F53|5.8|100|70|54|400W x 8 Vero29, 600W x 4 FOTOP boards| 3hr Intervals | 12/12 | Harvest! 850 grams of quality buds for .85 g/W

Medium:

> Germination: Starter Plugs
> Veg: 1/2 Gal Nursery Pots > 1 Gal Nursery Pots > 5 Gal Fabric Pits
> * Hydroton

Environment:

> Tent: 5 x 5
> AC inside, Venting Outside with 450CFM fan

Nutrient List:

>
> Flora Trio
> Diamond Nectar
> Armor Si
> Floralicious Plus
> Mammoth P
> Hydroguard
> Great White Mycorrhizae
> FloraNectar

Other:

> [DIY LED Album] (https://imgur.com/a/QZYXtt1)
> [DIY Flood Table Details] (https://www.reddit.com/r/microgrowery/comments/8myjvg/finished_my_first_flood_table/)
>* Past Grows: 1 & 2

Always looking for feedback! :)

You could go with cfls but honestly the quality (even the chinese companies like marshydro and galaxyhydro/roleadro) in the cheap LEDs is actually quite impressive.

Just do some research on em. But for your space I still think 1 or 2 mars hydro 300w would be best (they run at ~140w and give you about 4x the yield per watt as CFL)


If you wanna do cfls though, you could get some 40-60w cfls in small fixtures placed throughout (they have to be within 2-4 inches of your plants at all times) or get 1-2 of these https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-FLCDG125D-Fluorowing-Compact-Fluorescent/dp/B001UV6P9I

but for the price you are paying for cfls, you could get one of those mars fixtures on ebay for less than 70$.

That 120w cfl hood might yield you 1-1.5 ounces and the mars would yield you at least 4oz and would produce the same amount of heat and electricity usage and a muuuuch better quality end product.


hope this helps!

just want to chime in here, I was in the same boat as you. Starting out as just an experiment seeing if I could actually sprout a seed, turned into a dedicated project :p But I can tell you I didn't have any idea with like lights, tents, air filters etc. So first thing I bought was this LED , but a better option would be this Viparspectra (the one I bought though has been just fine) and just hung it in my closet with the plant, and that's it. veg'ed it for 4 weeks just like that with the light on a timer and my closet door closed. (get a little desk fan to to move some air over the leaves) Then I figured I'd switch to flower, and was kinda on the edge about investing in a tent and carbon filter. but every thread I read about smell, veterans would always say "It's gonna smell a lot!" So I bit the bullet and got a 2x2x4 tent and this carbon filter and fan . You can probably use your DIY carbon filter just fine. Anyway, long story short, I started to flower and literally two days later I walk into my house after work and the smell just hits me. And this is just one plant. So definitely invest in that stuff. But as for the PC fan, unfortunately it's not going to have enough static pressure to force air through a carbon filter. You don't have to go with the one I got, like brotha said the duct boosters will work too. If you have any question let me know cause I relate very well to your situation, except I've now been halfway through the process lol. pm me if you want

Welcome to growing weed. It's the very best hobby in the world. The light that you bought will get you through your first month or two of growth, but you're going to need to upgrade before you switch to flower if you want to grow dense, potent bud. A 600 watt HPS/MH like this is your least expensive option that will max out that 4x4 with light and keep it warm too. You can put your oil filled radiator directly in the tent to keep it warm at night. Don't let your temps inside the tent drop below 65F if you can avoid it. Good luck! I hope your first harvest is dank and delicious.

That light will rock a 2'x4' area. Get the 3000k version. It is great for flowering, better than 3500k, and the sheer light output of them means they will veg well also.

If you want what is probably the best coco mix to use, I would suggest Mother Earth Coco Plus Perlite Mix

It is probably the best quality coco I have ever seen. Already has the correct amount of perlite in it, and it is so clean that if you pour 0 ppm water through it, run-off comes out at 0 ppm. All you have to do is charge it with cal/mag and start growing. It is the only one I have seen that doesn't need flushing endlessly to remove salts before use.

Switch to coco and you will not go back to soil once you have it mastered. I run DWC now, but my experience with coco saw roughly twice the growth during veg than I did previously in soil.

If you plan on doing plant training to establish more main colas on each plant, 4 plants in 3 gallon fabric or air pots will fit nicely.

When you are ready to transplant, get a big tub of room temperature water to dip and soak the rootball in to remove the soil around the roots. Put a generous amount of Mykos on the sides and bottom of the hole in the coco where you plan to set the plant. Be gentle in these steps and you should have no problems.

Alright man thank you. I'm leaning towards the 400w HID light because it is cheaper than 2 LED's and I have read that it provides denser and more potent buds.. but I have a few questions/concerns that I hope you could clear up for me:

• This is the setup I would plan on running. HID LIGHT
  
  
• Would this light fit in my tent size with ample room to grow in. I wont be running huge plants but I plan on a SCROG as well as some fat buds. Could I do this without the possibility of burning my plants.
  
  
• Would I be able to run this light without having crazy temps in my tent? I live in texas but the area I am growing in will have AC as well as a place to vent.
  
  
• How would I go about cooling a light like this? I see that on the picture it has a place on either side of the light for ducting. How would you go about doing this? I already have an inline fan in my cart but what would you specifically do? Hook vents up to either sides of the light and exhaust out a window or something? Is there a video that demonstrates this or any photos you could share of your own setup?
  
  Thank you in advance, I'm just trying to make my dollar reach as far as I can.

Haven't even purchased lights/tents yet, but seriously planning an indoor grow and don't know if my setup will work, so feel free to criticize all around.

Location: I plan on growing either in an attic (with good ventilation ofc) or the corner of a large, dark closet, both in a 3x3ft grow tent.

Plants: After some research on Leafly, YouTube, and various forums I have concluded that I am going to attempt to grow Wonder Woman, and I believe could grow 6 plants in that space, but 4-5 is also acceptable if anyone thinks there won't be enough room.

Light: It will be one tent (for now) so I intend on getting a combo veg/flowering LED (since money isn't a big problem and LED yields more than CFL) like this one. If anyone has any recommendations within the same price range (up to $200) I would be glad to look at and consider them.

Medium: Because there are already so many new variables for me, and growing potted plants in soil is something I'm used to, I plan on going with what I know instead of attempting a bunch of hydroponics my first few grows. I assume a better-managed soil grow would be much better than a shotty hydro system.

Also, when do we start cloning? After we determine the sexes? After harvest? Right before harvest? What lights are they kept under?

Thanks in advance!

Hijacking here because you seem knowledgeable, and this is somewhat related. I'm building in a similar sized space as OP. I have Two of these hanging from the ceiling and on either wall I have 2, 2ft strip t5 lights. Right now I have 6500k bulbs in everything for veg, but the total lumen output for the bulbs I have to switch for bloom is just about 20000 lumen.

According to the lighting guide here in the microgrowery, 2000 lumen per square foot is minimum with medium in the 5k/sqft and optimum around 7k/sqft. For my space, I'm just around 2200 lumen/sqft. Do you feel this is adequate?

I'm still in veg, but when I switch to flower, I'm concerned if I'll have enough light. In such a tight space, adequate ventilation isn't easily achievable for a HPS(400W Ideally) lamp without raising the temperature too much (I think anyway) The room fluctuates between 71 and 76 now, so I worry that the HPS will push it into the mid 80s or possibly higher and hinder the plants' health.

OH and I there's 4 plants all of equal size each in 3 gallon containers if that helps.

I was considering getting one more of those bulbs I linked and hanging it vertically(with no reflector, I'll buy one of the hanging sockets) in the center of the 4 plants. So far I topped them twice, and I have 4 main khola nodes on top! They all look great, I'm so proud and happy. Like I said though, this is veg, and come flower it'll be lacking output.

TL;DR: 9sqft grow room, 20000 lumens at 2700k(about 4000 of the lumen are admittedly at the 3500k range) or around 2200 lumen/sqft. Is this adequate for a bloom I can be proud of?

P.S. Sorry for hijacking.

Here is a small 8" one: https://smile.amazon.com/Holmes-Blizzard-8-Inch-Oscillating-Table/dp/B000J07RMU/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=small+oscillating+fan&qid=1555104639&s=gateway&sr=8-3

They work pretty well, I was using two for a good while. I recently upgraded to a tower fan https://smile.amazon.com/Honeywell-Quiet-Whole-Room-Tower/dp/B01N2P6V5P/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=tower+fan&qid=1555104710&s=gateway&sr=8-5

The tower fan is more powerful, quieter, and more efficient. It's worked super well for me! It takes up a good bit of space in my 2'x4'x6' tent, but I think it's worth it to have a fan, and it doesn't really take up much more floor space than the small 8" one (2x 8" fans take up more space than 1x tower fan). I hope this helps!

Yeah, too many first timers go with HPS or non-led options because those lights have tons of info everywhere. LED, while being well established, is still in the adoption phase of use. Especially when you consider all the locations that are just starting to legalize and new growers are starting their first attempts.

I've directed a few friends to this little guy for a small first time LED setup. I use this light for my mother in my 2x2 and she's been loving it for a long time. Bonus to LED adoption is saving a ton of money and reducing heat issues.

Another good place to look on Amazon is PandaGrow they're a reliable source for pre-made COB LEDs. Myself and a few friends have a few different designs and each has performed well.

Indeed you can keep auto flowering plants small, but you can actually do that with any plant. Look up sea of green or screen of green methods to run small plants effectively. But can't stress this enough, I don't recommend autos, and if you're beginning with clones it's doubtful anyone has auto clones. Autos by nature are tough to clone, as the clones almost immediately begin to flower and don't have time to grow out as they would if they had been from seeds.

The tent method is great for beginners, but will run a bit more than $100. In total you would need a tent, LED light, inline fan, pots, soil, nutes, bamboo stalks, garden twine, PH testing kit, carbon filter, hanging clips, trimmers, drying rack, mason jars, and 62% boveda packs. If you search craigslist you can probably find a bunch of people selling their used gear. With a 2 x 4 tent you could yield 8 ounces or more, although it's more likely that you'll harvest 3-4 ounces your first go. A 4 x 4 tent would allow you lots of room and twice the yield.

Also in regards to LED's, be mindful of how many square feet you're trying to cover. I've got a few different LED's in my gardens, as well as MH/HPS lights. Many of the LED's claim to be full spectrum, and while that may be true, they vary quite a bit in terms of what they mean by that. I've got ones that are blueish white, blue, purple, more red, and one that has a switch from veg to flower. Out of all of them I really like my Mars Hydro , although I will say it does run very blue. Despite the dominantly blue spectrum, it's produced buds comparable to a 600w HPS, but with significantly more frost.

you need to get a ph meter: https://www.amazon.com/Jellas-Household-Hydroponics-Measurement-Resolution/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=lp_393271011_1_3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1511300438&sr=1-3 will suffice.

I would recommend a water/nutrient pH of 6.4 for promix as it is a peat based media that is acidic. Meaning your pH should be about 6.2, but if you add 6.2 and hits the acidic peat, it will not be that anymore. Some people argue lower pH for soiless, but let me assure you that at 6.4 in results in a 5.6ish out. I personally think you are safe with a pH 5.4-6.2 out. What I mean by out is run-off, you need to feed enough liquid so that ~20% just drains through. Placing the pot in a pail during feeding/watering helps. This will drain extra salts.

Also, you should add perlite (1/3 volume) with promix as it can cause drainage problems and water retention if you don't. Think about that before you transplant. You may need to also add dolomite lime in the future. Read up on that please, just thinking ahead for you, and letting you avoid mistakes I had made. It doesn't take a lot, but helps to stabilize your pH and provides cal/mag.

>Not sure what EC means

It means Electroconductivity and refers to the salinity of your water.
Do you know how hard your water is? If its too hard, you need to dilute it with RO water. Some people just use RO water only, but supplement it with CalMag solution. If you don't know what's in your tap water, call the water department and ask them. They most probably posted your water analysis online.

Yur just lucky I'm feeling nice ;)

EDIT: And ffs quit giving them miracle grow!

Here is how I do it. Tent on right gets first air ( the coldest and driest as it's for flowering ) air moves to second tent ( the air is warmer and more humid now, ideal for vegging flowers),the air moves into the dry tent,which usually has it's own dehumidifier. Finally exhausting thru a carbon filter back into the room.

https://imgur.com/a/IkN2T9W

I hope this inspires ideas. It wont smell like cannabis in the exhaust air until like 2 weeks into floweing, from that point it progressively gets WAY stronger. I highly advise a carbon filter if you want stealth. I found this to work amazing ( iPower GLFILT6M 6 Inch Air Carbon Filter Odor Control Scrubber with Australia Virgin Charcoal for Inline Fan, Reversible Flange, Prefilter Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NYF8S4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_J3bWDbSH6F9XR )

hope this all helps you 😎

I can help with that. As long as you're using coco.

A perfectly moist solo cup of 100% coco weighs 280g. If you were to stick a moisture meter in the cup it would be sitting on the cusp of the blue Wet zone, but not in to it. When it gets down to about 240g a meter would read right on the cusp of Dry and now its time to water again, and bring it back to 280g. You are basically oscillating between the cusp of wet and dry, back and forth.

there is a myth out there that moisture meters dont work and for some reason all these newbie growers are missing out on a great tool to help them grow. And it will help them avoid the number one plant stunter out there - over watering. You have to rub off the oxidation with a pot scrubber once in a while. And check its accuracy once in a while by doing this esp if you are getting weird readings. get a cup of your medium medium that is dry and stick the probe in and it better be in the dry zone. Then add water until you think its medium moist and check the meter. It should be in the middle. Then fully water the cup and you should see the meter read Wet. Its easy. I have done this so many times I know how much they should weigh. Its hard to pick a cup and feel its weight because its small. Pots I can do that, but not cups, yet. This isn't really a calibration. Its a check. And if its off, then I throw the meter out and grab a new one.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B014MJ8J2U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Depends on the quality of your tent. Gorilla tents are the absolute top of the line, but you pay for that quality. Amazon is your best bet for quality and affordability. Generally 3x3s are $100. 3x3 or 2x4 is probably your best bet for a basic small personal grow. This is the tent I use.. and I've never had any light or smell leaks. Change out your Carbon Filter once a year if smell is your concern and you'll be good to go.

its a marketing ploy really, they say its to increase the longevity of the light boards themselves but who knows. https://www.amazon.com/MarsHydro-Updated-Spectrum-Certificate-Hydroponic/dp/B00XC3LBIW

if this is the same light or similar then you can read on the page that it actually only pulls 132 watts +- 10%

" ENERGY-SAVING: Consuming only 132watt±10% with the same effect of typical 150W hps or HID grow lights. "

its a common mistake you shouldn't really worry about it, just know that most people recommend anywhere from 30-50 watts of actual true wattage per sqft of tent, and in your case you only have about just a little over 15.

Again only saying mars hydro 600w gives it a bit of leniency but the best 600w blurple led ive seen maxes out at like 180 watts which could work but you would probably see a massive improvement if you added some more light in there.

If your light isnt a blurple then i could be totally off.

That depends on how he's going to use the space. The 300s will give more coverage area, but the maximum PAR value will be less (by a substantial amount), so you won't get the same growth potential. If he were to go with the 600w (that's the one I have) and hang it over say, the right 2/3 of the tent he'd have perfect coverage and PAR for that area. It's a choice between barely adequate lighting but good coverage and decent lighting but less coverage area. A compromise might be to put 2 450W LEDs in there (same brand, Viparspectra)

i have one of these but its been a little difficult for me to see them clearly or even try and take a picture, it moves around so damn much lol. I'm going to try again and post an update.

I checked it last night and i'm pretty confident that i saw a mix of clear and cloudy with very few amber.

Just going to throw my light that I've got since I'm also a first time grower. (Who also happens to have a 2x2 tent.)

Viparspectra 300W LED Has been a great light for me so far, have also seen a lot of others with the same light and eventually they'll add another which is also what I plan on doing.

You do you though! Good luck and happy growing. :)

I'd have to agree with Justin here, I own that light and reflector and I absolutely LOVE it so far, but my tent is over twice that size (36x48x72), and it fills the space quite well. the 400w should suit your needs well without all the heat of the 600w. My tent sits at 70F-78F with the veg bulb, the flower bulb that comes with this puts out almost double the lumens and presumably a TON more heat.

Edit: Amazon carries a 400w version of that light for $26 cheaper, if you want to go with the same type kit. Has good reviews and a 5 star rating.

that's a duct booster. it won't have the power to properly exhaust your tent, especially if you're using that filter. i would look at something more like this. i can't vouch for that fan, but it will be a lot better than the booster.
in terms of pushing or pulling, i've been told it's better to pull through the filter than to push, idk, maybe something to do with how long the carbon will stay effective. i personally have my tent setup to push through mine right now, as the fan is a lot smaller than the filter so i elected to put the filter outside. either works tbh.

Giantex Indoor Grow Tent Room Reflective Mylar Hydroponic Non Toxic Clone Hut 6 Size (32''X32''X63'') https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PXK7ICK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UhVuybY2C4CHS

Roleadro 2nd Generation 600W LED Plant Grow Light Upgraded Full Spectrum Indoor Growing Light with 120pcs 5W Chips https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IVQ96MW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_diVuybHJCV7XV

VIVOSUN 4 Inch 203 CFM Duct Inline Fan with Variable Speed Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CTM0H6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BiVuybSGHVZTE

Century 24 Hour Heavy Duty Plug-in Mechanical Timer Grounded https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MVFF59S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nkVuybNGBW6PS

MacDoDo PH-02 Digital PH Meter Tester Best For Water Aquarium Pool Hot Tub Hydroponics Wine - Push Button Calibration Resolution 0.01 / High Accuracy +/- 0.05 - Large LCD Display - 100% Guaranteed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JOHTMEO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MkVuybZ08V91M

VIVOSUN Pair of 1/8" Adjustable Grow Light Reflector Clip Hanger Rope Ratchet with Zinc Alloy Internal Gears 75lb Each https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P7TZNPQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nlVuyb1Q8670K

This is my setup, my fan is coming in today and my seedlings sprouted this morning. I did quite a bit of research and The light is a little underpowered but I was on a pretty tight budget and can always add more light later.
I spent $40 on seeds and super soil mix from Mephisto genetics, going a more organic route and won't require nutes.
I also spent about $30 on peat moss, perlite, and compost. I already had some ducting and pots.

Are they sucking air out of the tent or just out of the room?

Fans like this

Comfort Zone 6 Inch Clip-On Fan | Great for Table Tops, Night Stands and anywhere you need Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U9V47E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DNq0AbD8QY6YQ

Or like this?

VIVOSUN 4 Inch 203 CFM Inline Duct Ventilation Fan with Variable Speed Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CTM0H6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_oOq0AbW0Q1Q5X

Also, are you exhausting from the ports at the top of the tent or the bottom?

You might have already made your decision, but one of the best tools I've bought is this $13 microscope - it takes all the guesswork out for me. Great looking plant!

​

*Edited to include the UK link on Amazon

Looking good man, I would just keep doing what you're doing because she looks healthy. where did you get the seed? and eventually you can switch to 18/6. Also later on if you decide that you want more light I have had two of these for the past 3-4 years and they're still going strong. you're in for a wild ride, here's my first grow.. I started in my closet with zero ventilation lol fun times.

I see, I can sell the one I have actually since my cousin already told me to pick one extra one for him.

I haven't bought the tent yet so...
Which light would you buy for a 4x4x7?
Or I could also get this tent since it is a great price https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H9N29SC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 as opposed to the 4x4 vivosun I was thinking

Something like this would be fine I guess: https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Dimmable-PAR1200-1200W-Light/dp/B01N7CEW5Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1519244908&sr=8-4&keywords=Viparspectra+PAR1200+Dimmable+LED+Grow+Light


My main concern is heat generated by the light and Energy consumption.

Thanks for your help btw

seriously i get it qb are great but i would need to spend double upfront and i might need to supply more heat anyway at the since this place is hard to keep warm in cold winter. i think i'll try with an hps instead.

do you think a kit like this would be good? and what is a good sized tent to go with it?

Yes but that's a higher end and overpriced light, with that money you're better off using a COB fixture, you can save a lot of money buying a roleadro 2nd gen and get good results, either their 300 or 600 depending on the area you're looking to cover. Here, and here if you want more quality.

Best way is to get a 20x scope. Something like this will work fine.

http://www.amazon.com/Carson-MM-200-Micromax-60X-100X-Microscope/dp/B000P8AUMU/ref=sr_1_cc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1290463704&sr=1-1-catcorr

You can even get a jewelers loupe which is even cheaper.

The trichs convert from THC to CBD's. A higher ratio of THC to CBD will give a more cerebal "head" type of high. A higher ratio of CBD to THC will create a more body type of high. The first is more like a sativa and the second will resemble more of an indica. I believe that 40% amber gives a good representation of what the plant is.

Based on the little bit of info there about PAR, I don't think it's too much. I usually recommend this lighting guide, but since that's a blue/red LED light rather than a white/full spectrum light, a cheap lux meter won't work. There's good info there about PAR/lux recommendations, still. From the info on the Bestva LED light slides, I think it'd be okay for flower at 16-18", but not sure how good the coverage would be away from the center.

But, you can probably do better for the same price or only a little more. I mention that in case you want to return it and get a different one. I had a similar Viparspectra 450W light (different brand but very similar construction) which failed after about 10 days, apparently a common thing; I returned it and got an HLG QB288v2 kit, in 3000k, newer tech, a MUCH better light. It consumes ~135w (compared to 200w for my previous light), but produces more usable light in a better spectrum. It's more expensive, but there are other cheaper brands that are very similar.

I have a smaller tent than you do, 2'x2'x5.5', about 60x60x167 cm. Yours is closer to a 3x3 tent, and for those the one corresponding to mine would be the 260W kit, though people usually recommend getting the corresponding Meijiu light from alibaba instead, because they're much cheaper. I THINK that's the right one, but look what QB board people recommend for a 3x3 now.

Oh it looked pretty far in pic #29. You can still probably lower it to just a few inches away if its only a 90 watter, especially because LED and fluorescents are a more diffused source of lighting. I have a 400W HPS only 12 inches from the tops of mine with no burning, and CFLs and T-5s less than a half-inch away with no burning.

Regardless of how close they are, I'd also recommend a cheap small internal circulation fan like this or whatever you can find at a store near you, for the flowering area. It will improve stem strength, reduce chances of mold/mildew/algae/some types of bugs, and often keep temperatures down by helping your ventilation system.

I have a similar tent and I just started my first grow about 3 weeks ago. I was having issues similar to you. I was above 80 degrees and low humidity. It burned my first plant right up. I fixed it with three things:

1. This exhaust fan - Just put it on the outside top of your tent so that it pulls all the hot air that has risen to the top out.
   
2. I put 7" ducting in the bottom vents to keep them open at 100% for intake. You could put one of these in the hole and it would really help the temp a lot. Put that fan you have in the tent directly in front of the intake hole at the bottom as to maximize the amount of fresh, cool air you pull in the tent.
   
3. A humidifier. I went to goodwill, found a 2.5 gallon for $15 and it works perfect. Before I was at like 15% RH in the tent, now Im above 50%
   
   EDIT: Now I get ~70-74 degrees F inside the tent.

I have that Variac and vortex combo and love it; look for the amazon used section I pick it up for 110 instead. I have this fan and it works wonderful for a 2 x 4 tent PACKED TO THE FUCKING BRIM with plants. Tis cheaper. Edit: it's the one you linked... woops!

I'm just tossing it out there that you can pay with amazon prime card on rapid LED and get this vastly superior light I was told of tonight. I used the prime credit card to get LEDs there. ;)

What are you going to put the plants in?

Edit: *2 wks into veg !

The 4 corner pots are Tangerine Dream's,

The middle bushy one is Kushy Kush,

The gimpy small pot is a Holy Grail Kush.

I have a 5 gallon bucket with an AWS-10 automatic watering system hooked up to it.

The 2 ViparSpectra 450W (200 true watt) LEDs are on a 18/6 cycle controlled via timer.

When it's time to flower I'll bring down the Morsen 1200W (350 true watt) LED to supplement the ViparSpectras.

I've been running this for 2 wks now and so far so good. Soil is the perfect consistency of moisture and it's well distributed throughout the pots past a very thin dried top layer.

With a 5 gallon bucket I only have to refill once a week. I actually have a water source available to me right at my grow location, so even refilling the water reservoir could be automated at some point.

Mind you I still enjoy checking on my plants daily, just wanted to see if I could set up a very low maintenance grow that could be self sufficient if I needed to travel.

4x4 tent with 4 plants and a decent veg time and you could get about a lb or maybe a little less every 5 months.

4x4 set up is a lot less than $1000

tent $100 https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Horticulture-Hydroponic-Indoor-Growing/dp/B00H9O6UJ0

light $170 https://www.amazon.com/iPower-Digital-Dimmable-System-Reflector/dp/B005GYRZV2

exhaust fan $100 https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-ACDF6-Active-Air-Inline/dp/B00KWYJQYA

clip fans $20 - $40 https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Zone-Clip-Stands-anywhere/dp/B000U9V47E

You still need buckets and soil as well as seeds or clones, but the bulk of what you need is right there.

You could swap out the HID lamp for some leds easily enough. Or upgrade to slightly better quality items, but you can get started for pretty cheap if you want.

Add a second set up like this and you can go perpetual grow and harvest several times a year.

looks like this one https://www.amazon.com/Panel-Light-System-Spectrum-Replace/dp/B00RZ78ISM

1 bad review, one guy doesn't know that all lights have about half advertised wattage.

meh. it's a gamble on reliability. some people who know more about LEDs than i do, apparently, talk shit about these "blurple" lights, in favor of full-spectrum. basically the cree bulb with the highest model number is near the best you can get. i'm still digesting this stuff myself. efficiency, higher lumens per watt is what you get in the good ones.

I'm not an expert, but you're asking me, the lights i wish i got were two https://www.amazon.com/Roleadro-Greenhouse-Germinating-Flowering-Generation/dp/B01IVQ96WW key words being full spectrum cob. It comes with the Cree CXA3070 which is the chips hobbyists on /r/microgrowery used in their own builds a year ago. They've moved on to better cob chips, but a cutting edge light for 2015 can't be that bad.

I got one of these https://www.amazon.com/Roleadro-Plant-Light-Spectrum-Generation/dp/B01HI3AFYM along with a mars 600 and the roleadro isn't bad for a $70 light, it may not be worth the cob premium for all i know. Three of those may do you.

I've been using (4) of these 8" Lil' Blizzard fans 24/7 for about 3 years straight, and they have been nothing but rock solid(knock on wood). You would have to customize a mount for your tent pole, but it's completely doable and has a really ideal amount of airflow(2 speeds) in the 4x4 or smaller environment. This is my setup in veg. I also run this same thing under my flowering tents canopy.

u/arsfarsy, u/Jortear thought you might be interested as well

Very welcome!

Looks like the current Apollo 3x3' is 72". How annoying. It's still a good amount of vertical space, espcially for QBs, but the standard used to by 80".

Can you fit a 1m x 1m? It's just ~3" inches more per side, but gives 11.33 sqft versus 9 sqft. I can't speak to this brand, but if you search for "40 inch grow tent" or "39 inch grow tent" they'll show up. It's a common size in other countries. Just not advertised as much in the US.

Think that veg light would be fine. Running perpetual with just two tents means 8+ weeks of veg. . .which is 3 more weeks than you need. Definitely don't need optimal veg lights. If anything, you'll be wanting to slow veg down, if you are cloning or planting seeds on flip day.

It should be fairly easy. If you want portability, buy some Smart Pots, they worked much better than the standard plastic pots I was using before. Spend some money on some good nutrients for the N-P-K phases. I used the Fox Farm Trio for my first grow, but I will be moving onto more organic products next year. Make sure to feed them less than what the bottles tell you to. Good soil is very important, I used Roots Organic. Then get some Molasses and feed it about cap full once every couple of weeks while it's vegging, and once a week when it flowers.

One mistake I made on my first grow, was ignoring pesticides. Next year I will be using Azamax once a week when it's vegging. Caterpillars can ruin a good amount of your crop in no time.

I think that's pretty much all you need for a cheap, and low-maintenance grow. Buy some Fiskars trimmers, and a microscope when you think they're ready for harvest.

The lights are one for 18 hours and off for 6. Mine come on at 4 PM and go off at 10 AM.

I'm just using a power strip with a built in timer. Like this. Half the outlets are on a timer, the other half are always on.

I used to keep my fans on the timer as well, but I recently swapped them out for quieter models that are less powerful/noisy. Now I just run the fans 24/7. My main fan has a thermostat in it and will slow down and speed up depending on the temperature in the tent. I find it convenient as I work from home and my tent is in my office. If I didn't sit in the same room as the tent all day, I'd probably just stick with a cheap duct fan like this. It's easy to overdo it with fans in a small tent. I originally bought a big 6" fan but it was overkill. My carbon filters died fast because I was pushing so much air through them and it made more noise than I could stand.

My setup is pretty simple and cheap, but it grows more than I can smoke and I don't have to spend much time worrying about it. I pretty much just did a little research, went on amazon found a grow tent, and bought all the 'people that buy this also buy...' stuff.

Dude if you have 500 hundred to spend then for sure let me get some links for you. USA?
If you are doing Hydro get these depending on how many plants.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001ID8CMG?cache=b02ac130835d7b965f599083ad59fbb1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1405441345&sr=8-8#ref=mp_s_a_1_8

Then a good tent for around 100

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E6CZPJO?cache=b02ac130835d7b965f599083ad59fbb1&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1405441502&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

Depending on what lighting you want I would do anywhere from 400-600w light that can do mh and hps light. (mh for vegetation and hps for flowering)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00547I5I8?cache=b02ac130835d7b965f599083ad59fbb1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1405441940&sr=8-8#ref=mp_s_a_1_8

After that you will need fans definitely for the lighting, a fan for your plants and then grow nutrients.
This is to give you an idea the big 3 is your base either soil or Hydro, the lighting which is expensive and the tent.

Goodluck!

I should probably clarify. On a smaller box/project, with about 200-300cfm of total exhaust, I hit heat problems with over the counter CFL's. Granted I had a lot of them, but I still had to reduce my lighting and watch the temps like a hawk. The hydrofarm fixture is at my local grow store. I can touch the reflector and not burn myself, I estimate it to have a surface temp of say 100-120F. How would that compare to a 150watt HPS?

My friend has used both 600 and 1000watt hps, the 600 alone puts out insane, heat; too hot to touch the reflector assemble bare handed, and the lens/glass has burned people in the past. Granted he could have used a cool tube, but he was low on cash and time.


Perhaps 2 of the smaller 150's: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-SBM150S-150-Watt-Mini-Sunburst/dp/B0055F80H0/ or a single 400 with a cool tube http://www.amazon.com/iPower-GLSETX400DHMCT6-400-Watt-Digital-Dimmable/dp/B005GYRB9S/ would be better than the CFLs?

I'm not sure if this is the one you're talking about but, I bought http://amzn.to/2oGL9MF and got it in 3 days. Which is amazing time to Alaska with free shipping.

I think that's a common method, but you could cost yourself both weight and potency by pulling early.

I grow for a dispensary and have the benefit of getting my buds tested at a lab. I had some Sour D that I cut and tested, and then cut 10 days later and tested again(different plants, but all clones were the same).

The original plants were 10% amber, the second 20-25(all are fairly rough estimates, as trying to get an exact count is futile).

I gained weight and 4% potency in those 10 days.

For get jewler's loupes or other magnifying glasses. They don't work for shit. Get something like this: Carson MM-200 Carson Micromax LED 60X-100X LED Lighted Pocket Microscope

Cree CXB3590 High Intensity Full Spectrum Cob Led Grow Light, CF Grow Stronger Light Energy with Lens, Cooling Fan Without Noise, High Par Value Especially for Special Plants (100W) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XFNXLBK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_afvnDb2RYKRM8

If it's heat you're worried about, CFL's will actually put out more heat than HID, if you use the same wattage. It seems counter intuitive, but because CFL's have a larger surface area they seem cooler. Sure, they aren't has hot to the touch, but they will warm your grow room up more overall.

If you have the full height of the closet at your disposal, then you could go up to a 600 watt fixture but a 400 watt would also be sufficient. It would require a cool tube or air cooled hood, and a good inline fan with a place to exhaust to.

It's a pretty expensive startup, but if you do things right, you'll make your money back in the first harvest alone.

Wow for the LED, I will definitively look into LEDs if I decide to upgrade my old 400W HPS.

As for the fan, if it's anything like this type of duct fan, it won't work with the filter.

This is the kind of fan you need

I dont see why you would need to water three times a day unless you are doing a hydro set up, but with a budget like that I would suggest you stick to soil. It will be cheaper and more forgiving if you mess up. If I were you I would go something along this route:

150 watt CFL-60$
Soil- 20$
Nutrients-40$
Fan-15$
pH test strips-13$
Total=150$

All you need after that is some pH up and pH down and an PPM meter and you will be good to go. Less than 200$.

Weird, your page looks a lot different than mine but its the same fan.
https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Inline-Variable-Speed-Controller/dp/B01CTM0H6I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516814367&sr=8-1&keywords=vivosun%2B4%2Binch&th=1&psc=1

Thanks for all of your help man, I'll be thinking of you when I get this beast set up.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LAX52IQ?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

I bought this 2 years ago and used it successfully with 2 harvests.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004SD76/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1525838527&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=fiskars+scissors&dpPl=1&dpID=311tbl6Gx4L&ref=plSrch

I'm a big fan of fiskars, and these are priced great as an add on item.

I like how you asked for cheaper than $30 and people respond with $200 probes lmao.

I got these two off Amazon cheap, like $15 each.

I've tested them in r/o water and they seem to be accurate, the tds measures up with my water report from the city on my tap water and reads r/o at 0.

I haven't had any issues with my plants as far as ph or PPM.

Here are the ones I got.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YBUH4RC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483110799&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ph+meter+for+water&dpPl=1&dpID=41w2JXOokIL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01EWZBB3S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1483110821&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=tds+water+testing+meter&dpPl=1&dpID=51JKkIc76NL&ref=plSrch

Holmes 8-Inch Fan | Lil' Blizzard Oscillating Table Fan, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J07RMU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_j7yJDbKYEN5VQ

This one is working great! Doesn’t seem to run hot and has been on for about 3 weeks straight now

Wow, one of the first setups I've seen in a while where I didn't have a major suggestion. Very nice.

Add a pair of Fiskars, a hygrometer for curing, trich microscope and something for tying things down if you're going to LST.

I had to really think just to think of those. Good job.

DIY are superior, as you can get the exact nm frequencies you like, but if you aren't handy with electronics you can run the risk of fire or simply blowing money on a dud product. You can get 600w leds for 150 now on amazon, and they work really well.

https://www.amazon.com/MarsHydro-Mars600-Spectrum-Hydroponic-Greenhouse/dp/B00XC3LBIW

Good luck, and keep the sub updated!

Man,
I’ve been all over the place researching and dam.
Ahaha

I think I’ve got my set up.

I’m going to hold to your advice and start with 1 bucket - 5 gal. DWC grow. If I have a good harvest I will move it up to two 5 gal buckets.

I’ve decided On a separate veg and a separate flower tent.

I will start with buying clones from a local bud shop.

For Veg I will get a 2x2x4.5 tent
Topo grow kit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075KCL71M/ref=ox_sc_act_image_7?smid=A1CLX3M21C6YH2&psc=1

I plan to run a CMH at 4200k (Phillips).

For flower I will get a 3x3x7 ( I’d increase to 8)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014263RJI/ref=ox_sc_act_image_11?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I plan to run a CMH at 3100k (Phillips)

Air pump for the DWC ( I would one for each tent)

I found - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XDKRYC6/ref=ox_sc_act_image_9?smid=A2PQGFJXAT8J9K&psc=1

For circulation I found ( I would buy one for each tent)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B078SXNJ21/ref=ox_sc_act_image_6?smid=A3OJY9E0ZY1FCH&psc=1

And would add two of these fans into each tent

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000U9V47E/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Have a basic titan mechanical timer ( 2 of them)
4 vivosun air stones 4x2
2 Digital humidity / temp reader
4 - 5gal buckets



Any concerns ?
Thus far purchase is at $1600

What size fan (cfm)? What size ducting? I used this carbon filter in my 2x4x5 tent with a 6" 400 cfm inline fan. Worked great.

Just depends really. I would get the 8" with [THIS](VenTech VT SPD-CTRL VTSPEED Variable Dial Router Fan Speed Controller for Duct and Inline Fans https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EVYGPJQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_T765ZEGFCE2F1) controller and then get THIS duct fan and connect it to your intake. Note the duct fan here is 6", I just copied it from my Amazon orders so you might need adapters depending on what size your intake duct is.

I'm not running HPS though so other variables come into play for you. You will have to experiment once you make some purchases.

This is basically the light I have if not the exact one. I do have one inline exhaust fan.

I can easily pickup a few other fans on the way home tonight but is there a special fan just for the light fixture or just regular fans by the fixture?

Vivosun! Pretty great little fans:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CTM0H6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_l9aWBbGG2NW8R

Bluelab if you have the money for sure, but for a cheaper option I'd definitely recommend a Jellas Ph pen. I used it for ages before I upgraded. Just remember to calibrate once a week or so.

https://www.amazon.com/Jellas-Household-Hydroponics-Measurement-Resolution/dp/B00YBUH4RC

I bought a pocket microscope, but its a double A battery instead of a USB, and it does a better job of showing the actual trichome heads clearly than any other handheld I've had.

http://amzn.to/2sYh4xD

Tent size?

I have that $79 "yellow" "300W" roleadro and my plants grow happier under it than my mars 600, although it has a fan rattle from time to time.

I picked up this roleadro cob rig with CREE leds for my dad https://www.amazon.com/Roleadro-Greenhouse-Germinating-Flowering-Generation/dp/B01IVQ96WW it's about 70 lm/watt so not bad.

Of course there's plenty of information about building your own cob rigs on here which will save you money on parts and power.

I've coded these posts to upload automatically every week. hope you enjoy the timelapse!

Days from germination: 52

Seeds

• 2 Tangerine Dream - Growers Choice
  
• 2 Critical Purple - Growers Choice
  
• 1 Blue Dragon - From a friend.
  
  

  Medium
  

• coco coir
  
• 5 gallon fabric pots
  
  

  Schedule
  

  
  

• 24 Hours on
  
  

  Nutrients
  

  
  

• Cann A+B
  
  

  Grow Setup:
  

  
  |Item|Link|Price|
  |:--|:--|:--|
  |grow tent| https://amzn.to/2oeJ92h |$110|
  |inline fan| https://amzn.to/2p47iJb |$102|
  |grow lights x 2 | https://amzn.to/2nBbdNn |$540|
  |blurple light | https://amzn.to/2p3ZaII | $100|
  |humidifier| https://amzn.to/2nBQzwC | $71|
  |tower fan| https://amzn.to/2nBQzwC | $47|
  |clip fans| https://amzn.to/2paof53 | $21|
  |grow bags| https://amzn.to/2ontyNK | $13|
  |coco coir x 2| https://amzn.to/2omfi80 | $50
  
  
  

  some other items:
  

  
  |Item|Link|Price|
  |:--|:--|:--|
  | humidity monitor| https://amzn.to/2p47fNy | $10|
  | eye wear| https://amzn.to/2oloARE | $15|
  | raspberry pi| https://amzn.to/2nrAvO5 | $50|
  | webcam x 2| https://amzn.to/2og81H4 | $70|
  | ph tester| https://amzn.to/2mJiA4R | $15|
  
  

• something i've probably forgotten
  
  
  All in all it's cost just under $1000 USD

For temps look at something with a temp sensor and pair that with a cheap booster fan and it will pull the air out when the light is on and regulate the temps for you. https://www.amazon.com/Century-BNQ-T7B-Digital-Cooling-Controller/dp/B01LZV591B/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1550002156&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=century+temp+controller

I looked at a comparable led light and it looks like it would have appropriate PAR levels of light at about 24-30 inches above your plant. 12 inches is really close. Plants at that stage need very little light intensity. The consensus is about 250 par for seedlings. Here is a link to something with pretty similar wattage draw to give you an idea of intensity at different heights. https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Reflector-Spectrum-Indoor-Function/dp/B015FLSOCE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1550002428&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=viparspectra

Something like this? And huh I must have missed that :/ Thanks for bringing it up but still I don't think i need it for this grow and I don't feel like it would make anything easier either. still good to know tho.

I got this and it didn’t break the bank. Also, it’s super fun to look at other stuff.

You are at exactly 3 square feet. At a minimum you need 50 watts per square foot or 150 watts total for your space. So something like this would be fine: http://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Reflector--Spectrum-Indoor-Plants/dp/B015FLSOCE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1462999197&sr=8-3&keywords=ViparSpectra

That includes a 3 year warranty which most panels do not.

That is 200 watts so it would put you at 66 watts per square foot. (Microgrowery recommends 50-80 watts per squarefoot, so this is fine)

Follow manufactures recommendation for height. Seedlings 36 inches, veg growth 24, flower 18"

This fan

6" Inline Fan - 395 CFM Exhaust Duct Fan, Built-in Speed Controller, ETL Listed, Pre-Wired 6 FT Grounded Cord - Great Use in Grow Tent with Carbon Filters, Light Fixtures, Intake. Fits 6 Inch Ducts. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L0D0UEQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5YNSCb9Y7EARS

With this filter

iPower 6" Inch Air Carbon Filter Odor Control with Australia Virgin Charcoal for Inline Fan, 420 CFM https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NYF8S4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6ZNSCbGZX32RJ


Just know that when you open the tent. Shits gonna smell ..

Im with /u/Unibrows you are doing great :D

I would highly recommend looking into a 400w HID light, it will produce twice the light as your cfls using the same amount of watts. And will create much more dense buds when it comes time to flower.

2x https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KMTYFK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 : One on bottom for intake, one on top for exhaust.

2x https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INM0750/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 : This MAY be a little too much. There have been a few times where I thought I was getting light burn symptoms, but I just kept moving the light closer to the top of the tent (an inch or two off the roof now)

Other than that its FoxFarms Ocean Forest soil and HyrdoOrganics nutrients. I got the whole line but don't necessarily follow their schedule, I just use things as deficiencies pop up.

I have gotten that red streak in most of the grows I have done. I think is high in phosphate? It's been a while since I have read much into it but I believe as long as the whole stem isn't red, things should be fine. I know the plant turning purple is genetic, but it also depends on temperatures. My tent gets a little cool at night so that may have something to do with it too?

I would say that some small clip-on fans would be your best bet in that space. They are nice for size but they push out very little air. If you take this route I recommend you purchase at least 3-4, one for each corner of the tent. Something like this perhaps. http://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Zone-CZ6C-2-Speed-Clip-On/dp/B000U9V47E/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1375201358&sr=1-2&keywords=clip+fan

Sorry, you said oscillating...http://www.amazon.com/Holmes-HACP10B-U-Oscillating-Clip-Fan/dp/B003N5TSZM/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1375201645&sr=1-1&keywords=oscillating+clip+fan

Just don't use the timer it comes with cause it's junk but I have the 600 version of this and it's great. This one if you have a larger room.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H9N29SC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 this is the tent I have, in the pictures it has a blueprint of sorts showing openings. I have the booster fan in the bottom right 6in opening and I have kept the top right 6in opening open aswell just to help get heat out. Then it has the mesh window in the back of the tent which I have that flap open as well. I keep the door to the spare room closed at all times for stealth reasons.

This is the best fan you can use.
https://www.amazon.com/Holmes-Blizzard-8-Inch-Oscillating-Table/dp/B000J07RMU/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=homes+fan&qid=1556063952&s=gateway&sr=8-5-spell

Yes revegging, but also... looks like you may have a bug issue. From the spots on the leaves I would say thrips and/or spider mites.

The curling/hooking of the new growth resembles russet mite damage. Get yourself a microscope. One like this will do the trick.

I would suggest you get one with a "cool tube," it'll make things easier in the future when you do add a fan and ductwork for the light. Go with this instead. http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00547I5I8/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?qid=1407286741&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

Hi! Im looking for my first setup. Ill have a 4x8 tent. Im about to put 2 of these in it :
https://www.amazon.ca/hydroponique-numérique-intensité-variable-réflecteur/dp/B00P8PDDEM?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

Im leaning toward hps because my friends swears by them. But none of them are growing in tent. Im interested in leds and qb but i know nothing about them. What would you recommend for my tent ?

Anything with a magnification from 40-100x. They are easiest to see in the dark so the magnifier would need a light. this is what you want. Other things will work but that'll be the easiest to see things accurately with.

I was hoping that a 5' tall tent would be enough, do you use LST/topping? Do you think the tent would be good for 1-3 plants instead of 6?

Edit: Considering this one, it's 3'x3'x6'

Thanks, good eyes. The one on the right is cree 3070 led.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IVQ96WW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And the one on the left

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I4NY8KW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You mean Li’l Bleezy? You’ve got it, friend!
Holmes Lil' Blizzard 8-Inch Oscillating Table Fan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J07RMU?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Thanks for the insight. I think I may do this. I'm still in the return window time, and I may just opt for something like this to get more bang for my buck. I'll have to get some really good ventilation going on, but I think it may be worth it.

I was typing up my list of shit for my second grow. Lets see if I got my Reddit Formatting Correct. :)

The Details

Seeds

• 1 x Fem White Widow
  
• 1 x Fem Hash Plant
  
• 2 x Fem Super Silver Haze - Scrogged
  
• 1 x Reg Cannasol Durban Poison Bag Seed
  
  Gear
  
  Veg/Flowering
  
  
• 48x48x80 Tent
  
• iPower 1000w
  
• iPower Carbon Filter
  
• Duct Fan One
  
• Duct Fan Two
  
• Fan Controller One
  
• Fan Controller Two
  
• Insulated Ducting
  
  Seedlings
  
  
• Power Cord for Seedlings
  
• Light Splitters
  
• Socket Adapters
  
• CFL's - Way, way cheaper at Home Depot
  
  Medium and Nutes
  
  
• Pro-Cal
  
• Growstones
  
• General Hydroponics Nutes - Lucas Formula
  
• Coco Coir
  
  Meters
  
  
• Light Meter
  
• Infrared Thermometer
  
• TDS Meter
  
• PH Meter
  
• PH Contol Kit
  
• PH Buffer Solution
  
  Pots
  
  
• 5 Gallon Smart Pots
  
• 14 inch Plant Saucers
  
• Scrog Screens
  
• Plastic seedling and one gallon pots
  
  Misc
  
  
• Foil Tape
  
• Ossilating Fan
  
• Snippers
  
• Assorted 4 and 6 inch fans
  
• Assorted thermometers
  
• Garden stakes, Twist ties, etc.
  
• Duct Clamps and duct tape
  
• 2 Timers
  
• Ratchets
  
• Distilled Water
  
• Various sizes of water mixing buckets
  
  
  

They are definitely T5. So in your opinion, would I be better off using 1 of the lights pictured for veg, or on or two of these CFL's for 2-3 plants in my 4x4 tent setup? I'll check into the T5 light and see if it's HO. It's designed to replace "high bay" HPS lighting in a warehouse setting with 30 ft. ceilings.

I'd suggest going with a different light setup but otherwise the other stuff looks good.

The light you picked will create a lot of heat and use a lot of power. The LED is lower power, lower temperature, and will give you more PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) for the money.

Hi, I would appreciate some critical feedback and suggestions regarding the setup I have in mind for a new grow tent, specifically related to ventilation. So far I have concluded that a 3'x1.7'x5' grow tent is the right size for my space (a spare bathroom), and towards that end I have purchased this tent and a 400W cool tube lamp.

For ventilation, what I am envisioning based on my research is a two fan setup: a 6" inline duct fan to cool the lamp (like this one) and a 4" inline duct fan with a carbon scrubber to exhaust the tent (like this one), presumably with speed controllers for each.

Again, this is going in a bathroom where I plan to hijack the existing ceiling exhaust ducting that leads outdoors. Thus I will need to couple the two fans from the lamp and the tent exhaust and plumb it into the ceiling.

Does this seem reasonable and appropriate? I am having a hard time picturing exactly how the carbon filter works - can I put it inline with ducting as I have drawn, or does the business end of the filter go inside the tent?

This one, but in 200w which I can't find?

Cree is just a manufacturer of LEDs right? What makes them so much better than other things?

Your 200w roleadro cree cob has better yields than the 400w roleadro cob?

I'm gonna be getting one of these packages:

http://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Horticulture-GLK400CT24E-Digital-Dimmable/dp/B00547I5I8/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1371828465&sr=8-8&keywords=400w+hps

It includes the cooltube, a ballast, HPS and MH bulbs, hangers, and a timer; for $150, I think that's a good deal. The ratings on it are good too.

Thanks for the suggestion. It looks like the mars 600 is a little cheaper than 2 mars 300s. Any reason I should buy one over the other?
https://www.amazon.com/MarsHydro-Mars600-Spectrum-Certificate-Hydroponic/dp/B00XC3LBIW/ref=sr_1_2?srs=10776211011&ie=UTF8&qid=1482214894&sr=8-2

Yeah, second that loupes aren't good enough. These are great. http://www.amazon.com/Carson-MicroMax-60X-100X-Microscope-MM-200/dp/B000P8AUMU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397836126&sr=8-1&keywords=100x+microscope

Great white and Growers Recharge seem to be more popular and well thought of.

Here is a fan with speed controller built into it

Here is my copy paste daily response to people planning on using shit tier LEDs.

> TL;DR Don't waste your cash on shit tier LEDs - buy HPS/MH/CMH if you are short on money.

> LEDs are not better in any measurable way then HID until you get to at least mid tier stuff.

> DE HPS / CMH are close to comparable to COBs. That said I believe the results of lab testing that I've seen show more usable light from Vero / Cree COBs ( and possible Citizen , but I haven't seen as much data on them). The number that you are looking for is the ppfd. This is the photosynthetic photon flux density. It is the measurement of PAR at the canopy and is measured in micromoles per second per meter squared.

> IIRC really good HIDs like Gavita DE HPS or CMH are around 1.7 - 1.8 micromoles per joule and COBs are 1.8-2.2, and quantum board type setups are 2.5+. Shit tier LEDs from amazon (mars hydro , vivaspectra) are like 1.0 or less.
> I'm not saying you can't grow bud with shit tier LEDs I'm saying you will grow more and better bud using HPS of the same $ amount vs shit tier LEDs.


In your example your spending $140 on 10 year old LED tech and getting 264W at the wall which doesn't even come close to the 40 - 50W per SF rule most people use. This $120 400W HPS will crush those Mars lights in yield and quality. This is why I say don't use LEDs unless your ready to spread that wallet wide.

Things to think about later are drying racks, jars, and trimming scissors.

Are you including the Mars Reflector 96 or the Mars I "600W" in that? I've got them but they didn't seem to make it into the frame for either of these two pictures. Thanks for the feedback either way!

I was thinking 4ft would be too big inside as well, so cloning definitely seems like the way to go. I was thinking of using this light since it seems to have good reviews and isn't super expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/MarsHydro-Spectrum-Certificate-Hydroponic-Growing/dp/B00XC3LBIW?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=x

what?
A microscope is exactly what you want.
You can also get a super cheap - i'm talking less than ten dollars - microscope or loupe just for this.


something like this - they make even cheaper ones. You don't need a anytign fancy at all
http://www.amazon.com/Carson-60X-100X-MicroMax-Microscope-MM-200/dp/B000P8AUMU/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1413068212&sr=8-11&keywords=loupe

Best thing to pick up with your budget : https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Hydroponic-Watt-Light-Reflector/dp/B00P8PDDEM/ref=sr_1_4?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1526870071&sr=8-4&keywords=vivosun+600w

You will get 3x the yield of your leds

If your provide pictures of the plant then people can guess.

if you cant get pictures of the trichomes then any answer someone gives you will be a guess.

amazon has a few cheap options you should look into if you really want an accurate assessment of your plants time till harvest.

https://www.amazon.com/Carson-60X-100X-MicroMax-Microscope-MM-200/dp/B000P8AUMU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1474124932&sr=8-3&keywords=60x+magnifier


https://www.amazon.com/illuminated-Jeweler-Kare-Kind-package/dp/B015RINTFM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474124921&sr=8-1&keywords=loupe

hope this helps.

Take a look at a bud under a microscope. If you don't have one, you can get a 120x for like $15 on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LAX52IQ

If the trichomes are amber and/or cloudy then it's harvest time, but if they're still clear then give it more time.

I just got this one and I'm happy with it. I've seen it recommended a lot here

These are the models I went with, they've been working flawlessly so far:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YBUH4RC
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VK4YY0

Definitely worth every penny, even if they do end up breaking sooner.

got this

been using for seedlings and clones. works great!

Go with something like this light, and maybe a tent like this one.

Get you a pocket microscope like this one https://www.amazon.com/Carson-60X-100X-MicroMax-Microscope-MM-200/dp/B000P8AUMU
And check out the trichomes during the dark cycle. If most of your trichomes are a milky/cloudy white instead of clear then you are good to harvest. If they're still clear give it some more time to finish. If more of the trichomes have started turning amber you've let the plant flower too long but it's still going to be smokable it will just have more of a couch lock effect.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YBUH4RC/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481968489&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=ph+meter&dpPl=1&dpID=41w2JXOokIL&ref=plSrch
So something like that would work to test dirty runoff as well? Thanks

Carson Micro Brite Plus 60X-120X... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00LAX52IQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Best bang for your buck IMO

I ordered and have been using this Jellas pocket sized pH meter.

By pH down solution, do you mean something like this.

I used a 6" filter that worked nice for me, I'm sure they have a 4" version

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NYF8S4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this one is great, high quality and all you can hear is it moving a lot of air.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CTM0H6I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481517924&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=vivosun+203

well right now I'm using two desk lamps that are 24w 8000 lumens cfl light bulbs. Also the leaves are clipped because those were the original stems that I cloned.

I'm upgrading to this growbox with this lighting fixture for my two plants:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YXDS9Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UV6P9I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

what do you think?

Id definitely get a PH pen, those drops are not accurate enough for growing marijuana IMO.
I use this, haven't had any problems with it
https://www.amazon.com/Jellas-Household-Hydroponics-Aquariums-Resolution/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496106446&sr=8-3&keywords=PH+pen

I have a few led lamps and am planning to buy a tent that will hold both lamps.

lamp 1

lamp 2.

I am planning to start with two clones. Veg for 1.5-2 months. Flowering for 2.5-3 months and end with a final weight of 1LB dry.

I would use the scrog technique and use floranova grow/bloom in FF soil.

Would a tent this size and lamps I will use yield me 1LBS dry??

Check these out as cheap (under $20) but much better alternatives:

https://smile.amazon.com/AC-Infinity-AXIAL-Muffin-Cooling/dp/B009OWRMZ6 (120mm, 110cfm)

https://smile.amazon.com/VenTech-VT-DF-6-DF6-Duct/dp/B005KMTYFK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496838497&sr=8-3&keywords=6in+duct+fan (6in duct, 200cfm)

The Vbestlife is highest but only enough to flower about half your space. If you can stretch your budget a little further, I would go with this kit. You'll get far better results.

/u/cero has it right, they won't be ready for at least 3 weeks, probably more like 4 or 5.

Buy yourself a little 60-100x led microscope to check the trichrome color, it's the only reliable way to tell when it's actually harvest time. Something like this

Hey man, appreciate all the help.

I bought that light, but I've decided to do indoor now in a 4x4 tent (4 plants).
I'm assuming this light will be no good in growing all 4 plants?

Considering HID lights now since my budget is $200 max CAD.

How does this one look:
https://www.amazon.ca/VIVOSUN-Hydroponic-Digital-Dimmable-Reflector/dp/B00P8PDDEM/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=hid+grow+light&qid=1555038856&s=gateway&sr=8-4

damn, I totally forgot to mention. I have a 8" fan I bought from amazon that is also blowing air inside. It seems pretty powerful. This little guy right here is laying flat on the top hole, blowing straight in and the exhaust fan sucks in the through filter, out the side hole, then out the window.

https://www.amazon.com/Holmes-Blizzard-8-Inch-Oscillating-Table/dp/B000J07RMU

Yes, negative pressure is exactly what you wan... This is just too darn much.

I went with this one
http://www.amazon.com/Carson-60X-100X-MicroMax-Microscope-MM-200/dp/B000P8AUMU/ref=pd_sim_op_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=12DT9A985QRFPC7EM1HS

Its a little small but does the job. USB microscopes are usually cheap too, and a large screen helps.

Check out this Vipar Spectra 450W (200W actual) on Amazon. Very well reviewed and affordable. Just bought one myself for my next grow. They have a whole line if you want more wattage. VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 450W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg and Flower https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015FLSOCE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QfMJzb0BYTCR4

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LAX52IQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505484288&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=pocket+microscope&dpPl=1&dpID=41AOolTW-0L&ref=plSrch

One of these will help when it gets close.

How long until winter sets in?

You typically want to harvest before the first frost.

By the looks of your plant you probably have a while longer.

Where I live my harvest should be happening middle October possibly later.

Your plant's looking pretty sad. 20w isn't really adequate. 100 actual watts/square foot is recommended. You'll need a few more like that, even if you're just using them for veg. I use this 125 watt for the first few weeks before switching to MH.

How much should I be spending on a PH pen are these cheap $20 Ones any good? [Like this] (https://www.amazon.com/Jellas-Household-Hydroponics-Aquariums-Resolution/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496521064&sr=8-3&keywords=ph+pen)

Also should the PH Be at 5.8 In the runoff, or what I feed the plant

You'd probably want to start looking at CFLs.[This] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UV6P9I/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00) along with some 23w cfls with reflectors is what I will be doing for my grow. I was told I would need 80-100 watts per square foot of the grow space so the same should apply with you. Also due to the height, ventilation shouldn't be an issue with a couple fans though I would wait for someone with more experience to give you better responses.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CTM0H6I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522434096&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=4in+inline+fan&dpPl=1&dpID=517%2B2qeoicL&ref=plSrch

This looks more like what I see people using. How's the brand?

It depends what fan you have. If you wanna spend $100 you can get one that’s way quieter. I have this one VIVOSUN 4 Inch 203 CFM Inline Duct... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CTM0H6I?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

With mine you would probably be fine since there’s a door in the way for you. I can’t really hear mine if I go into another room.

If you can't afford COBs and you want a cheap legacy LED panel that works, and you're only growing one plant, go with a ViparSpectra Reflector 450w. I can vouch for its effectiveness. 10w LED bulbs won't really do anything. Get 2 42w cool white CFLs just until you can get the panel. It's $149 at https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Reflector-Spectrum-Indoor-Plants/dp/B015FLSOCE

You're probably looking for about 3-4 ounces minimum, for personal use. I grew two plants under one after vegging for only 3 weeks from seed and I ended up with about that. I didn't top one of them, or I'd have had more.

There's a $60 125 watt CFL fixture that I use to illuminate clones and seedlings. It is just right for putting directly over a standard nursery flat humidity dome (1x2 feet).

Hydrofarm FLCDG125D Fluorowing Compact Fluorescent System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UV6P9I/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_jnFEwb6HX94SH

My favorite humidity dome for cloning is actually a transparent plastic storage bin about the same size as that nursery flat.

A handful of cfls or a 100 watt CFL with hood. I think a flourowing? Not much needed to keep it alive. It will get lanky So keep topping it though

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001UV6P9I?vs=1

This one with cree chips supposed to be better https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IVQ96WW/

ph meter from amazon

I have this one and it works well! 16 bucks too so I recommend this if you are looking to purchase one!

I use this [fan] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EIRU2YU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and this [filter] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NYF8S4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) 48"x48"x80" tent. The fan is quiet.

Here's a shopping list for my current set-up. It's an extra small closet grow, but that's what i have to work with. You don't have to get exactly everything on this list, but you can use this for reference for your own grow!
Ill be running 1 plant at a time for now, with this set up.

Clip On Circulation Fan 6" - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U9V47E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0mcDzb5826MEE

Ventech 440 CFM Exhaust Fan + Carbon Filter

5 Gallon Fabric Pot - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JUOWB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_heETkTRSPOD2a

Programmable Digital Timer Switch - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P7RUGVO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_TTN7XnzIpVnyA

pH Calibration Solution - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1MQWK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_ahEtLDQTKcR5g

Digital PH Meter - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M8JU4TY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_NarNtEHiZIMNP

130w Cheap-o LED (TEMPORARY) -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MPY7YC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_bffmoa2zDlCSm

2x2x4 Grow Tent - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GCHXUVU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_qa9gCG2RwnFzZ

Seaweed Extract 11% - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NCWOEU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dIcDzb4SDP9RY

Thermometer/Humidity Meter - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTPTG1J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_dtVvdguE18m3E

It says 200 watts:

https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Reflector-Spectrum-Indoor-Plants/dp/B015FLSOCE

Specifications:

• Replaces a 400 watt HPS/MH
  
• Dimensions: 15.8x8.4x2.4 inches
  
• Item Weight: 6.4 lbs
  
• Use for all stages of plant growth
  
• Max Coverage at 24" Height 3.5x3.5ft
  
• Core Coverage at 24" Height 2.5x2.5ft
  
• Avg. Power Draw: 200watt
  
• (90pcs) High Intensity 5Watt Bridgelux/Epileds LED Chips
  
• LEDs Angle: 90°
  
• Input Voltage: AC100-240V
  
• Frequency: 50-60Hz
  
• Lifespan: 100,000 hours
  
  

Here's the light I used.. it has good reviews but yes it isn't the most expensive -

VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 300W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg and Flower https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B4GQ6MO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_2mNSGemHv8xkn

Edit:
Ok my bad apparently that version isn't sold anymore but here is the link to the 450W version : https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015FLSOCE/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1

Cheap ph meter:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YBUH4RC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501379477&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ph+meter&psc=1
If you live in a legal state, just buy a used digital Mh/hps system preferably 1000w.

Use advanced nutrients
http://www.advancednutrients.com/nutrient-calculator/

Something like this https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Inline-Variable-Speed-Controller/dp/B01CTM0H6I is what you should be using with a carbon filter.

Something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Roleadro-Greenhouse-Germinating-Flowering-Generation/dp/B01IVQ96WW

Not that great of a deal, but still: iPower GLFILT6M Air Carbon Filter and Odor Control with 1050+ IAV Australia Virgin Charcoal for Inline Fan, 6-Inch, Pre-filter Included, Reversible Flange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NYF8S4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fPozzbEXNQYCV

I have this in a one meter tent http://timbergrowlights.com/250-watt-cree-cxb3590-5-cob-grow-light-kit/
I think that I'd buy this one if I were looking for something that was 100% plug and play https://www.amazon.com/Roleadro-Greenhouse-Germinating-Flowering-Generation/dp/B01IVQ96WW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1479957139&sr=8-7&keywords=cob+led+grow

Holmes 8-Inch Fan | Lil’ Blizzard... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J07RMU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share they should be these.