Need assistance planning first legal grow - PLEASE HELP!

leetsys

Active Member
Hey all, I've been a lurker on this site for a long time and I'm now finally in a position to start posting while on a mission to plan my first legal grow, since I just finally obtained my medical MJ card!

I have grown 4 plants in soil just from bagseed using CFL's before, turned out okay, but naturally I'm now looking for a more professional, sleek, full-blown grow. I already have some ideas of what I'd like to do, but there's just so many options that I'd really appreciate some help. I've taken many hours studying this stuff just to be able to compile this post in an efficient manner, so I really hope it pays off with some good suggestions!

What I already have figured out


1. I think I am going to speed up the process of creating the grow area by purchasing a tent from Secret Jardin. Most likely the DR150 model. (link) I am willing to get 2 of these tents; one for vegging, one for flowering. It just depends on the tips you guys give me regarding whether I should just opt for a sea of green method according to the yield I'd like to get. I'd preferably rather just have the one tent and not have any vegging going on.

2. Ideally, I would like to yield at least close to 1/2 lb (8 ounces) per harvest, preferably closer to 16oz, every 8-12 weeks. Legally in Michigan you're permitted to have 12 plants all together, so at least at the start while I get used to the setup being in my house I'd like to stick to that rule. I'd consider going up later to about 36 plants.

3. I want to grow hydroponically using a pre-built system that is reliable. If the 2 tent setup is recommended by you guys, I would like to use the same system in both tents for vegging and flowering.

4. Budget is not really too much of an issue. I'd like to aim for $1500 at the most if possible to achieve what I want. I'm willing to buy fairly high-tier equipment as it comes to lights and ventilation.

Questions I still have

1. As noted before, one of my questions is this. Would it be suitable to start off with around 12 seeds, let them veg in the one tent using a metal halide light for about 2 weeks, and let them flower for approx. 8 weeks and still achieve the yield I'm looking for?

2. Also noted, which pre-built hydroponic system that is not TOO expensive would be suitable for this grow?

3. I have tried finding straight answers in this forum as well as others regarding ventilation. In a tent like this, what types of fan would I need to exhaust heat from the tent? Adversely, what type of fan setup and tubing will I need to provide air intake to the fan? Finally, how do you go about installing a carbon filter into this ventilation system to take care of some of the smell?


I know these are sort of a lot of questions, but this is about as basic as I can make it. PLEASE feel free to answer as many of my questions as you know the answer to, as I need to find the answer to all of them somehow or another before I can start my grow.

Help save my life! Haha.

Stay high, all.
 

Sgt. Pepper

Member
I'm also from Michigan doing my 1st grow.

I'm not much of a grow tent fan -there have been stories of some tent having noxious fumes that kill your plants.
Do you have a spot in a basement to grow?

If you do & you have some DIY ability - I suggest building a veg and flower room - the flower room will require a lil more TLC - Equipment & lightproofing.
You can frame it with some 2x4's or some good furring strips & use either drywall & mylar combo, which would probably be best - or Use black & white poly and staple it to your framing (this is what I did). If you plan on running a sealed room & lights for Co2 enrichment in the future, then the drywall option would work better.

Hydro-Systems - This is all about preference. Nft,DWC,Aero-DWC&Aero Hybrid,Ebb&Flow Tables,Ebb&Grow Buckets. DIY systems will be a lot cheaper if you have the ability & time.

As far as harvesting you'll probably want to do some kind of a perpetual grow to stay legal.

I'm not an experienced grower by any means- but these are my thoughts after 3 months of extensive research & Experience during my 1st grow.
 

smokingrubber

Well-Known Member
My advise (for what it's worth):

I've also heard about certain tents giving off toxic gasses. GroLab makes a very nice tent and they specifically mention the lack of gasses in their tents. I've got a GL145. http://www.hydroponicsoutlet.com/GrowLab-145-p/syseigl145.htm

I'm also using the ebb & grow pot system. http://cgi.ebay.com/EBB-AND-GROW-GRO-N-FLOW-12-SITE-HYDROPONIC-COMPLETE_W0QQitemZ190345058912QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c51731a60

It comes with some starter nutes, so that's alsways helpful when starting out. You'll also need an enclosed light fixture and a carbon filter. Don't forget a nutrient monitor and the Co2 system. Also, you'll need rocks, seeds, RO water, more nutrients . . . and a bunch of patience.

You can easily blow past $1500 if you don't do some planning. Not having a veg room will save you some money, but you won't get that 8 week turnover. You'll probably want to veg for 3-6 weeks, so a 12-16 week turnover is more realistic.
 

RanTyr

Active Member
Since you are still planning I would recommend looking into CMH lighting. Investing money in old tech that is at best on par with new tech is silly!

This thread has some great information in it.

This thread is more about the best cmh bulb available.
 
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