A couple "Lessons Learned" during my setup/const for DIY Hydro/aeroponics hybrid

Inthewind

Member
I rarely post but during construction I've figured a few things out that may help others. I'm 90% done with the build/set-up and I wanted to get these out there for others in case it may help to not make the mistakes I did. I'm getting ready to start 8 for medicinal purpose, Nirvana strains of Short Ryder and Bubblicious because I've found they help with chronic cervical spine pain due to combat related injuries sustained in OIF.

First are the details:

(This is a work in progress and I'm adding as I have time)
  • Its an Attic space grow
  • Room size: Inside dimensions - 64" X 44"
  • Construction materials: Radiant barrier plywood on 2x4s with r34 insulation on the outside roof and r19 on the outside walls
  • 2mm mylar lined with 2" styrofoam underneath (I have zero, read ZERO heat signature!)
  • Ventilation: Dayton 273 pulling the light heat out (Top corner) and a 6" Active Air 400 CFM for fresh air (Bottom corner opposite the Dayton) These are just about right for the space/CFM calculations if I'm not mistaken. If someone wants to do the math and correct me I'm cool with that.
  • Lights: 1 each, 400 and 600 MH/HPS switchables on sunlift type hangers, 6" ducting connecting them to each other and then to the above Dayton. (I used to use cables and pullys but thats old technology and a hassle especially in limited space while trying to lower and raise as needed while they are connected)
  • Floor: SHOWER PAN!! THIS IS ONE THING TO REMEMBER! HYDRO Leaks! I don't care how well you've done your leak tests...they will leak sooner or later. I went to HD and purchased appropriate sized shower pan liner. It's what goes under a new stand up shower before its tiled in and left a 4 inch water proof wall around all edges. I purposly built up the bottom of the walls with double 2x4 for this reason. I enter with stocking feet and keep it clean of debri so as to not puncture it when I'm maintaining.
  • CAP Air/temp/humidity controller
  • BlueLab Guardian EC/PPM/PH/Temp continuous meter
  • AirKing 18" oscillating fan
 

Inthewind

Member
As I said, this (Thread) is a work in progress and I'm working on it as I have time.
Setup:
DIY on Urban Garden magazine but adjusted somewhat for my specifics. http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/02/build-it-yourself-the-pvc-pipe-hydro-garden/comment-page-1/#comment-1402
I reduced it down to two chambers with 4 positions and a maintenance because I don't need to grow that much and I think I'm going to make it continuous by cloning off of the start-up Nirvana feminized Short Ryder and Bubblicious.
I'll post some set-up pics soon.
 
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