mr sunshine
Well-Known Member
Mars led are no good IMO..
A newbies DWC plan. Opinions?
- Thread starter zachyweezer88
- Start date
zachyweezer88
Active Member
Yeah, I thought about having it outside the tent, but I'm not sure that'll be an option for me. I'll have to wait and see. Not too stealth.
Do you think that like three or so 40 watt CFL bulbs would rival the heat put off by a 300 watt LED? Anyway, the CFL lights will give me more room
herballuvmonkey
Well-Known Member
Yea those 40-42 watt cfl can put out some heat, especially in a small space. The difference is cfls are proven to me. I'm not big on less because I only see them as supplemented light. Less will put off less heat but at what price? Will ur grow suffer for it?Check amazon for fan and carbon scrubber they all sizes. You could use a 4" if you like.
SamsonsRiddle
Well-Known Member
3 cfls will be around the same, but since you'll have to have them closer to the plant they will be warmer. On the other hand, it will be most impossible to give the led the space it needs to have, especially during veg (18 inches roughly).
zachyweezer88
Active Member
Yeah, well, this has certainly been a learning experience for me. I've made several purchases only to end up sending stuff back. I've learned my lesson. I bought the LED only to later read that they will burn your plants in small spaces. I'm sticking with CFLs for this first grow. I'm going to make myself a little fixture for my 23w bulbs. I bought a fan and a scrubber a few weeks back, so I'm good on that front. After a lot of debate and back and forth, I've finally decided to go with soil and leave the hydro stuff for later on.
I converted this into a cab: http://www.lowes.com/pd_19801-1281-KB3020DR2_0__?productId=3418846
My exhaust setup: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161078418203?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I'm going with passive intake via the already made holes in the back of this cab. There are a lot of little spaces in the back to accommodate different add-ons and what not. Hopefully there aren't so many that I can't swing negative pressure. We'll see. There's always duct tape.
I came across some nice dope here recently and saved the seeds. I guess I'll use those to practice.
As for soil, I've read good things about Kellog's Organic Patio Soil. It should be fine for now. I can't bring myself to have FF shipped.
SamsonsRiddle
Well-Known Member
if you run out of duct tape, aluminum tape works really good for light sealing. lol. i hope this all goes well for you, keep us posted on your progress.
the 23 watts are good, i think it was the 36 or 42 that had the best power/cost ratio. just shoot for 10,000 lumens during flower. i don't remember if someone suggested a ghetto blaster, but there is some guy named vostok (spelling?) who makes a nice one. i found a 4-way photography lamp screw in thing using cfls with a utility clamp. I did 3x36 watt at 6500k 1x36 watt 2700k during veg and 3x36 watt at 2700k 1x36watt 6500k during flower.
the 23 watts are good, i think it was the 36 or 42 that had the best power/cost ratio. just shoot for 10,000 lumens during flower. i don't remember if someone suggested a ghetto blaster, but there is some guy named vostok (spelling?) who makes a nice one. i found a 4-way photography lamp screw in thing using cfls with a utility clamp. I did 3x36 watt at 6500k 1x36 watt 2700k during veg and 3x36 watt at 2700k 1x36watt 6500k during flower.
SamsonsRiddle
Well-Known Member
oh yeah, if you're handy go to walmart into the coleman camping supplies section and look for "mylar fire blankets". they come in a little green box, maybe 3"x2"x1/2", and use those to cover your walls. they are only like $2, so i bought about 4 of them.
zachyweezer88
Active Member
I'll keep y'all updated. I went to the hardware store today and picked up some sockets for my own take on the ghetto blaster.
I want to build it to where the CFLs are laying horizontally. I'll post a pic once I'm done. I got a bag seed in soil at the moment and am currently germinating some Bubba's Gift.SativaStealth
Member
are you going to start a grow log here in the forums? I would like to follow if you do. I am going to start one in the next few days after I get some pics going.
Mineralz
Well-Known Member
Just read your thread. Good advice and input on all topics. I highly agree with the DIY aspect of a stealth grow man. You'd save LOADS of money doing it yourself and you can get almost everything at your local hardware store. CFLs do put off more heat than you would think especially in small, not-so-well-ventilated areas. I haven't grown with them personally, but my friend does and he seems to like it. My only concern would be the lumen output? Granted you're in a small space, but you may as well make the best of it. You can grab a Sun System 150w HPS with coolglass and bulb on Amazon right now for $60. That's 16,000 lumens for $60 when you're going to pay $10-15$ for each 42w CFL at Lowes/Menards/etc. Food for thought 
zachyweezer88
Active Member
I'll probably start a grow log here soon. I have one little seedling going and just planted a couple more seeds today. I also picked up a few items tonight at the store to put the finishing touches on my grow cab. So yeah, once I get my stuff together completely, I'll start taking pics and regularly updating. I'd like to follow you too. Once your journal is up, let me know on this thread or in a personal message.
zachyweezer88
Active Member
Hey Mineralz,Just read your thread. Good advice and input on all topics. I highly agree with the DIY aspect of a stealth grow man. You'd save LOADS of money doing it yourself and you can get almost everything at your local hardware store. CFLs do put off more heat than you would think especially in small, not-so-well-ventilated areas. I haven't grown with them personally, but my friend does and he seems to like it. My only concern would be the lumen output? Granted you're in a small space, but you may as well make the best of it. You can grab a Sun System 150w HPS with coolglass and bulb on Amazon right now for $60. That's 16,000 lumens for $60 when you're going to pay $10-15$ for each 42w CFL at Lowes/Menards/etc. Food for thought
You make some great points. Honestly, I'd do several things differently if I could go back and start again, but I don't really have any regrets when it comes to the lighting I've chosen. Under different circumstances, I'd prefer to use something like the rig you just mentioned, This is a closet grow, though. Well, a small cabinet within a closet grow
blsmoke
, so my height is severely limited. The HPS would take 7 to 8in. of that precious height, and it's my understanding that a good 5+in. distance from the plants is required. I'm sure it could be done, but I'm a newb, and I need as few headaches as possible. And yes, the CFL bulbs are high, but luckily I was able to find several here at the house. As for the lumen output, my little light fixture is set up to accommodate 12 bulbs. With the 23w type that I'm using, I'm capable of producing like 19000 lumens. I figured this last night. I could be mistaken. I've slept and smoked since then. 
Hopefully the heat won't be too big of an issue. My exhaust is overkill so that's good. Anyway, thanks for the input. Have you always grown with HPS? Are you a cab guy or do you have the luxury of a room?
zachyweezer88
Active Member
Oh, and yes, this has been a great thread. I appreciate everyone for their input. I really do. I've learned so much.Just read your thread. Good advice and input on all topics. I highly agree with the DIY aspect of a stealth grow man. You'd save LOADS of money doing it yourself and you can get almost everything at your local hardware store. CFLs do put off more heat than you would think especially in small, not-so-well-ventilated areas. I haven't grown with them personally, but my friend does and he seems to like it. My only concern would be the lumen output? Granted you're in a small space, but you may as well make the best of it. You can grab a Sun System 150w HPS with coolglass and bulb on Amazon right now for $60. That's 16,000 lumens for $60 when you're going to pay $10-15$ for each 42w CFL at Lowes/Menards/etc. Food for thought
Mineralz
Well-Known Member
Hey Mineralz,
You make some great points. Honestly, I'd do several things differently if I could go back and start again, but I don't really have any regrets when it comes to the lighting I've chosen. Under different circumstances, I'd prefer to use something like the rig you just mentioned, This is a closet grow, though. Well, a small cabinet within a closet grow
Hopefully the heat won't be too big of an issue. My exhaust is overkill so that's good. Anyway, thanks for the input. Have you always grown with HPS? Are you a cab guy or do you have the luxury of a room?
Sup Zachy. I've grown in the same 3x3x6 tent for roughly 4-5 yrs now and yes as far as flowering goes I've always had an HPS. Started with a 400w Sun System then bought a new Lumatek 600w dimmable a few years back. I have a small 2x2x4 self-made veg box for my clones and I usually run four 42w CFLs for those. I feel ya on the heat issues, but plz don't make the mistake in thinking that all those CFLs wont put off ny heat. There are a lot of people on these forums with golden information about almost everything grow-related so don't be afraid to ask/share pics/etc. I'm looking forward to seeing your cab. Do you have the specifics? Like size of the cab and what you're using for exhaust etc? You should DEFINATELY LST your girl or throw a screen on top of her to make the most of your small space. We all started with little/no experience. Theres no such thing as failure....there's just a million ways NOT to do something. Looking forward to your future posts and Ill be sure to check back man
zachyweezer88
Active Member
Hey man,
Ok, so the specifics on my cab are as follows: 38-in H x 30-in W x 20-in D. As for exhaust, I'm using a 6" inline duct fan. Here's a link if you're interested: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161078418203?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT.
Well, I might just take your advice concerning the lighting. I finished my light fixture today. Admittedly, I'm no electrician, but wiring up these sockets was (or seemed) pretty straightforward after getting a few YouTube vids under my belt. I wire her up, stick her in my cab, and BOOM (well, maybe not a boom, but a very aggressive "click"), and all the lights in the second half of the house go out. I tested here outside, but things obviously went a little differently in the house. I even saw sparks, which scared the hell out of me.
My parents gave me permission to grow a couple of plants for myself and my uncle, so safety is a top priority.
Alright, so if I go 150w HPS, do you think it would get hotter than ten 23w CFL bulbs? Is it something I could use from start to finish.
Thanks!
Mineralz
Well-Known Member
The HPS will still produce heat true BUT.....it comes with a COOLGLASS and you can hook your ductwork up to it easily. You'd only have to worry about 1 bulb/light compared to 10+, which would save you a lot of headache later I'm sure. Replacement bulbs aren't that much and you'd have more than enough light for that space. You would however have to keep the light towards the very top and leave it there. I would look up some info on LST and SCROG to keep your girl/girls short and wide rather than tall obviously. Since your light is in the 12 oclock noon position all the time it's on you'd do well with a horizontal bushy bitch nywayz. You could definitely use it from start to finish and it would cut down on some of your veg time. 38" ceiling I wouldn't let them get ny taller than 24" at the most. I usually top my girls 6" below the heighth that I intend for my screen to go that way she has a bit to recover and then by the time she does fully recover she'll start to get horizontal on you. With some good defoliation techniques and proper training you could do awesome with that setup. Look in the stealth/micro/cab section. Theres some awesome threads on there from people who are masters are growing in super small spaces
zachyweezer88
Active Member
I'm not seeing the "cool glass" part advertised.The HPS will still produce heat true BUT.....it comes with a COOLGLASS and you can hook your ductwork up to it easily. You'd only have to worry about 1 bulb/light compared to 10+, which would save you a lot of headache later I'm sure. Replacement bulbs aren't that much and you'd have more than enough light for that space. You would however have to keep the light towards the very top and leave it there. I would look up some info on LST and SCROG to keep your girl/girls short and wide rather than tall obviously. Since your light is in the 12 oclock noon position all the time it's on you'd do well with a horizontal bushy bitch nywayz. You could definitely use it from start to finish and it would cut down on some of your veg time. 38" ceiling I wouldn't let them get ny taller than 24" at the most. I usually top my girls 6" below the heighth that I intend for my screen to go that way she has a bit to recover and then by the time she does fully recover she'll start to get horizontal on you. With some good defoliation techniques and proper training you could do awesome with that setup. Look in the stealth/micro/cab section. Theres some awesome threads on there from people who are masters are growing in super small spaces
Here's an Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HXQVDVO/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ps_2?pf_rd_p=1944687582&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00KM1EXXW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0983SPPV1J7KFN86EH1P
1000bulbs link: http://www.amazon.com/Sun-System-900490-Light-Fixture/dp/B00KM1EXXW
SamsonsRiddle
Well-Known Member
LoL, dude, if you don't know electrical wiring then you should have just used one of those 4-way fixtures used for photography. That plugged into one of those little $1 plug in light socket things. Hope everything is ok!!
zachyweezer88
Active Member
Samson,
LOL. No worries. Everything is fine. I don't know what went wrong exactly. I did my homework and followed very closely a video of this one dude making a shop light. The cord that I attached to the fixture didn't have a third prong. Maybe this could have been the culprit? Anyway, I think I'm going to buy one of the 150W HPS lights that Mineralz suggested. It's cheap enough and would be good for the whole process. It would provide peace of mind, if anything.
zachyweezer88
Active Member
The babies are doing relatively well. There's one that concerns me, though. While the others have their true leaves up toward the light, this one, although the most developed of the bunch, seems to be kind of sad. It looks like I've been possibly over-watering, but the soil is very dry an inch or so in each evening I go to check. I've noticed that it has stopped growing quickly like it did in the beginning. The edges of the trues leaves are yellow and brown (even purple it seems) in some places. I have these plants in some basic potting soil, no time-release nutrients or anything like that. It's called Happi-Gro. I water each evening with 6.5 pH water. My cab is at about 80F with my exhaust going and a small fan for circulation. Any suggestions? They're about one week old, btw.
