Cabinet Grow Design help

I found this amazing locking steel cabinet and i'm planning a to turn it into a grow box.
https://www.schooloutfitters.com/catalog/product_info/pfam_id/PFAM1981/products_id/PRO6770?sc_cid=shopzilla.com_SAN-EAWR-361872#Specification

but i could use some advise on how to set up my vents, etc...
planning a Hydroponic Drip/bubble system with Led and cfl lights so heat won't be huge issue but smell control will be. I'm not swimming in cash so i want to keep this on the budget side.

I'm not even sure what the best way to cut this thing for venting is...

i'm very busy and short on time so i'm planning to order hydro system and lights
if i'm building this i won't have time put the hydro system together piece by piece
Just going to get the Stealth Hydro Bubbleponics system with their dual spectrum cfl's and add a lighthouse hydro Led. and depending on the plants maybe some extra cfl side lights to hit the lower branches.

I know people have mixed feelings on both stealth hydro and Led's but i just want input on how to put this thing together so don't blast me too bad

Ok so i made a craigslist find got this sandusky metal cabinet for $45!
It measures 72"x18"x36"
I'm planning to remove all but the top shelf, shelf metal is thinner than the outer shell so i don't think i'll need a plasma cutter but what is the best tool to remove these fixed shelves?
I'm patiently waiting on the arrival of my seeds and my 180w lighthouse hydro led light...
I'm only planning to use led and maybe some side cfl's to grow like two plants at a time.
Can i get away with just using passive intake vent for air?

i'm currently thinking a wide rectangular "U" cut toward the bottom so i can bend in a flap to allow venting but it will help shade the hole to minimize light leakage. Cabinet is going to be in a basement so i will put screen over hole, maybe thin charcoal filter? If my led light has fans built in and i mount a small fan for internal circulation would that draw thru a charcoal filter without having to add another exhaust fan?

Im totally subbing to this! We're on the same page man. I was looking at getting something with a depth of 24", but this would work for me too and I see them on craigslist all the time. I would suggest getting an air cooled hood. I picked up a Super Sun 2 and plan on cutting 2 6" holes with a hole saw. I hear they work great for going through these cabinets. Im also looking to find the best way to design the ventilation. I dont know what your plans are, but i was thinking of housing a mother in a tent I currently have (DR40) so I'd like the flowing cab to contain everything. Let me know what your plans are and we can help each other design the perfect box Sound good?

yes! my lights and seeds have finally arrived. once i get my ph meter and temp/humidity monitor which are in route i'll be in full attack mode on this project. Not sure if you've got your cab or not but if you find one with adjustable shelves go for that, the ones in mine are spot welded in and done well, so it's goin to be "extra fun" to remove them
glad to have someone to bounce ideas off

sub'd this thread. I'm in the very early stages of planning something similar. I'm thinking of going with kessil LED lights but still have loads to plan out. Like I dont know if to go hydro or soil - any quick pro's & cons on the 2 methods?

Very very similar to what I'm looking to get set up here in the next little bit. I'll be following this thread.

I've been thinking about the Stealth Hydryo Bubbleponics with the combo CFL and UFO LED. I'm prob at least 2 months out on deciding, so really interested in hearing how your setup turns out.

Griffta said:

sub'd this thread. I'm in the very early stages of planning something similar. I'm thinking of going with kessil LED lights but still have loads to plan out. Like I dont know if to go hydro or soil - any quick pro's & cons on the 2 methods?

Click to expand...

Soil is the most forgiving and probably the best to get your feet wet with. I've heard nothing but good things about the kessil led's if you haven't checked it out already find the "LED users unite" forum for more info on many of the pro's and cons of led's.

Vaporized420 said:

Very very similar to what I'm looking to get set up here in the next little bit. I'll be following this thread.

I've been thinking about the Stealth Hydryo Bubbleponics with the combo CFL and UFO LED. I'm prob at least 2 months out on deciding, so really interested in hearing how your setup turns out.

Click to expand...

I was going to order that same bubbleponics from stealth because i frankly don't have the time to gather all the pieces and build my own hydro system, but i'm going to learn the ropes with soil grow 1st. I've already got my ufo style grow light (180 Watt blackstar made my lighthouse hydro) and i'm going to use cfl's for side light to help the lower buds.
the yield potiental with hydro is tempting but since i only need enought to keep my woman supplied with her meds i'm starting simple

Griffta,

my only concern with the kessil is the size... really how effective of a grow area can you get from such a small spot. i'd worry about plants outside its main focus stretching to reach the light. I'm planning just a two or three plant grow and i'm going to use a ufo for main light and side cfl's but i've also got a "grow spot" the all red version i think they call it the bloomboost, to help me flower. check em out if you havent already, size seems similar to kessil and i got mine from the web site for $79.99 and it arrived in one day.

the blackstar 180w high output ufo
also aquired some mylar and nutes

i'll post pic of my grow spot soon and the cabinet in progress but i think that will be after the new year gotta do the family thing

Hope you all have a great new year
full of good grows and better smoke

PrezDickie said:

Griffta,

my only concern with the kessil is the size... really how effective of a grow area can you get from such a small spot. i'd worry about plants outside its main focus stretching to reach the light. I'm planning just a two or three plant grow and i'm going to use a ufo for main light and side cfl's but i've also got a "grow spot" the all red version i think they call it the bloomboost, to help me flower. check em out if you havent already, size seems similar to kessil and i got mine from the web site for $79.99 and it arrived in one day.

Click to expand...

Cheers Prez, I really want to have 3/4 plants on the go & gotta say I have the same concerns over the kessil lights ability to cover a grow area. Problem is, I cant seem to shake the idea of using them. I've must've lapped up all the science & technology bumf and as I dont want the heat & leccy bills issues that traditional lights bring, have convinced myself these are for me.
I might have to grow 2 plants at first, then when I've got more cash, buy a 2nd kessil.
Hope your projects going well, have you got any pics of your cab?

things got put on hold... temp issues, and heater is blowing fuses room is only 47-49 degrees F. so gotta move location to begin grow