Can't Help But Feel Like A "G"?

Hello all. This is my first grow, and I think I'm doing good but I'd love some feedback/critique.
I'm using fluorescent T12 tubes (because they are larger, 1.5in compared to all the other T series tubes, which are 1in and smaller).
I have three fixtures, all 4'. Holding 2 tubes a piece.
-The tubes I'm using for veg are 6500k, 2325 lumen bulbs, 40watt. CRI = 84 (6 tubes)
-The tubes I'm using for bloom are 3000k, 3200 lumen bulbs, 40 watt. CRI =82 (6 tubes)
I made my own ebb and flow, which I have to say I think is pretty badass, all things considered- you'll just have to see the pics. I have an 18gal reservoir, a 300gph pump, 6'' airstone, and am using the Lucas method with FloraMicroHardwater and FloraBloom. (I need some questions answered about the Lucas method if anyone knows about it).
The area with my tools on it is soon going to become my bloom room. hA!, which will have the exact same setup I think. - anyways, I have one little POS fan but plan on installing five more, so I'll have three on each side, I wanna keep em fresh - I still haven't made my carbon filter yet...but my seeds aren't germinated yet either.
I'm using Red Lava rock for my bottom layer, and Pea Gravel for up top. (is this good?)
-I am worried about one aspect of my ebb system.. the nozzle that I epoxied so effectively in place on both units, is about 3'4in-1in upwards, so when it drains there will still be some water in the bottom. **Is this acceptable?**(PICS)
- Im using a cooler and smaller 75gph pump to measure out my nutrients(PICS), which are then pumped into my reservoir. I only did this because the tubing on my ebb and flow is so damn intricate that I cant take the lid without causing hell-and i figured it'd be easier to measure them out this way.
-I have some mirrors on the sides for now, and plan on getting some more for the backside of the shelf.(PICS)

Thanks for your time guys!

it's probably ignorant of me to post without reading your whole thread but......

T12's are weaker then T8's and even weaker then T5's for that matter. T5's put out more light with less power consumption. They also last much longer then T12's and T8's.

Just cause the bulb has a larger diameter, doesn't mean its stronger.

-The wattage for t5 and t8 bulbs are lower... so i went with the highest wattage fluoros i could find.. at homedepot...

you'll see that at a lower wattage they may be, they provide more lumens per watt....

a T5 fixture and two 6500k bulbs @walmart = $20.

i mention the diameter in reference to:

I'm using fluorescent T12 tubes (because they are larger, 1.5in compared to all the other T series tubes, which are 1in and smaller)

Click to expand...

T5 is 51% more efficient than T12.

from lightsolutions.ca

http://www.lightingsolutions.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=26

I'm a first time grower, so I dont know much, but dont you want MORE watts? 100per pant or thereabouts?

not really wattage your after, it's lumens. so while t12 uses more wattage, it puts out less lumens. while t5 uses less wattage but puts out more lumens. t5 is therefore cheaper to run and much more efficient and productive source of light for plant growth. The rule of thumb that dictates 100 watts per plant is kind of old school and pertains more to HID lighting than florescent. also , your setup looks nice, may I suggest removing the drain in your tray, and installing it on the underside of the tray instead... peace

Just on a note the mirrors are not good for reflection. Either go with mylar, flat white paint, or even hit up wally world for them space blankets ( like 3 bucks each )

yes but look at HID lighting. 1000 watts is great, but a 600 watt hps puts off more lumens per watt. Although less wattage, it still puts off more lumens.

just about the same example between T5's and T12's. I've vegged under T5's for quite awhile now. Originally I used T12's. I've NEVER flowered under floros.

I'm just saying you could squeeze more T5's in there, using less wattage, providing more lumens per watt.

I believe the rule of thumb is 75watts per square foot of growing space....dont quote me on this.

specs from a T12.....
Osram Sylvania 40-watt T12 fluorescent bulb

T12 Bulb Type 40W 3200 Lumens


T5:

Pentron and Ecologic T5 type blub 29 watts @109 LPW........thats 3100 lumens for 3/4th the power consumption.

40 watts gets you 3200 lumens with a T12
29 watts gets you 3100 lumens with a T5.

1 54 watt T5 bulb can replace 2 T8 lamps

well crap. whats done is done, next time I will know better. I also thought that mirrors were the best for reflection. I wish i would have read this like an hour ago, because i just spent like 100 bucks on mirrors. It looks like Goldfinger's pad in this bitch now.

ya mirrors eat light, they dont reflect it at all.

Can you take the mirrors back? You could get a roll of panda film or mylar for cheaper then $100.

Return that shit! Spending hundreds on shit that has nothing to do with growing! Return everything even the bulbs unless you plan on growing duech bush or hotdog tree! Im not clowning on you just looking out, like a father does.. your puttin gas in a diesel tank. Not cool to waste cash on trash. If you are on that spending money tip than shit, I have a paypal and am willing to offer anytime assistance. Like as a payed help.. garunteed results! 24/7 365

also I was wondering what are you going to do when you lower them lights over the plants? Half your fans will be above the lights. Wouldnt it be better to take them 6 cheap wally world fans back and get one good 20 dollar fan? Also I see your exhaust fan has a 90 degree been in it. Did you know that it drops the cfm's on the fan? I suggest either asking more questions and/or reading some in the newbie section and other posts

ok, i took the mirrors back, even though they looked cool as shit, and I enjoyed modeling my turban in them. Tin foil or mylar? what is THE BEST reflector? Pappa B, thanks holmes but im growing for the cash- cant afford your expert advice, except for free that is I dont have a 90 degree bend to my knowledge.. EXPLAIN YOURSELF AT ONCE! i want everything to be perfect for my special ladies, but if I do have a bend, I think i've compensated (which I expected I would have to) for it by purchasing the highest quality 200 cfm fan home depot has to offer, this thing pulls like a Clydesdale, and my grow space is only 5'x8'x8'. exhaust is something of a mystery to me..because this closet has no ventilation, and the bathroom just outside of it has one small exhaust fan, 50-60 cfm, that the cheap bastards didnt even hook a vent up to. It looks like it just vents the air in-between the drywall or something. God help me, because I'm growing these babes anyways.[video=youtube;5nSdJyUnwvc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nSdJyUnwvc[/video]

TheGreenHornet said:

well crap. whats done is done, next time I will know better. I also thought that mirrors were the best for reflection. I wish i would have read this like an hour ago, because i just spent like 100 bucks on mirrors. It looks like Goldfinger's pad in this bitch now. View attachment 1608929View attachment 1608930View attachment 1608931View attachment 1608932

Click to expand...

...... Research should be your best friend before you spend 1 cent But good luck bro

the fans I have hooks for on either side, when i lower the lights after germination I will hang the fans off and under the lights, cooling them and freshenin up the greens. - to answer your question, yes it would be better to spend more money on an awesome fan. the "why" part of my answer is just as simple, because im broke. after this harvest i will hopefully have the funds to re-vamp my grow op. for now... im just trying to get this tube, in this hole. Do i have to put this long ass ventilation tube on my carbon scrub, or can i just let the filter re-circulate the air and do its scrub a dub?

joe dollar said:

also I was wondering what are you going to do when you lower them lights over the plants? Half your fans will be above the lights. Wouldnt it be better to take them 6 cheap wally world fans back and get one good 20 dollar fan? Also I see your exhaust fan has a 90 degree been in it. Did you know that it drops the cfm's on the fan? I suggest either asking more questions and/or reading some in the newbie section and other posts

Click to expand...

-the 90 degree bend you speak of is the fan housing, the other connections are tapered

Finally got my pH balanced. im just hoping this flora-hardwater does what it says it will.. does anyone know if Flora lowers pH as well?

you need to pick up a book called The Marijuana Growers Bible by Jorge Cervantes and read it BEFORE you even try to grow or build anything, its the best 20 dollar investment for growing. Your setup is all wrong, wrong lights, reflection, fans, ventilation. You shouldn't start your first grow with hydro, you will mess up the nutes and water. go read the book

I did some research and changed my mind.. I'm not going to flower them with fluoro's anymore. I see that was probably a very stupid idea now.
Got a 600w HPS coming in the mail. Also had to ditch the planters. Have some cool DWC stuff I plan on using. Will post up the pics when they get here.. shouldn't be too much longer now.