First Grow: Some help with Cab Design/Questions

First off I just wanted to say hello to everybody. I have been a longtime reader of these forums, though I am just now getting into the growing aspect.

I will be starting a Grow Journal (but before then I wanted to get some things situated).

I ordered 1 feminized Nirvana AK 48 seed and 1 feminized Nirvana White Widow seed one week ago today from WMS. I got an email that says the seeds were shipped out 3 days ago, so hopefully they will be here by next week. Just like any kid awaiting Christmas, it feels like it is going to be forever before I get them.

Until then, I still have some work to do with my cab. That's where, (hopefully), the forums can help.

The cab I am using is as follows: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AXO0S0/...SIN=B000AXO0S0

The supplies are as follows:

-Seeds ($25)
-Cabinet ($30)
-2 6500K 42 Watt Feit Electric CFLs ($20) (I plan on getting a couple more and then switching to 2700 when it's time to flower).
-Surge Protector $0 (Had it around the house)
-Gauged Extension Cord $10
-2 Socket Plugs $3
-2 Y Adapters $5
-Thermometer $10
-Propagation Tray? $1 (I don't know, I got it for $ 1 from the local head shop).
-Rockwool Cubes $10
-Happy Frog Soil $8 (My original strategy was to start in rockwool cubes and then move to FoxFarm OceanForest, but the guy at the local head shop promised good results when starting in Happy Frog and then moving to OceanForest. Does anybody else know if that is a good plan? Rockwool>HF>OF? I was really hoping for the least amount of transplanting, but I am also looking for the best results.
-Tape $0 (I don't know if I could use this for a reflective material or not. It is shiny on one side and we used it for air condtioners...not sure).
Total: $101 (So far)

I have attached many pictures, trying to get in detail as much as I could. I just couldn't stop taking pictures. lol. (My cabinet is going to be in my closet (last pic), which is the brown door. I posted it just to show the weatherstripping I have put around the door. This is due to the fact that I am for certain that there will be light leaks in my cabinet. But in the closet I have a big black curtain to put in front of my cabinet, and then the weatherstripped closet for a preliminary caution.

A question about the tape I have...would that be reflective enough for the top of the roof and sides? Or should I try something else? The plants view is my 6th picture posted to see the top of the roof.

Do I need exhaust fans? And should I get one or two? 80mm or 120? With it being such a small space I have even considered doing a SCRoG. I'm just not sure what would be best.

Help with what you can. Any comments/ideas will be greatly appreciated!

im also building a cabinet my self at the moment. its workable to grow in but still needs many changes ill post up some pics.

First problem i can see. the gaps around your doors. u will need some thick weather tripping to get rida any light leeks. u dont want light in or out.
Second i dont see any fans. you will need an intake fan going to a hole in the bottom side of your box to pull in fresh cold air. and u will need a ventilation fan up top to pull all the hot stale air out. along with some fans to blow on your plants to strengthen there stems and leaves. (your box isnt to big PC fans should be fine.)
Third the inside of your box is alrdy white. just leave it white will do just fine.

with my set up im able to raise and lower the shelfs to adjust light heights. how ever my plants are abit to tall. and i can only fit 2 in there at this time now. my LST plant went back into the HOT closet

Foolieo said:

with my set up im able to raise and lower the shelfs to adjust light heights. how ever my plants are abit to tall. and i can only fit 2 in there at this time now. my LST plant went back into the HOT closet

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Do I really need 2 fans for such a small space? Can I just use a little oscillating fan inside and one exhaust fan to get rid of the air? And should that exhaust fan go through ducting and into a carbon filter?

Sorry..I'm confused how I'm going to get new air in if I'm trying to make it light proof..

tucknub said:

Do I really need 2 fans for such a small space? Can I just use a little oscillating fan inside and one exhaust fan to get rid of the air? And should that exhaust fan go through ducting and into a carbon filter?

Sorry..I'm confused how I'm going to get new air in if I'm trying to make it light proof..

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ive read u should use pvc pipe w a 90deg angle and paintd black inside to keep that lite from comin in ur intake...and i believe it should b filter then fan so its pulling it out from the filter instead of pushing it thru

Anymore ideas? I was hoping for more responses...and some actual help.

what he said about the Pvc is what most people do. they put a pvc elbo on the outside of the box and on the inside so the light can not go around the turn. that u can use at the bottom for your intake. u dont need a fan there if u got a strong enough exhaust fan uptop u will just have a passive intake. as for the filter. i read that most people have the fan blow into it. im with the guy above wouldnt it be better to have the fan suck the shitty air threw it? im going to be adden a carbon filter soon. u dont actualy need it untill your flowering my girls put off no smell at all atm

i put up a picture few posts ago of my intake covers to stop light from getting in. i was expecting to have to add to it or something. but no light gets up and in my 2 covers on the outside. and those are not even elbows or anything. just a basic metal dryer vent cover that i painted black

what type fan should i get for ventilation? And put the exhaust towards the top because heat rises...right?