new guy.. needs help!

Ok, hello everyone.. I've recently become interested in the idea of starting a very small closet grow (one maybe 2 small plants) the closet itself isn't very small, its 7 feet high, 9 feet long and 3 feet wide. I have a 250w HPS fixture and a MH conversion bulb. I'm having trouble trying to figure out a ventilation system. I cannot cut any holes for venting. There IS a crawl space above the closet, but sadly I have no way of running a ventilation system into it, the ceiling has no openings. I also cannot keep the door open at all times or have any obvious vent holes cut in the door (there is a nice 2 inch gap under the door though). I can open the door periodically throughout the day for hours at a time... but cannot leave it open constantly. I was planning on utilizing a carbon scrubber just to keep the air somewhat clean and to combat any odor issues. I will also have a few fans blowing around in the closet. I really wanna give this a try, I have read so many conflicting opinions on all the different forums regarding almost everything that I dont even know where to begin. I've read some saying that a 250w hps doesn't really give off much heat at all, and others saying that it will make it WAY too hot. What options, if any, do I have as far as ventilation is concerned? Can a grow be completed with inadequate (no) ventilation, even if it doesn't come out to its full potential? Will the 250 watt light really heat up a fairly large closet? And please, try to keep the arrogance to a minimum when responding. I'm looking for constructive advice.. thanks!

250 watt doesn't produce much heat but with the door shut heat will build up,ventilation is vital for vigorous growth,there are 3 things that are a must,Light,Air,and nutrients,if one is at 50% then all are at 50%.The only option you have is open your door periodically.

jcdws602 said:

250 watt doesn't produce much heat but with the door shut heat will build up,ventilation is vital for vigorous growth,there are 3 things that are a must,Light,Air,and nutrients,if one is at 50% then all are at 50%.The only option you have is open your door periodically.

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Ok thanks for the info, so how much ventilation do you think I would need for this? I know there are a lot of contributing factors to calculate my personal ventilation needs. But is there any kinda average for a room this size with a lamp that size? There IS a small single bulb light fixture in the ceiling.. which means theres a hole in the ceiling, but it doesn't neccessarily go into the crawl space (it does obviously go out of the room though). I'd say the hole is maybe 3 or 4 inches in diameter.. if there is some way for me to remove the fixture and vent exhaust out of this hole, I may do it... but I cannot install a fan into the hole either way. Oh, and if I cant figure out a suitable ventilation method, can the grow still be successful by simply opening the door periodically and allowing fresh air in?

Take that light out and use a 3-4 in can fan to vent.

Is the house owned by you/family or is it rented?

DSoHigh said:

Take that light out and use a 3-4 in can fan to vent.

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Ok, so how does that work?? do I hook a flexible duct up to the hole? I was already gonna get a can fan for the room to run the carbon scrubber, but how can I vent it out the hole in the ceiling?

Ok problem solved.. I will be cutting a hole into the ceiling for ventilation

You will still need to have cool enough air going in to keep the heat down with doors closed. Are the doors really air tight?

Illegal Smile said:

You will still need to have cool enough air going in to keep the heat down with doors closed. Are the doors really air tight?

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no, not at all.. as I stated in my earlier post, there is a large gap underneath the door that should provide plenty of airflow.

xm177e2 said:

Ok problem solved.. I will be cutting a hole into the ceiling for ventilation

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It's easy to patch a hole in drywall or plaster, just come back and ask for advice when you're ready to close it.

You may wanna make a double door system,or just an air tight back room area.Leave your door open all the time and let the back room air come out slowly to your main room.Think about it .

u need ventilation end of story, air in + air out, u need to figure a way of doing that or forget ur grow, how would u like to be stuck in a room with no air to breathe, i mean that in the nicest possible way, plants need air just like we do, theyl thank u for it in the end i can asure u, good luck

Green Cross said:

It's easy to patch a hole in drywall or plaster, just come back and ask for advice when you're ready to close it.

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Oh I have that covered, I can do some basic carpentry. Thanks for all the helpful info everyone!

bigbud x northenlights said:

u need ventilation end of story, air in + air out, u need to figure a way of doing that or forget ur grow, how would u like to be stuck in a room with no air to breathe, i mean that in the nicest possible way, plants need air just like we do, theyl thank u for it in the end i can asure u, good luck

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Thank you, but all the other kind individuals already answered my question

When i started to grow i didnt have a ventilation system, i didnt do to bad either, using a 500w mh for veg and 500w hps for flowering on 5 plants i would normally get about 10-11 ounces, however heat and air quality were very hard to maintain, but it wasnt impossible

it can be done but ur 10-11 oz could have been 20-21, double what u got, with that light, i normaly get 5dry oz per plant with a 400w hps, thats with real good ventilation on constantly!!!!!! peace bro