New Room Design Questions W/ Pics

jar3232

Member
So I decided that I have this neat old coal room in my house that I should just convert into something more permanent. I has the old style Michigan walls which make a nice natural shelf. I am also going to use a lot of "budget stuff" with this one, but I am going to upgrade over time when I get a feel for the new room. Obviously this room needs cleaned out. It is roughly 4 x 8 and about 5'10" high. I am going to cover the walls in Mylar "safety blankets" or with a Mylaresk reflective bubble material (better insulation). The entire room needs rewired and I am a fairly handy person and decided to go with either CFL or tube lights. I am only growing three plants at a time with a possibility of incubating another one or two. Here are my questions. What do you think is better in a room like this CFL or tubes? (I want to stick to fluorescents) If I go with a 250 CFL, do I still need a hood? Is one of those enough per plant? If a tube is better, should I go with a double 2 footer per plant? I know with my fluorescents keeping them warm might be a problem, what is a good recommendation for keeping the heat up? It is a basement and tends to run on the cooler/wet side. Any other recommendations for the room? I am trying to keep the price under 100, so any suggestions with links would be appreciated. Thanks…
 

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squirrelfooker

Active Member
You will likely need to insulate the walls so they do not collect condensation. Does any water leak in when it rains? You may also want to waterproof the walls. You may need a dehumidifier as well. My basement stays at about 60f even when it's 90f outside, but it also stays at 70% humidity.
 

jar3232

Member
Na, basement doesn't leak at all. It was drylocked (water proofed) probably 10 years ago. I might Kilnz (waterproof primer) and paint it a flat white instead of mylar. I thought humidity was good, is there a "too" much humidity level? Does anyone add heat to their rooms? If so, how?
 
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