Newbie building a system around a ViparSpectra XS1500 light

2x3x6=36 cu ft. Most 4" fans will do 200 cu ft/min. (With some losses associated with connected filter and ducting).108 cu ft/min will give you 3 air changes/min. So the 4" fan would be my choice even running 2 lights. If you're also inquiring about a future light addition, I would suggest searching Amazon for groplanner gp1600m. It's a 150w manual dimmer variety. Made by Hyperlite. Claims to have over 600 leds but I haven't counted. Currently $100 on Amazon with a 50% off coupon so $50 for a solid 150w light. These are quality lights. By far the best bang for the buck in lighting. Coupons come and go so if you don't see a deal, keep checking back. Pocket the savings and use it to help avoid cheaping out on other needs such as ph pens, nutrients, etc.

So I imagine that 6” venting components would better suit light expansion down the road, again keeping in mind avoiding hardware overkill?

Also I gotta remember not to forget the amperage buildup of the components that would be taxing the wiring of my 60 year old house.

But your flow is choked to 20 CFM (at best possible run e.g., straight) by the 4" wire embedded plastic flex duct most people use. 6" flex duct is better rated at 75 CFM which allowing for normal bends etc should flow with little to no restriction. https://www.pickhvac.com/hvac-duct/sizing-chart/

Per the CFM calculations, I read that if I want to keep both those big components that peeps usually hang at the top out of the tent, then more CFM needs to be worked into the final equation.

But those items out of the tent increases noise levels?

Man, it’s a circus act to work out all these factors!

Calculating flow is pretty complex, differential equations similar class of those used in fluid mechanics & thermodynamics. Air is compressible so some profs make you do Fanno flow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanno_flow . In reality, who in the hell could possibly quantify (or even stink factor due to flow resistance - a vision of old days pocket protector guys with slide rules comes to mind...

typo - (or even want to)

6" will no doubt be more than adequate. That said still overkill imo for the 2x3x6 space.

All the more reasons to buy quality components.
I cheaped out when I first got into this. All of that bargain stuff has been replaced. Now I have enough crap to build another tent, minus the tent. I did actually do a grow in a cardboard box with my cast offs but I digress.
The tent you have picked will work well with the XS1500 pro light. The 4" 10 speed AC Infinity fan has plenty of capacity for that size tent. With just one light you shouldn't have a problem with heat. I would recommend The AC Infinity 6" oscillating fan for air flow. A couple of timers and a power strip and you are in business.

Greengrouch said:

If it’s your first grow start here www.growweedeasy.com

Click to expand...

Plant Doctor here very helpful

I checked ac infinity as well as mars hydro websites for vent fan sizing considerations. They both returned relatively similar results. The calcs are based on tent volume and replacing that much air per minute. That said, the fan needs to overcome the losses associated with connected components with the ability to meet or exceed the CFM requirements for tent volume. Add 25% for the filter, 30% for each 90 degree bend, Mars says 1% per foot of ducting, and 10% per light. For a filter, one bend, 4' of duct, and 2 lights, I come up with 79% (0.79). Then multiply tent volume to find fan capacity. In your 2x3x6 scenario; 36 CFM x 1.79=64.44 CFM capacity to overcome the connected resistance and meet the 36 CFM required minimum flow. The ac infinity 4" lite version is 165 cfm. The primo 4" is 205 CFM I think. The lite version at 165 cfm is capable of moving well over double the amount of air required for your set-up (2.55 times your needs actually). No practical need to spend more money for a horribly oversized fan and filter. Take the little woman (er finance director) out to dinner with the savings.

Thanks again, y’all. And GREAT WRAP UP, Fishmon! I see you even took into consideration “2 lights.” You’re making it real easy for me, which is most appreciated.

OK so for now the shopping list is 236 tent, 4”fan/carbon filter combo, & ducting, so’s not to hit the ol' lady with major sticker shock.

Later can come circulating fan & other 2nd level additions.

Thank again as I go bargain hunting!

RaggedMike said:

Thanks again, y’all. And GREAT WRAP UP, Fishmon! I see you even took into consideration “2 lights.” You’re making it real easy for me, which is most appreciated.

OK so for now the shopping list is 236 tent, 4”fan/carbon filter combo, & ducting, so’s not to hit the ol' lady with major sticker shock.

Later can come circulating fan & other 2nd level additions.

Thank again as I go bargain hunting!

Click to expand...

Good Luck on your green adventure

Looks like you're on track for a solid first set up. I'd recommend making a habit of checking Amazon, ebay, Walmart.com, etc often for next wish list items as prices fluctuate, coupons come and go, to get a feel for deals. Don't even get me started on black friday deals. If you happen to watch YouTube videos on growing, many of the sponsored channels have promo codes too. Only one comes to mind is Mrgrowit15 for ac infinity products on Amazon. Happy gardening.

Fishmon, I looked at the groplanner gp1600m light you mentioned.

It looks like a nice light at a nice price. But is total 300 watts too much for my 236 tent? For that price, I’d get it if it’ll provide better coverage.

It's 150w at 100%. Doubt you'll need to run it or the viparspectra full blast.

To clarify, unless you're planning on two plants, a single 150w would suffice for 1 reasonably sized. plant. Two lights would just be a slight bonus to offset the PPFD falloff as the intensity fades further from center. Currently I'm using 2 150s on one plant but it has a broad canopy. If my math serves correctly, 300w÷120v=2.5 amps. Receptacle circuits are minimum 15A, maybe 20A depending on your wiring and breakers. Helps to bear in mind when purchasing power strips also that they have the capacity for connected loads.