- Hey guys,
So I'm planning my first indoor setup, although i have gone through a couple of harvests outdoors, it is my first attempt at an indoor cultivation. I have done a lot of research, but would still appreciate your opinions and advice on a few parts I am still unsure about.
I plan on ordering a complete grow kit, to avoid the hassle, and have pretty much decided on the following kit: (http://www.hydroponica.biz/dr100-1-0...-kit-4777.html)
the kit includes:
> DARKROOM 80cm x 80cm x 1.6m
> 400w Lumatek dimmable digital Ballast (250w, 400w and super lumens settings)
> Sunmaster Dual Spectrum bulb and Euro shade.
> Plug and Grow 22amp timer (Runs upto 2 x 600w lights).
> 100mm TT fan and 100mm carbon filter.
> 2 easy rolls.
> 2 ducting clips.
> 5m 100mm Ducting
My first question is whether the 400w light is an hps light ? (any thoughts or advice about the dual spectrum lights ? is it really a better choice than to use a MH for vegetation and then an HPS for flowering ?)
Secondly do you think I am going to run into any problems such as over heating, or a lack of air circulation, or none enough space given this setup ?
Thirdly, how many plants could I be growing at optimum conditions in a tent this size ?
Since the kit comes with a digital ballast, should I tweak the light down to say 250w during the seedling phase ?
How do you think i should set the air circulation within the tent ? ( I read something about having the inline fan coming in the bottom part of the tent then setting up the carbon filter at the top of the tent ?)
How well does a carbon filter work at keeping the stench away ? (and how loud do you think the setup will be, I plan on setting it up in my bed room so I wouldn't want it to compromise on my sleep
Lastly, Is there anything major regarding the setup that I am forgetting ? (apart from the actual growing equipment i.e. pots, soil, measuring devices etc.. )
I know I am asking a lot, but I would rather be pro-active and foresee any issues, rather than be reactive.
Any answers and advice is appreciated
Thanks a lot,
Planing my first indoor setup, advice and opinions are more than welcome :)
- Thread starter ram420
- Start date
Grrouch
New Member
that cheap 12 dollar bulb in that kit is the closest thing 400w gets to incandescent. ive never seen such a poor item packaged in like that. id highly recomend ordering a seperate hps bulb. as its dualspectrum its not specifically met for your flowering needs. i grabbed The maxlume 400w bulb for like 20 bucks then i have to upgrade to the bad boy thats like 70 bucks for the ultimate spectrum.
id also recomend a better hood but that will do fine as i see them all over the place.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400W-SUNMASTER-DUAL-SPECTRUM-LAMP-BULB-HYDROPONICS-/140498028406
check out my first indoor run i have a full room so i didnt need the box.
https://www.rollitup.org/newbie-central/551180-my-first-grow-100-organic.html
id also recomend a better hood but that will do fine as i see them all over the place.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400W-SUNMASTER-DUAL-SPECTRUM-LAMP-BULB-HYDROPONICS-/140498028406
check out my first indoor run i have a full room so i didnt need the box.
https://www.rollitup.org/newbie-central/551180-my-first-grow-100-organic.html
JohnBaked
Active Member
Carbon filters work great if you set it up right. Easiest way to do it is make sure you have a stronger fan sucking or blowing air out of your box than in so you have negative pressure inside the box. That way any stench won't go through cracks or leaks in your box but rather all through the filter. Also ya gotta change your charcoal or filter out after 6 months to a year. Also make sure the exhaust is next to where your light is or above it to help keep the heat away from your plants 
Grrouch
New Member
no the bulb in the link is the cheapy in the kit youre ordering. as you can see its 12 dollars. probably not going to be verry effect.ive.
i did more research on that bulb actually and its made for both flower and veg cycle. so if you want the one step simple bulb that would be it like i said though its not going to output the lumens and actuall wattage towards Metal Halide when you buy a metal halide for veg.
although it is a hps bulb to answer your question.
http://www.sunmastergrowlamps.com.au/e-brochures/SUNMASTER BROCHURE HPS DS.pdf heres the best specs i could find on that bulb youre getting
heres the one i have.
http://www.amazon.com/400-HPS-Maxlume-Bulb-lumens/dp/B004CT51EA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345406180&sr=8-1&keywords=maxlume+400w+hps
heres the one i need to get verry soon as my plant is 3 weeks in.
http://www.amazon.com/Hortilux-Super-Enhanced-Spectrum-Bulb/dp/B000BZ98BQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1345406229&sr=1-2&keywords=400w+hps+hortilux
it all depends on happy you want your plants to be. the happier the more yield.
the more money out of pocket, the more money into bu basically outdoorgrow ive heard is verry delicate but verry cheap. (soil/Nutrients)
i did more research on that bulb actually and its made for both flower and veg cycle. so if you want the one step simple bulb that would be it like i said though its not going to output the lumens and actuall wattage towards Metal Halide when you buy a metal halide for veg.
although it is a hps bulb to answer your question.
http://www.sunmastergrowlamps.com.au/e-brochures/SUNMASTER BROCHURE HPS DS.pdf heres the best specs i could find on that bulb youre getting
heres the one i have.
http://www.amazon.com/400-HPS-Maxlume-Bulb-lumens/dp/B004CT51EA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345406180&sr=8-1&keywords=maxlume+400w+hps
heres the one i need to get verry soon as my plant is 3 weeks in.
http://www.amazon.com/Hortilux-Super-Enhanced-Spectrum-Bulb/dp/B000BZ98BQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1345406229&sr=1-2&keywords=400w+hps+hortilux
it all depends on happy you want your plants to be. the happier the more yield.
the more money out of pocket, the more money into bu basically
outdoorgrow ive heard is verry delicate but verry cheap. (soil/Nutrients)
Grrouch
New Member
Yes Yes yes neggative pressure when using a carbon filter is key. you will achieve 100% proficiency if you succeed in doing so.Carbon filters work great if you set it up right. Easiest way to do it is make sure you have a stronger fan sucking or blowing air out of your box than in so you have negative pressure inside the box. That way any stench won't go through cracks or leaks in your box but rather all through the filter. Also ya gotta change your charcoal or filter out after 6 months to a year. Also make sure the exhaust is next to where your light is or above it to help keep the heat away from your plants
Thanks for the advice, I will definitely make sure I have negative pressure in the tent and will set up the filter and fan as was suggested.
Regarding the bulb, Grrouch, would you suggest I get the "eye hortilux super HPS enhanced spectrum bulb- 400w" for flowering and then get the "hortilux BLUE 400w Metal Halide Grow light bulb" for grow/veg period ? So technically I would be switching the bulb when I switch the photoperiod to 12/12. right ? I would rather spend money now and grow right from the start as I would ultimately like to be self-sustainable lol, and I have pretty high standards, the bud I'm used to getting in montreal is A-grade hehe. Yea outdoor can be delicate, but the conditions where I was growing worked wonders with the strain (G13 Lab Auto AK), if you have good outdoor climate then you should definitely give it a try with some clones..
And grrouch, how many plants do you think I should be aiming for, and the size of the pot
(id ideally like to grow less plants but bigger yield on each