Hello all, I am new to the forum and just after a few opinions before I go ahead. After years of digging and reading my way through hundreds of threads I am looking at a 250w vert scrog in coco. I have a few questions, these relate more to options where both may work but if anyone has a better ideas from experience or could give opinions to what they would do in this situation I'd be open to them . The general setup is below:
Fan, td silent 125
sms, com fan controller (constant temp)
filter, rhino 5in
ballast, 250 watt, switchable 190/225/250/275
5in cool tube.
I also have an area 5.8ft by 2.5ft by 1.75ft of space and will be venting outside. The top foot of the cab is sealed off from the rest where the fan will live. I plan on using rockwool/carpet underlay to pack out this top foot of the cab to keep it extra silent. Making the growing space 4.8ft by 2.5ft by 1.75ft
1. In relation to the ballast placement I have 2 options, obviously with my small space heat could be an issue, hence the overkill on fan filter and controller. I was going to keep the ballast inside the cab behind a passive intake to keep it cool, obviously this will increase inside temps making the cab hotter/fan work harder. My other option is to keep the fan on top (outside) of the cab where it would receive less airflow but would be outside the cab this would help keep temps down inside the cab.
What are your opinions on this. Which would be better, a lower ballast operation temp inside the cab by the passive intake or a higher ballast operation temperature outside the cab. I will of course ensure there is airflow all around the ballast by a half inch or so by raising it and not directly attaching it flat onto the wood/cab for it to dissipate more heat.
2. In relation to venting the cool tube. Filter > Fan > Cool tube > Extraction, is the plan. My fan will be located at the top of the cab. Personally I think venting / pushing the air directly down the cool tube and out the bottom of the cab to my extraction (extraction must be at ground level) is my only option as I cannot vent up. Will I have any major problems venting down a cool tube? I know it will but stress on the fan but fingers crossed it will cope.
3. Fire defender. I would like to place a fire defender in the top of the cab. I hear the ballasts are the most likely to catch fire. And although It is very unlikely I don't mind fitting one in etc... Coming back to my first question. If the ballast was outside the cab and this was to happen I'd be pretty much screwed? this is really a counter argument against having it outside the cab. Although outside the cab is probably a better option relating to fire prevention. If one was to happen being inside the cab would be the better option... as the defender would take care of it.
4. Fan insulation. I already have acoustic duct. I am starting to think I should have went for solid bends also and may look at getting some in future. But I want the fan to be well insulated. I was looking at car carpet underlay and rockwool slabs. These are heat insulators, hence why the top of the cab has been sectioned away from the rest. Does anyone have any opinions on noise insulation relating the this? Other products how thick? Sould I stuff the lot or just have a nice 1/2 inch thick layer all around?
5. Electrical sockets/extension cable. I will most likely be using an extension socket and I think this is ok for 250w and a fan. What are your opinions on either mounting this outside the cab/ in the top foot of the cab where it will be insulated next to the fan. In the main chamber of the cab, not ideal but... in sight of the fire defender.
I know it's a long first post and appreciate that you've made it this far through. If you think im overthinking this please tell me. These are the very last things I need to decide on before I get on with it. Even if you only want to answer one question it would be appreciated. There might even be grow journal in it for ya
Fan, td silent 125
sms, com fan controller (constant temp)
filter, rhino 5in
ballast, 250 watt, switchable 190/225/250/275
5in cool tube.
I also have an area 5.8ft by 2.5ft by 1.75ft of space and will be venting outside. The top foot of the cab is sealed off from the rest where the fan will live. I plan on using rockwool/carpet underlay to pack out this top foot of the cab to keep it extra silent. Making the growing space 4.8ft by 2.5ft by 1.75ft
1. In relation to the ballast placement I have 2 options, obviously with my small space heat could be an issue, hence the overkill on fan filter and controller. I was going to keep the ballast inside the cab behind a passive intake to keep it cool, obviously this will increase inside temps making the cab hotter/fan work harder. My other option is to keep the fan on top (outside) of the cab where it would receive less airflow but would be outside the cab this would help keep temps down inside the cab.
What are your opinions on this. Which would be better, a lower ballast operation temp inside the cab by the passive intake or a higher ballast operation temperature outside the cab. I will of course ensure there is airflow all around the ballast by a half inch or so by raising it and not directly attaching it flat onto the wood/cab for it to dissipate more heat.
2. In relation to venting the cool tube. Filter > Fan > Cool tube > Extraction, is the plan. My fan will be located at the top of the cab. Personally I think venting / pushing the air directly down the cool tube and out the bottom of the cab to my extraction (extraction must be at ground level) is my only option as I cannot vent up. Will I have any major problems venting down a cool tube? I know it will but stress on the fan but fingers crossed it will cope.
3. Fire defender. I would like to place a fire defender in the top of the cab. I hear the ballasts are the most likely to catch fire. And although It is very unlikely I don't mind fitting one in etc... Coming back to my first question. If the ballast was outside the cab and this was to happen I'd be pretty much screwed? this is really a counter argument against having it outside the cab. Although outside the cab is probably a better option relating to fire prevention. If one was to happen being inside the cab would be the better option... as the defender would take care of it.
4. Fan insulation. I already have acoustic duct. I am starting to think I should have went for solid bends also and may look at getting some in future. But I want the fan to be well insulated. I was looking at car carpet underlay and rockwool slabs. These are heat insulators, hence why the top of the cab has been sectioned away from the rest. Does anyone have any opinions on noise insulation relating the this? Other products how thick? Sould I stuff the lot or just have a nice 1/2 inch thick layer all around?
5. Electrical sockets/extension cable. I will most likely be using an extension socket and I think this is ok for 250w and a fan. What are your opinions on either mounting this outside the cab/ in the top foot of the cab where it will be insulated next to the fan. In the main chamber of the cab, not ideal but... in sight of the fire defender.
I know it's a long first post and appreciate that you've made it this far through. If you think im overthinking this please tell me. These are the very last things I need to decide on before I get on with it. Even if you only want to answer one question it would be appreciated. There might even be grow journal in it for ya