Stealth grow cab discussion/invention/innovation

HistoryPuff

Active Member
I'm starting to think I just like to post things. I was on Wal-marts website again looking for other shit and came across a bookshelf almost identical to the one I have. It's not quite as tall, but that doesn't matter in my case as you all know. It has similar dimensions (29.5x11.5x31.5) and I bet you can't guess the price... 15 dollah. Can anyone really say no to 15 dollars? Even if I decide it sucks, hell, it makes a perfectly good book shelf! I also have seen some ppls grow boxes and I may change how my lights are arranged depending on how much shit I'll have to buy, but I'm going to draw it now and watch some Sunniy in Philadelphia. peace, y'all.
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dubwooze

Member
I'd go with the first one. It looks like it offers more room than the other two. If I may make a suggestion, considering I thought of this kind of box when initially determining my grow, be sure to see what kind of material it is made out of. The fiber board, or whatever the hell it is used to make most of these shelving units is not too sturdy. Mounting heavy, expensive equipment could get dangerous without reinforcing.

Have you made a decision on lights, or do you already have some? If you haven't, you may want to look at this link. A 150 HPS, about $100 after shipping, can't be beat with a baseball bat. Take this, supplement with a couple CFL tubes, and you have some great lighting, not sure the lumens.

You've got great taste in TV, the Wire and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. We need to get together and puff one, probably be good times. Oh, shipping is free on that light.
 

HistoryPuff

Active Member
I totally just started watching sunny at my friends and I was like.. this show is fucking hilarious! So I have it qeued in Netflix for season 3 & 4. What state are you in, man? I won't ask for specifics haha a lot of people on this site are kinda paranoid (not totally a bad thing). Anyways, I'm getting a little offtrack.

I would love to get that big ass closet cabinet thing.. which I might in the future when I move out again, but it would look a little off in my room, and I just think it draws a lot of attention to itself. I do think it would be perfect though if this cab wasn't supposed to be stealth-oriented. Also, I think I would get a little greedy and turn both sides into cabs so I could grow sativas too.

So, for now let's just assume I'm going to use the book shelf. I was experiment with some different variations for the lights. Earlier they were going to be hanging (it's easier to look at the picture, I can't describe shit) over 3 positions, which is 12 lights if I use them all. Now, I have started fiddling with the idea of just having them on their sides and semi-attached to the top shelf. So, I will control the height of the plants just by taking out phonebooks from under the pot and stuff. As you can see I still need to buy a few more pieces (these were from my last grow). If you look at the first picture, If both sides look the same it would 11 lights. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep that fixture in the middle shaped like a T. I may use a Y shape like in the 3rd picture, but I probably won't know until I have the shelf and experiment with brightness and heat signatures. Oh, the white paper is supposed to match the dimensions of the space inside the shelf. It might be +/- 1 in. but I'll deal.

Dub, I'm honestly just afraid to get an hps at the moment. Maybe in 6 months when I'll have more resources I'll upgrade my cab or something. I also just don't want to make the heat a problem. I'd rather have fewer fans so it's not super noisy. I think with only 10/11 lights the heat won't be an issue at all once I get a strong computer fan (or 2) for the carbon filter. I had this craaazy idea last night for a stealth carbon filter and other things. I'm going to start fiddling with the idea and draw it up or something for you guys. Okay, I've rambled enough for this post. Peace, guys.

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HistoryPuff

Active Member
Hey Gents,
I have some more drawings that I've been messing around with. So #1 is the front view of the cab with my current ideas of hooking up the electronics and lights. The first thing you may notice is that I've decided to just go with two plants, but the pots will be larger than before. the 'Z' by the pots represent two small computer fans just for circulation. I am going to make a CO2 dispenser using the sugar and yeast method, and right next to it I will have a small (pint-size I believe, it's $8) ona-gel block for some odor control within the box. Just gonna poke some holes in it, but I won't use it till a few weeks in to save the gel. Gonna do LST so I just drew a little spiral with clothes hangers holding them down. For light positioning just take a look at the last pic. Probably going to have 11 x 26 W with 8x2700k and 3x6500k just to make it a lil more natural. Above the "power bar" with the 3 CFLs pointing down is where my carbon filter system is going to be place. It's there because I realized there won't be much room anywhere else and the fans will be right above the lights which will hopefully eliminate a lot of heat. I'm going to buy 2 120mm fans for the exhaust and have each one connected to a different power supply in case I only want one running. I forgot to include it in the last pic, but oh well. In the first pic you can kinda see a tube shoot to the right where the exhaust fans are. That will be the carbon filter making it's way outside my cabinet. Don't worry about where the surge protectors are located cause that will easily change based on how much space there is. But as you can see all plug bars (power sentry is the brand) will be connected to a huge black surge protector I have. I'm doing this because I have two timers connected to two timers. I actually just realized the timer with 24/7 written in it is useless.. I think I meant to connect Z to the timer, and have the timer connected to the plug bar next to Y where it says Z. I hope the lettering system isn't too confusing. There is a method to my madness that I'm sure a lot of people don't understand. Anyways, at this point here is what I need to buy.
  • 8 x 2700K 26W CFLs
  • 3 x 6500k 26W CFLs
  • 2 x 120mm computer fans
  • 1 lamp light fixture
  • 1 Y-splitter fixture
  • Ona-gel pint
  • CO2 dispenser (jar, sugar, yeast)
  • 2 x equal plyboard for doors
  • lock and handles if I wanna spend the money.
  • activated carbon and whatever tubing/ducting required for carbon filter.
  • emergency blanket
  • Fox Farms Ocean Forest soil
And that's about all I need to get since I have everything else. I probably will break down and buy some flowering nutes (why not?). Anyways, I think this will probably be my final design guys. I'm confident it will work. I noticed I didn't draw passive intakes anywhere but it will be similar to the other drawings, except not with fans (which isn't passive ;p). I'm going to take crazy pictures in a few weeks when I'm putting it together just so anyone can copy me and have a decent grow cab. Still hope it will all be under $200 (including seeds). Alright, you guys have a good night. My finger is tired from bowling.. (146! I make it rain! I make it rain! I make it rain!). Peace, guys.
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dubwooze

Member
Looks solid, you'll "breaking ground" in the next 2 months right? It should work well. Do you plan on using two doors? If so, I'd go with one. I was going to use two doors on my box, but figured that it would be just another cut I'd have to account for for odor and light control. Also, buy bulk with the Ona gel. Once they start to flower, you'll burn through the pint.
 

HistoryPuff

Active Member
Hey thanks for the advice, Dub. Yeah, if I don't start within 2 months I am behind schedule. I was going to use two doors, but you do have a good point. I was going to use two just so it looked like a cabinet, but it may be overkill. I know that I have to create a 'lip' that would go inside the cabinet that blocks the light from leaking out of it. I was going to use black construction paper for it. I was probably going to buy an ona-gel pint just to put inside and then buy the 1 gallon buckets to keep filling it up, I assume that's what you meant. I was wondering how long it would last. Thanks.
 

HistoryPuff

Active Member
Thanks for your help, zimbabwe. I actually saw that within the last week and thought it was really well done. I'm probably not going to use a dresser just because I can see my mom opening my dresser as a more likely possibility than a cabinet/book shelf type thing.
 

HistoryPuff

Active Member
Sorry it's been a while. Finally ready to move (was supposed to start driving today but my Dad is dirt poor like me) tomorrow. I felt the universe granting my wish today. I filled out a change of address form on the usps website and told it to take effect on Saturday, but low and behold, I got my SEEDS today! It gave me a fucking scare also. When I opened it, there was a pamphlet that said free sample willy wallet. I looked in the envelope and there's this fucking wallet in a factory plastic bag. I open it expecting my seeds to be right inside the wallet. Nothing. I unzip two zippers for the dollar bills and change and there was still nothing! I finally reach inside the card holder and pull out a tiny ass bag with a Bubblelicious sticker on it! FINALLY! after like 2 damn weeks! But I do thank Nirvana for providing the stealthiest gimmick ever. It fooled the hell outta me. Now I have a wallet that has sentimental value! (goodbye stupid Fossil wallet) I'm velcroing it up now, baby! I can hopefully start construction on my grow box on Thursday guys!
 

Solemhypnotic

Well-Known Member
I'm doing something similar to you, I have a small bookshelf I'm going to convert into a grow box. I'm trying out out some new ideas for cooling and lighting, I'll let you know how it goes.
 

HistoryPuff

Active Member
Awesome. I should be able to start building really soon, and I'll be posting pics the entire way, so if you want to bounce ideas off each other just keep dropping by.
 

amnooneoo

Active Member
I like the second one, good mother/clone room without any extra hassle really. And, it could be your utility area too. When you grow in small boxes, you run out of space quick. And you don't want nutes, water bottles, tools or other supplies laying around. Don't forget about filters, fans and so forth. Once u start growing, you are going to accumulate a lot of things you will not want to trash, plus its not a bad idea to have backup supplies. I would build the carbon filter into the cabinet itself, having only the exhaust tube or hole coming out of the back.

Where was the second one from? Wall Mart?
 

HistoryPuff

Active Member
I like the second one, good mother/clone room without any extra hassle really. And, it could be your utility area too. When you grow in small boxes, you run out of space quick. And you don't want nutes, water bottles, tools or other supplies laying around. Don't forget about filters, fans and so forth. Once u start growing, you are going to accumulate a lot of things you will not want to trash, plus its not a bad idea to have backup supplies. I would build the carbon filter into the cabinet itself, having only the exhaust tube or hole coming out of the back.

Where was the second one from? Wall Mart?
I believe they were all from Wal-Mart's website. So they can be ordered to a store or your home or whatever. Yeah, that big one would literally be perfect. I am just concerned it's not stealthy enough and people might figure it's something they can open. I think a bookshelf with a tv on it or something will attract less attention to itself. But who knows, this might be a trial and error grow box. I'm strapped for cash right now and I won't start my job for another week or so, but I agree with the space issue. That's why I'm basically limited to auto's and LST for ideal space usage. But I am going to try and make it kind of a built in grow box that won't fall apart or anything like that. I just need to get my hands on a power drill and we will be in business.
 

amnooneoo

Active Member
I hear ya, ive scrounged my whole grow. Keep it safe, keep it simple. Still haven't found my new cabinet yet either. Get some wood glue and some small L brackets and screws, wood glue the corners as you assemble whatever cabinet you get. Use the L's for corner braces in the middle of the cabinet. That alone, goes a very long way, GOOD LUCK!!
 

Solemhypnotic

Well-Known Member
I believe they were all from Wal-Mart's website. So they can be ordered to a store or your home or whatever. Yeah, that big one would literally be perfect. I am just concerned it's not stealthy enough and people might figure it's something they can open. I think a bookshelf with a tv on it or something will attract less attention to itself. But who knows, this might be a trial and error grow box. I'm strapped for cash right now and I won't start my job for another week or so, but I agree with the space issue. That's why I'm basically limited to auto's and LST for ideal space usage. But I am going to try and make it kind of a built in grow box that won't fall apart or anything like that. I just need to get my hands on a power drill and we will be in business.
I'm putting my box in the closet, out of sight, out of mind? lol
Oh yeah, I looked around on walmarts website for different supplies, I decided to just go to walmart instead. They have more garden and grow supplies in the store its self. Since my box is on a tight budget, i am scavenging a lot of the stuff im using, but as for the plastic aquarium tubes, fans and lights (if your going to use CFL's) I'm probably going to go to walmart. I even found a mini green house with 72 seed starters (Jiffy plugs or something) for $5, not a bad deal.
 

HistoryPuff

Active Member
damn thats a lot of seed starters. So, I'm in my new home now. I have a drug screening tomorrow. Been drinking lots of water and doing some pushups. I smoked last Friday so I'm hoping that my skinny ass will finally be a good thing. I'm probably going to do some more exercises tomorrow in jackets and sweat as much out as I can and continue to drink massive ammounts of water. Wish me luck.

In grow cab news, I realized the shelf would only be ideal if I lived alone. I think I'm going to go to Wal-Mart tomorrow to look for a nightstand-like device for only 1-2 plants but that is easier to hide. I actually may just keep this thing in my closet and leave the door open all the time. I'll get back to you guys tomorrow after some heavy water intake. Peace
 

Solemhypnotic

Well-Known Member
damn thats a lot of seed starters. So, I'm in my new home now. I have a drug screening tomorrow. Been drinking lots of water and doing some pushups. I smoked last Friday so I'm hoping that my skinny ass will finally be a good thing. I'm probably going to do some more exercises tomorrow in jackets and sweat as much out as I can and continue to drink massive ammounts of water. Wish me luck.

In grow cab news, I realized the shelf would only be ideal if I lived alone. I think I'm going to go to Wal-Mart tomorrow to look for a nightstand-like device for only 1-2 plants but that is easier to hide. I actually may just keep this thing in my closet and leave the door open all the time. I'll get back to you guys tomorrow after some heavy water intake. Peace
I went with the 72 just to have extra pellets. I scored a sweet kitchen island last night, I found it in the dumpster where I work, it's 34''x34''x48''. I'm going to cut it down to 30''x20''x48'' to fit it in the closet, I might have to take it apart and build it in the closet. Still a good find though.

Good luck on the UA!
 

1mikej

Well-Known Member
whats mom proof? do you have an attic? if so build the grow room up there unless your mom goes in the attic she will never know. if your mom is anything like my mom was anything you put in your room will be invaded no way she wont look she wil hear it , she will see sum light and she will smell it. if at all possible use the attic space that is over your bedroom/bedroomcloset so you can vent ac air from your room to cool it
 

HistoryPuff

Active Member
Well, this is a really small and old place that doesn't have an attic, or at least not one that I would dare put my plants in. Well, I have to make the grow cab light proof - not so hard, smell-proof -won't be too hard either, and sound proof - it will only have a few fans and I'll just leave my comp and tv near it so the fan isn't a suspicious sound. But I'm almost 21 so I don't expect my mom to be invasive or anything. At least not the 'opening cabinets just to open cabinets' invasive. I went to Wal-mart today and they had like nothing. I could try another wal-mart, but I think I'm just going to shop on their website and have it shipped. Meanwhile I could find something else to grow the seedlings in (I may just do 1 first) and switch it out when the cab gets here.

I threw up some cranberry juice like 5 minutes ago getting ready for my drug test. I have probably drank about 2 gallons already today and it's 12:58 pm. Anyways, I'll give you guys an update later tonight. BTW, I'm typing this on a dial-up connection. Pity me.
 
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