Stealth Grow Questions

Hi everyone,

I've been thinking about a stealth grow for a bit now, but I've got a few questions.

I was thinking of using CFL bulbs for heat and price concerns. I'd really like LEDs, but those seem to be expensive. This may seem strange, but I was thinking of hiding a setup inside of one of those UPS boxes(link).
http://tinyurl.com/3ckf9yx

How hot does a CFL get typically? Said box is 3 inches wide, which is really small, but this is an experiment. Is there a chance it could start a fire? I probably surround it with foil, mylar, or something else, but say if it were bare.

The second issue is fans. If I just put hole(s) covered by carbon filter, and no fan, would that be suitable for a single plant?

Also, if someone could point me to a wiring guide, that would be appreciated.

Thanks

I think that would be too small, you would have no room for a light or a plant for that matter. Yes, in small spaces CFL's do get hot. I had 5 in a 3x3 box and the temps would climb close to 100 without proper venting. There are lots of options for stealth grows depending on your space limitations, what is your max area?

Well I was going to put the lamp in the top, and lay the box with the longest side down. Im really hoping on growing sideways so I can take advantage of the abundant area under my bed. I haven't taken any real measurements as to max size, but I have quite a few ideas as to where. Whats the absolute smallest area? I was reading about stunting the growth at a foot or less height somewhere.

I think computer cases have been the smallest yet workable spaces I've seen. You have to know that a foot tall plant will yield very little, and you have to weigh if it's worth the time and effort.

Growing is great, but being able to harvest your work it what makes it worth it.

agreed, if it's experience you're looking for, grow in all the nooks and crannies your house has to offer. If it's yield you want, you'll need a bigger space even if you still only want a plant or 2

Thanks for the input. So I guess the question becomes, how much does a CFL light up? And how much does it heat up? That way I can determine a minimum box size and choose a location.

i believe a 26watt cfl is 1750 lumens. For comparison a 400watt MH bulb is roughly 32000 lumens i believe. And light comes down to lumens.

I was thinking of this my advice if your growing for yourself buy a premade pc grow box or make one yourself if your growing for multiple people buy a grow tent

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I'm now thinking for a single grow area I could have a box 8 inches wide, 1 1/2 to 2 feet long, and up to 2 feet tall. Maximum 75 watt CFL bulb. My main concern above all is fire hazard. The box would be lined with mylar from an emergency blanket or something. Also is it possible to skip out on a fan? I would leave two holes, at least 5 inches big covered with carbon filters for air diffusion. I'd really like to keep costs minimal.

i cant imagine trying to do it in the confines your looking for. such as the original 3" limit.

i would do what the others suggested and try a pc stealth box, or a cabinet.