LadyGray

Hi,

Okay, so I've got four plants sitting in 5 gal containers about 3 weeks away from the beginning of the flowering process. Up to this point, I've been using my second bathroom to grow (it turns out this room has all the right conditions and then some!), but I want to move the plants to a smaller space for more effective growth(and to take a real bath). This is what I've come up with:

I have two 6foot bookcases that I purchased at Kmart. The dimensions are - 22 inches deep and 30 inches wide. Each book case can hold two of my containers with room to spare.
I'm going to seal these two bookcases together, making them totally light-tight, and remove the cardboard backing of both for easy access, placing a board atop the bookcases that will extend out an extra four inches on each side.
Then I'm going to line the inside of the bookcase with mylar,and use the dark plastic covering to cover either the whole thing, or just the openings on either side (Depending on cost and effectiveness).
The bookcases were cheap at 20.00 a piece, and since my place does not allow for closet conversion, this is something that can be taken apart and go with me when it's time.

Here's the question:

Given the space - it's taller, but compact - what kind/wattage of HPS light should I buy? I've measured the dimensions of my MHS and fitting in the bookcases will not be a problem, I just want to make sure that the light will not create a heating problem (yes, there will be a fan), and at the same time be enough to get some serious growing achieved.

MistaMoonman

Dude if i was you which i aint, this is what i would do, i would hook up a 250 watter in there,"i know some people might say put a 400 or 1000 watter in there," Heat is Big factor then, Plus perhaps some Flos also."with 250 watter setup" If your case is 6 foot tall. i would get a few 4 foot light Tubes. Make inside nice and reflective and must have the lower Fresh Intake air VEnt and atop perhaps both top sides require seperate exhaust fans,...

One 4" Diameter Intake Vent\fan at bottom.
and
Two 5 or 6" exhaust Vents\fan atop.
Always use thermometers close to plants and know what temps need to be.

AnyOne Have Any COmments?


P.s If your saying that you already have a Metal Halide and plan to also fit a High Pressure Sodium on top of that, Then forget the Flos get 1 250watt Hps and 1 250watt Mh. Both for Veggie and Flower. maybe i would then replace the Mh with another Hps instead ffor flowering yeah.

Ive wanted to build a Grow Box like that for ever, Good Luck with the Results im sure u will love your new toy. as for me im stuck for my first time growing with a crawl space

LadyGray

Hi MMM,

Yeah, that sounds about right then. I just purchased a 400w HPS w/ 3' Parabolic, and I'm going to place that on top of the grow box. I'm keeping the 400w MH in the veg room with the two sets of flourescents.

I do have extra flours, though, and if possible, maybe I'll find a way to attach them alongside the walls of the box. What I'm really trying to do is get this harvest thing going. You see, when I started, the whole CA electricity problem wasn't an issue, but since then, my electric bill is way too steep.

Last time I had this high of a bill was when I had a 250 gal aquarium, which my husband is setting up again just in case...

MistaMoonman

Yes yes Your harvest thing will sure get Going once it starts... i would let plants get up to at least 3 feet tall before flowering... and grow 2 monstrous PRUNED early!!! plants. what are you strating from clones? or seeds? from seedbank? do you know what your planting yet?

This is exciting id like to know more about your Growing project!

lysanderspooner

Hi LG;
Wish I'd seen this post before I replied to the other. You say you just purchased a light, is it horizontal or vertical? If horizontal, what make is it? If you can't get your tempered glass shield you can us double thick glass available at any glass shop, but then you'll definately nee to exhaust your light. If vertical your sol.
good luck

LadyGray

Hi Lysander,

Right now I have a 400w MH, a 400w HPS, and a 250w HPS available to me. I can use any one of them at anytime. So, because of the heating issue, I'm thinking of using the 250w and not worry about the glass, because the way the grow box is set up, all I have to do is open the front and back of the boxes by pulling back the two covering curtains, and voila! Massive air flow!

I will put the timer on the 250w, but move the flours to and from the box an hour before the light shuts off. I realize this sounds like a lot of work, but it isn't, really. Since I'm not going to be able to bother the plants during "their" nighttime, it gives me reason to spend time with them first thing in the morning and right before their bedtime.

Look, I raised three children using this method, and two have already graduated college, and the other plans to spend a year in Alaska to "find himself." All in all, I think my babies got a good chance! LOL!