New Grower Pineapple Express First Grow newby

[blue]

Hey Redey

I should probably point out that an 80w CFL is nowhere near the equivalent of a 250w HID. (with or without reflector) Saying that, the bulb will do for growing, but if you'regoing for a reflector and cfl combo, i'd probably go for a bigger cfl.

Something like this

you can still get as close as a couple of inches (even if you went for a 250w version) - you can get blue for veg, and red for flowering. You "could" use red start to finish or even a dual spectrum.
I see the shop you posted doesnt have them, but they're pretty standard i think -there should be somewhere is Aus that sells them!

As far as intake fans, I wouldn't bother with a cab of that size - i've had one and no matter how many computer fans i used for intake - it made next to no difference in heat.

What you want is really decent out take fan connected to a hole in the top, and a hole in the bottom for a "passive intake".

You could use those 2 computer fans - in fact they'll come in really handy! One for blowing across the bulb, and one for blowing across the tops of the plant. That will make the plant strong and keep the cab cooler.

If security is an issue, i'd be prioritizing my out take fan and carbon filter, then worry about the light.

Don't forget to budget for a PH pen (digital - not the paper or liquid testers), it's more than important!

Just my thoughts - hope this helps.
All the best!

Blue ^_^

 

[DuppySteps]

Just out of interest @blue - is this pen okay to begin with? Im going to buy a much better one in the future but need something for the first few weeks and this is the most common pen in Australia.

 

[Redey3d]

I can't find those larger cfl bulbs anywhere. What if i supplemented the 80w with smaller blue spectrum then red spectrum? Would this raise the temps too high in the box do you think?

 

[blue]

Just out of interest @blue - is this pen okay to begin with? Im going to buy a much better one in the future but need something for the first few weeks and this is the most common pen in Australia.

That should be okay, I haven't used that model & seems a little inexpensive but certainly along the right lines. Remember you'll be using it every watering so the more accurate the better! Think mine cost about £30 and i've been using it for 4 years without a hitch.

I can't find those larger cfl bulbs anywhere. What if i supplemented the 80w with smaller blue spectrum then red spectrum? Would this raise the temps too high in the box do you think?

You should be able to get a few more watts of cfl in there with extra bulbs - i was just thinking one big bulb in a reflector for convenience, cfls will definately do the job for you.. but i bet it wont be long before you're hankering for MORE POWER ^_^ .. I went cfl crazy and in the end had 500w over 3 bulbs in my 2 foot home made cab (a little over kill!). Now i rock a 250w hps.. soon i'll be diving into LED.

All good fun! ^_^

 

[Redey3d]

Do these look expensive?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130W-270...Seed_Starting_Hydroponics&hash=item20d0f9e397
never realised lights could cost so much!

So for my build so far I've got

Diamond Foil - $50
Antec TriCool 120mm Blue LED Case Fan with 3-Speed Switch x3 - $60
DIY carbon filter $20-$30
pots and water run off tray $30
Soil (http://www.bunnings.com.au/products...3010227.aspx?filter=categoryname--Potting+Mix) $10
Nutes $30

If I include those lights it will be close to a $400 setup.

What are your opinions on building a SCROG? If the plants reach their maximum height they may reach the bulb so I'm thinking of perhaps making them grow outwards a little as the box is quite long.

 

[ska'd 4 life]

Hey Redey

I should probably point out that an 80w CFL is nowhere near the equivalent of a 250w HID. (with or without reflector) Saying that, the bulb will do for growing, but if you'regoing for a reflector and cfl combo, i'd probably go for a bigger cfl.

Something like this

you can still get as close as a couple of inches (even if you went for a 250w version) - you can get blue for veg, and red for flowering. You "could" use red start to finish or even a dual spectrum.
I see the shop you posted doesnt have them, but they're pretty standard i think -there should be somewhere is Aus that sells them!

As far as intake fans, I wouldn't bother with a cab of that size - i've had one and no matter how many computer fans i used for intake - it made next to no difference in heat.

What you want is really decent out take fan connected to a hole in the top, and a hole in the bottom for a "passive intake".

You could use those 2 computer fans - in fact they'll come in really handy! One for blowing across the bulb, and one for blowing across the tops of the plant. That will make the plant strong and keep the cab cooler.

If security is an issue, i'd be prioritizing my out take fan and carbon filter, then worry about the light.

Don't forget to budget for a PH pen (digital - not the paper or liquid testers), it's more than important!

Just my thoughts - hope this helps.
All the best!

Blue ^_^

You're right blue, although the sellers description on the link says its equivalent lumens output to 250w HID! A bad case of false advertising?

 

[ska'd 4 life]

Yo red, scrog would be a way of keeping them down or LST'ing them too, plenty of info on both methods documented on AFN if you need info. If i may offer my humble opinion though, as it's your 1st grow you may be better to let the plant grow naturally so you get familiar with the way they grow and the different stages, this should put you in good stead for the future for any scrog'ing or LSTing. If height is an issue you could go easy on any grow nutes you plan on giving them and then introduce bloom nutes slightly earlier, this may compromise yield but should keep your plants shorter, i use this method myself now after the plants on my 1st grow went crazy and hit the light! Just my 2 cents buddy, If you need any advice on scrog or LST and can't find what you're looking for just shout and we'll try and point you in the right direction

 

[Redey3d]

I've been around a few grows and done some small outside guerillas before so I'm familiar with the stages of the plants life etc, although I am new to AF. I think it may actually need to be done to stop the plants from burning so I may have to do one or the other.

Anyway on another note, I think I'm going to start the build of this box within the next week and then begin a grow journal once everything is set up and i can provide pictures etc. Thanks for all the help guys and you will hear and see this project soon !!! (fingers crossed there is no delays in shipment)

 

[ska'd 4 life]

ah right sorry Red thought it was your 1st time growing full stop, my mistake! In that case scrog away mate! Looking forward to your journal best of luck buddy