150w HPS Club and Resource Guide......

[DiscoBiscuit]

sito007, although those panels are cool to the touch, some manufacturers recommend their panels be as far as a foot from the canopy. Some of the higher output led mfgs suggest 2 feet. It all depends on the light angle of the leds used in the panel.

 

[Grizvok]

Joining the club- need a lot of help.

Joining the club- need a lot of help.

Hey guys

I just joined here and have been planning my first grow for the past week or so with tons of research and reading so that I can make the best informed decisions. This is going to be a long(er) post so bear with me while I try and explain my situation and plans.

Growing situation: I'm a college student that has off campus housing in an old fashion hotel that was converted into separate rooms for college students, so if you imagine a classic hotel with a long hallway and doors on each side than that is basically what I have to work with. My room is a decent size (15ft x 10ft) with a private bathroom connected to the side wall measured at about (6ft x 6ft). Stealth, ease, speed, and obviously a great harvest are going to be the name of the game with this grow particularly the need for ODOR CONTROL, which is the biggest thing putting me off from starting without some more in depth information on controlling the pungent (but wonderful) odor of the cannabis plant. I should also mention that I wish to grow solely for personal consumption.

Growing plans: As of right now, my plan is to conduct a soil grow in my personal bathroom but a very "open" grow per se without the use of a grow cabinet. I've seen what some of the 150W HPS lights have been producing and would love to start there with great efficiency for a personal grow but at a low cost. I would also include a few CFL's along with the HPS to help my plants out during vegetative growth. I plan to grow with Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil with some added perlite and dolomite lime to create a well balanced and thriving soil as well as utilizing Fox Farm nutrients (Big Bloom, Grow Big, Tiger Bloom) to supplement my plants during the various stages of growth. I understand these may not be the "best" options in terms of cost and efficiency but for a brand new grower they seem easy to use and the results definitely aren't too shabby either. My original thought was that given such an open space for growing, the temperature would be one thing that I definitely would not have to worry about. For speed and efficiency, I deduced that a small SOG grow would be my best bet to get some big main colas that would give me enough cured bud to last quite some time, for this reason alone I wanted to grow a mainly Indica plant for its bushy nature and very quick flowering time. I planned to grow and flower these plants in the bathtub (ridiculous I know) with the 150W HPS light being adjustable using the walls and pole from the shower curtain.

Main questions: How stupid is this? Should I realistically totally forget this whole thing until I'm in a situation where I can feel reasonably comfortable? Given such a large space, although few plants, how am I to control the odor coming from my bathroom? I've read about homemade carbon scrubbers and while it seems simple I'm curious as to how I'd effectively bottleneck the exhaust from my room into one of these carbon scrubbers.

Thanks for listening.

 

[Quazi]

Main questions: How stupid is this? Should I realistically totally forget this whole thing until I'm in a situation where I can feel reasonably comfortable? Given such a large space, although few plants, how am I to control the odor coming from my bathroom? I've read about homemade carbon scrubbers and while it seems simple I'm curious as to how I'd effectively bottleneck the exhaust from my room into one of these carbon scrubbers.

Thanks for listening.

Getting caught growing in college, on their property, is not worth it whether you're in "off-campus" housing or not. You get caught: you're done. No more admission. No more federal aid. Chances are: every single school you ever apply to from now until you're dead will know that you tried to grow on school property (off-campus or not) and they will deny you admission.

Even if the school doesn't own the "converted hotel," it will almost certainly be victim to high amounts of foot traffic going past your room. If it is part of the school: you're can almost bet on inspections of some sort at some point.

One of the main reasons to use a cabinet, closet, or controlled space is to be able to control all the air going in and out. Once you have these two variables controlled (intake/exhaust): you can put a carbon filter on there and ensure all the air coming out smells nice.

An open room like a bathroom, will almost certainly spread some smell around. Depending on the construction, the smell could permeate under doors, through drains, walls, who knows. If you aren't controlling all the air coming from flowering, you will have smell problems: simple as that.

If you want to grow, I'd really recommend doing some more reading and figure out how to construct a small cabinet that you could fit in the space. You will not only learn a lot from the experience, but you'll be able to control the smell and keep security your main concern.

P.S. do not tell anyone. College kids are dumb. They just are. You think you can trust someone, but they're still growing up too.

Good luck in your travels!

-Q

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

Just an opinion from a guy that got in trouble for weed at school.

Just an opinion from a guy that got in trouble for weed at school.

Grizvok, growing involves a certain amount of risk. You have to evaluate gain with potential loss. I'd hate to see you risk an education for some smoke. Even a Charlie Brown sprout could get you the boot. The boot could complicate enrollment in another school. There's also the risk of spending some or all of your post education years in the joint.

It takes an incredible amount of planning to grow on the sly. The more peeps that know, the greater chance of exposure. Are you capable of living like a hermit in your own college dorm? Seems like a lonely lifestyle to me. One of the greatest desires is to admit to friends where your wonderful herb is coming from. This would also risk exposure so you really have to lie about lots of stuff. Why can't I come over to your place? More lies. Your social life at college is something you want to experience to the fullest. Worrying about yer grow all the time would jeopardize that, IMO.

 

[Quazi]

"You must spread some Reputation around..."

Good post DB. I'd really second the fact that you should be spending your college days having fun, smoking herb with your friends, learning about yourself and the world around you.

Worrying about getting caught with plants that will only be producing a few hundred dollars worth of medicine would just suck.

Also: how you gonna get laid if you can't even invite a girl over? Even if you manage to get her in there, when you tell her she can't use the bathroom because "she just can't," it'll probably be the last time you see her

Just sayin'...

-Q

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

Grizvok, sorry about my disparaging opinion but I'm an old fart and tend to view reality with a more slanted eye than I did at your age. Last time I checked there are tens of thousands of growers on this site alone. Ever once in a while, we get to read the current events of a fellow grower getting caught. It happens. Those with the lowest profile are the ones with the best chance of avoiding trouble.

A 150 in the best of circumstances might yield 2 grams of bud per day on average. It won't exactly keep you in smoke until you get some put up and avoid the tendency to cut early. Less than mature plants won't ring your bell and living with something you can't quite smoke yet is a pain in it's own right.

 

[Grizvok]

Grizvok, sorry about my disparaging opinion but I'm an old fart and tend to view reality with a more slanted eye than I did at your age. Last time I checked there are tens of thousands of growers on this site alone. Ever once in a while, we get to read the current events of a fellow grower getting caught. It happens. Those with the lowest profile are the ones with the best chance of avoiding trouble.

A 150 in the best of circumstances might yield 2 grams of bud per day on average. It won't exactly keep you in smoke until you get some put up and avoid the tendency to cut early. Less than mature plants won't ring your bell and living with something you can't quite smoke yet is a pain in it's own right.

You have the wrong impression of me; I'm about as realistic as they come in terms of actually performing the grow in my current situation. In a way, I had already decided against doing it but wanted a few more opinions on just how bad of an idea it was and I'm glad I got the opinions that I did despite the fact that it might not have been what I wanted to hear.

Again, thanks for the advice and I'll definitely be sticking around to learn all I can until I AM in a good situation to perform a safe, stealthy, and rewarding grow without all of the bad side effects.

 

[jasonk]

Also: how you gonna get laid if you can't even invite a girl over? Even if you manage to get her in there, when you tell her she can't use the bathroom because "she just can't," it'll probably be the last time you see her

Haha, the thought came across my mind as well. But then realized maybe that was already factored in along with losing his/(her?) shower as well.

Just so your spirits aren't too crushed I'll throw in the fact that it's still possible. With enough preparation, learning and hard work, I think 100% stealth is obtainable in a bedroom. But a cabinet would definitely be mandatory. If you're as interested as you should be when you're risking so much, you can't cut any corners.

 

[sito007]

Getting caught growing in college, on their property, is not worth it whether you're in "off-campus" housing or not.

If you want to grow, I'd really recommend doing some more reading and figure out how to construct a small cabinet that you could fit in the space. You will not only learn a lot from the experience, but you'll be able to control the smell and keep security your main concern.

P.S. do not tell anyone. College kids are dumb. They just are. You think you can trust someone, but they're still growing up too.

Good luck in your travels!

-Q

 

[catman]

I unfortunately do not have any pics, but I will try and get some later.

My second grow yielded me about 70g in bud and considerable amount of trim that I have not weighed yet. The NL is very air again and the Bubble Gum is rather dense so this NL must be a haze variety. I only had 1 Bubble Gum clone that started late in the cycle and her nutrient schedule offset, but she still gave up 10g dry.

This new run I am running that 10g BG Indica pheno and I'm going to try another shot at the Purpling BG Sativa pheno. She consistently drank much less water last when time I grew her. I made her very unhappy because I watered them all at the same time. I hope if I treat her right that she will do the same in return this time around.

I have one Princess Diesel x AK47 and one Princess Diesel X C99 who both just showed their lady parts! My female to male ratio in growing thus far has been at least 85% female so I am fortunate.

I got 11 2L around the 150w vertically right now and I'm going to have to make some sort of cage to prevent plants from growing into it. I'm sure I could manage without the cage, but I'm going to try and cram as many plants possible into my 2.25 sq ft area.

I also changed out the carbon after 2 grows in my Whisper DIY carbon filter for peace of mind. The cab is much stinkier when I open the doors without any NL in it.

 

[stealthcabber]

Griz stealth comp case got me started. Stealth enough that people can sit next to it and not notice it. can build for 50 bucks at a flea market. Anyway what kind of sink you have in the bathroom? Cabinets under tha vanity? put a lock on there. like the others said tho growing in a place you dont own is risky...

 

[zanedog]

Bulb Orientation

Bulb Orientation

Hey you all, I was wondering, does it matter what orientation these bulbs operate at?

I read the first thirty pages, but couldn't make it all the way to the end!

I'd hate to burn out my first bulb!

Thanks guys.

 

[CarlMoss]

Hey you all, I was wondering, does it matter what orientation these bulbs operate at?

I read the first thirty pages, but couldn't make it all the way to the end!

I'd hate to burn out my first bulb!

Thanks guys.

It depends on the bulb. Some are universal, some are vertical only. I've personally never seen a horizontal only, but maybe they exist? Typically the package that the bulb comes in will say if it is universal. If it didn't come with any packaging or documentation I don't know of any other way to tell. Maybe some other members will. In my experience, you'll know within the first couple of days because the bulb will fail. I lost my first two 250 watters this way because the dumbass at the store didn't know what he was talking about and told me they were universal when they weren't. I eventually picked up a Phillips or Sylvania (can't remember the exact brand) from Home Depot and it worked fine.

 

[zanedog]

It's a globe (brand name) 150 watt HPS bulb, and the box doesn't say anything about orientation, I guess I'll run this one vertical.

Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[CarlMoss]

I've never heard of that brand, so I don't know what to tell you. If you really want to run it horizontal, there's no harm in trying as long as you have the cash to replace it if it doesn't work. The two that failed on me just stopped burning properly. The "core" of the bulb would glow, but it wouldn't ignite properly. In my limited experience, it's not likely to explode, start a fire, or kill your neighbors dog; However, like you said, you'd hate to burn out your first bulb.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

 

[zanedog]

The bulb came with the security light, which i purchased at princess auto, in Canada.

 

[CarlMoss]

Hmmm...Does the orientation of the bulb in the fixture - when mounted for it's intended use - give any hints? My first HPS system was a 70 watt security light and if I had mounted the light as intended, on an outside structure for example, the bulb would have been at about a 45 degree angle. I used that light in a horizontal position with no problems. I'd hate to recommend trying it and having your bulb burn out, but the fixture's intended use might give you some hints.

 

[zanedog]

Yeah, it's supposed to be vertical in it's intended application, so I'll go with that unless someone comes up with a positive means of identification, thanks for your help CM!

 

[Balazar]

Pipedream I have to give you credit. My first grow was a cab i built modeled mostly after yours. It even had 2 150w HPS econolights! I have since upgraded several times after becoming the caregiver of a few friends. This thread is what started me in this wonderful hobby.

 

[zanedog]

Orientation

Orientation

I found this info at bulbconnection.com, looks like I'll be installing this bulb horizontally.

Orientation (also Operating Position or Burn Position) Mercury and High Pressure Sodium lamps may be operated in any burn position and will still maintain their rated performance specifications. Metal Halide and Low Pressure Sodium lamps, however, are optimized for performance in specific burn positions, or may be restricted to certain burn positions for safety reasons.

Any, Universal = Universal burning position
BD = Base Down
BD30 = Within 30° of Vertical Base Down
BD45 = Within 45° of Vertical Base Down
BDTH = Base Down to Horizontal
BU = Base Up
BU ±15° = Base Up Within ±15°
BU30 = Within 30° of Vertical Base Up
HD = Horizontal Down
Horiz ±10° = Within ±10° of Horizontal Position
Horiz ±15° = Within ±15° of Horizontal Position
Horiz ±30° = Within ±30° of Horizontal Position
Horiz ±4° = Within ±4° of Horizontal Position
Horiz ±40° = Within ±40° of Horizontal Position
Horiz ±45° = Within ±45° of Horizontal Position
Horiz ±60° = Within ±60° of Horizontal Position
Horiz ±75° = Within 75° of Horizontal Position
Horizontal = Horizontal
p20 = Within ±20° of Horizontal Position
p90/15 = Horizontal Down
s30 = Within ±30° of Vertical Position
s30 p20 = Within ±30° of Vertical Position, or Within ±20° Horizontal Position
s45, anode down = Within ±45° of Vertical Position, Anode Down
s90 = Within ±90° of Vertical Position
VBD = Vertical Base Down
VBU = Vertical Base Up
Vert ±10° = Within ±10° of Vertical Position
Vert ±15° = Within ±15° of Vertical Position
Vert ±30° = Within ±30° of Vertical Position
Vert ±4° = Within ±4° of Vertical Position
Vert ±45° = Within ±45° of Vertical Position
Vert ±5° = Within ±5° of Vertical Position
Vert ±90° = Within ±90° of Vertical Position