Almost time to start ordering. Need some advice

[herbivore]

Whats up everyone. I've been lurking around the forums for about 6 months now, trying to soak up all the information I can. I've grown one time with some cfl's, and the results were disappointing. (Even though i've seen some people here at IC get great results with them.) Anyways, it's about time for me to order all my supplies for my first real set up.

Here's what I plan on ordering:

Homebox Tent Large (39.5 x 39.5 x 78.75)
400w HPS w/ normal ballast (not digital)
400w CMH bulb (I'll veg with this, but still plan to flower with HPS)
265 Squirrel Cage Fan (If it's too loud, i saw a DIY muffler on here)
Carbon Filter
Promix Bx
Perlite


I'm a little confused about venting the homebox. Do I need an aircooled refector for the tent, or can i have a normal reflector and just vent out of the top of the homebox? Any help is appreciated, and if i'm doing something wrong, just let me know. Thanks.

 

[badugi]

I'd recommend you get an inline centrifugal instead of a squirrel cage. They're more efficient for your application (especially one utilizing a scrubber), and is also quieter.

An air-cooled reflector will definitely help keep the temperatures in control, but isn't really all that necessary. Depends on the size of fan and ambient temperatures. I like 'em.

 

[herbivore]

Thanks. It looks i'll be getting either a Valueline 6" 435cfm inline, or a vortex 449cfm. I'll post pics as everything arrives. I think i'll start out with a normal reflector, and get an air cooled as I get more money.

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

A circulation fan blowing through the hot spot and across the tops of the plants might help in summer. What strain(s)?

 

[Headcase]

you don't need an aircooled hood, but it might be nice to have one anyway.

 

[cktRAVEl]

...

 

[itsaplant]

good air movement is yer best friend to more fans the better

 

[herbivore]

discobiscuit
A circulation fan blowing through the hot spot and across the tops of the plants might help in summer. What strain(s)?

I plan on having an oscillating fan set between the tops of the plants and the light, and a smaller fan blowing under the plants. My first run will be with bag seed, and hopefully by the time i harvest, i'll be able to order some seeds. I just don't know how to go about ordering seeds. (I don't know that I want them sent to the house i'm growing at, and I don't have anywhere else to order them.)

CKTRAVEl
I think that after doing a search on here that you will be happier with the vortex 449cfm.

What kind of reflector are you getting? Is it just a batwing?

It looks like i'll be going with the vortex then. I'll be starting out with a maxwing reflector, but eventually i'd like to get a cool tube.

Thanks again for the help. If you see anything i'm doing wrong let me know. Have a good one guys.(or girls)

 

[down7ime]

find the crappest most expensive and vacated house at your local real estate agent and send it directly to that address, dont opt for tracking though as they might require a signature.

then just drop by a week or so after you've got confirmation that the seeds are in transit

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

find the crappest most expensive and vacated house at your local real estate agent and send it directly to that address, dont opt for tracking though as they might require a signature.

then just drop by a week or so after you've got confirmation that the seeds are in transit

umm, not if the PO has a forward delivery for that address. you'll lose your seeds.

 

[badugi]

umm, not if the PO has a forward delivery for that address. you'll lose your seeds.

I don't know if the USPS forwards all mail destined for an address; I'm pretty sure you have to specify at least a last name, otherwise it will be delivered and not marked for forward @ sorting.

 

[down7ime]

I don't know if the USPS forwards all mail destined for an address; I'm pretty sure you have to specify at least a last name, otherwise it will be delivered and not marked for forward @ sorting.

you're probably right, best to do a test run just in case, and after it arrives you might as well leave there for a couple of days to see if anyones checking, might have a smaller window that you think

 

[herbivore]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'm ready to start growin.

 

[NorCalFor20]

an alternate setup,

DR 120 ( a better tent IMO)
400w HPS w/ sun system 1 or 10 ballast ( i would get horti bulb if you can afford to)
400w CMH bulb (I'll veg with this, but still plan to flower with HPS) good call
2x 4" vortex (one for your air cooled hood , one for carbon filter/tent air)
Ecoplus Carbonaire 4" carbon filter ( a good brand for a good price)
4" Axial fan (for intake, instead of the passive intake)
I would add an air cooled hood you can get one for 120$ I like the super sun 2
you can get everything from plantlightinghydroponics.com for the cheapest ive been able to find just make sure you ask for stealth shipping

 

[Neuronaut]

Norcal definitely has a point with the 2 x 4" fans instead of one six inch... especially if you are going to be aircooling your hoods. If you do decide to go with just the 6 inch vortex, you will definitely need to either get a speed control for it or an additional fan for intake...because that fan is way too big for that tent at full power and passive intake in my opinion.

I am planning on buying one of these tents for vegging in... I'm still trying to figure out the ventilation my self....

 

[NorCalFor20]

I looked up on PLH what it would cost for
4" carbon filter
400w ballast
air cooled hood
2x 4 inch vortex fans

it would run you 516.30 for the above + shipping ($25-40 depending on where you live), all you need to add would be the tent, ducting, soil, pots, and your bulbs ( i didn't include bulbs i didn't know if you already have ur CMH and ur HPS or what) you will need reflector hangers of some type and of course nutes, and PH testing equipment, and the little things like duct clamps and screws and of course seeds or clones...

 

[herbivore]

I'm definitely rethinking what i'm going to order now. I'm going to go with what norcal suggested. (thanks man) How could i let the people at plantlightinghydro know that I want stealth shipping?

 

[Neuronaut]

I'm sure stealth shipping is standard.