DIY 4x 55w PLL (micro) - grow advice for my box

[Dishwasher420]

Hello fellow growers,

First i must mention, i am a complete newbie when it comes to growing. But i thought it was a fun idea to give it a go - so i decided to build this little box from materials i had lying around. Ideally i would like it to be bigger in size, but i only had so much plywood available. Its measurements is roughly 1' x 1,5' x 3' or 30cm x 46cm x 97cm in metrics.


I inserted 4x 55w PLL lights in each corner fairly close to the top. They are mixed spectrum (2x 2700k & 2x 6400k). I also bent some aluminum sheets to act as reflectors. Chose the simplest design from this thread .
Installed 3x 120mm computer fans ( 60 CFM ) connected to a fan controller. Two in the top for exhaust and one intake in the bottom side. I have an intake vent through the outer wall which i can plug the intake end to, for fresh outdoor air.

Temperatures inside range from 68 degrees fahrenheit (20 celsius) to 79 degrees (26 celsius). Humidity stays within 30% to 60% depending on amount of water and soil there is inside.

So my question is. Will i be able to grow in this box? I am hoping to cultivate and flower one or two plants in there. What are your thoughts on amount of light? Ive read that these 55w bulbs output anywhere from 3650 lumen to 5000 lumen depending on different manufacturer/seller claims. Meaning i will have from 15000 - 20000 lumens covering this 1.5 square feet / 0,14m2 area - if all light was used efficiently.

Considering its small size, how will i prevent the plant from growing beyond its limits (into lights, walls) ? I have briefly looked into lsting techniques, SOG etc. But would rather have an experts opinion before i research further. I am guessing that the plants will want to grow towards the corners and sides, and not stretch in length(?).

I am sure someone here can tell me how i can maximize this box's potential, if there is any. Maybe i need to change my design?

Work i am planning to do, is making sure all light is blocked from the exhaust and intake holes. Will attempt to make two carbon filters out of some active carbon and steel mesh material. I have also ordered reflective mylar film to put on the flat surfaces.

Not sure if i posted this in the correct section, excuse me if it should be somewhere else..

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Dishwasher420]

Couldn't find an edit button, so needed to create a new post for this photo.

Yes, the bulb is fitted to my "BEND IT YOURSELF"-reflector with steel wire and strips.. Easy fix. I am kind of concerned with the narrow space i have to work with. Due to my inexperience, i cant really say what square footage different strains need. I guess it also can be difficult to maintain an even environment in such a small box, maybe it can cause problems? I guess temperature will vary a few degrees in different locations.

 

[timmur]

Hey Dishwasher420,

I like the design. I'm newb too but I've been doing a lot of research on these micro grows and you should be able to get good results with it. I really like the choice of lights and the 360 degree approach. It is very similar to the micro grow cabinet (not my idea though) I'm considering. It's based on the high-pod. My only comment is that it sounds like you could use a bit more cooling.

Micro sativa thread
Suitable strains for micro grow

 

[swayzak]

Very nice! I have a small box with 220 watts pll, but it is lying down, 60cm high. I put 3 Trays, Vermiculite/perlite with 6 plants in each. Oh yeah, and they were long flowering sativas.

My point is that, don't worry, you will be able to grow

I would put one plant in there, and see how it goes. A northern lights/white widow type plant. Figure out when to switch to flower, and how the plant behaves. Maybe use a circular screen to scrog. They will grow into the lights, and burn tips. Just cut back growth, and adjust. Have fun!