First grow, in the fridge.

[skwisgaar]

Or 'a' fridge. Just finished gutting it a bit ago.

Anyway, I thought I'd post my plan for growing in this refrigerator, get whatever feedback comes my way.

So far the idea is to set up a small table ebb & flow in the larger refrigerator section. I'd like to grow 4 plants at a time, if possible. As far as lighting I had intended on going 100% CFL's (6500k and 2700k, or whatever those numbers are) but having read a bit about PL-Ls on these forums I may be changing my mind. At the same time I've been told that the only way to get a lot of thc crystals to grow is to use a high pressure sodium bulb when flowering.

So I guess this is question 1, is it necessary to use a HPS lamp to max out thc production? If not, are PL-Ls just as effective as anything else? I like the idea of so little heat output in the enclosed fridge.

The smaller top freezer chamber will (hopefully) house a mother plant and a cloning terrarium. Both chambers being vented with 4" dryer vent with an exhaust fan running through a carbon filter, mounted on the outside rear of the unit.

Basically as soon as I decide which way to go with the lighting, I can get all the hardware and start packing it in the fridge. I'm sure I'll have plenty more questions as this progresses.

 

[geopolitical]

Nah you can get nice heavy resin with fluorescents, led's, a windowsill, sodium, metal halide, etc. I've seen very impressive plants that were grown under a shop light leaned against a corner. Unless you're doing something drastically wrong a good chunk of your resin production comes down to genetics. That isn't saying you can get away with lighting the grow with a half dozen birthday candles and attending wishes. Just don't worry too much about which system you choose.

 

[rives]

I agree with Geo. PL-L's will work great for you, but they run out of penetrating power pretty quickly (better than CFL's, though), so a scrog and/or LST works best. Be aware that for the first couple of weeks the PL-L lamps run pretty warm and then calm down.

 

[pinecone]

You should look up Freezerboy's setup. As his name suggest he grows in a freezer.

Ebb and Flow seems a bit complicated for a few plants under CLFS. With CLFs temps should be in control and the plants ought not transpire very much so you could probably do a soil(less) medium without having to water frequently and not have to worry about the res, pumps, and finding trays that fit.

Pine

 

[olddirtybastard]

Depends on how much you want to yield. PL-Ls will give you great bud, just less of it, less dense.

 

[skwisgaar]

Very helpful info, I really appreciate it. Glad I'm taking time to plan and ask questions instead of charging head first into this thing.

A proper light does seem like a solid investment the more I think about it. Probably going to have to give a 150w HPS a shot in the fridge. It's an investment, right?
I had no idea about scrogging! Holy balls! I'm all over that one, seems a great fit for my smallish space. I found an old thread that had a cab that I basically want to try to mimic, but I can seem to find it now. Basically a 150w HPS, DWC, and scrog in a small cab, 4 plants I believe.
Fairly sure I still want to go the hydro route, as opposed to a soil-less mix, though a DWC instead of ebb and flow. Waiting to get another paycheck before ordering some equipment, anyone going to tell me not to get medium, nutes, pots, and maybe a light, etc... from htgsupply.com?

 

[pinecone]

I found an old thread that had a cab that I basically want to try to mimic, but I can seem to find it now. Basically a 150w HPS, DWC, and scrog in a small cab, 4 plants I believe.

This one?

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=99905

Pine

 

[skwisgaar]

Nope, but I haven't looked at that thread yet. It's this one https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=49829 actually.

 

[Rysam]

sorry its sideways.
theres a 250w in the lower area and some cfl's and the mechanicals in the top. Its currently my veg/clone box but theres no reason a full run couldnt be done in it.

 

[Norrsken]

Sweet grow area. But what´s up with the smal "pots"?

 

[Rysam]

Sweet grow area. But what´s up with the smal "pots"?

I have limited height so a big pot isnt necessary. 1 gal is about the biggest that can fit comfortably and with coco 1 gal is plenty.

 

[festivus]

I played around with several variations of operating and non-operating fridge grows for several years, even tried marketing one version (the Refriginator). I would suggest using it for seedlings and clones with CFLs vs. HID lighting. Even with a cool tube, the HID puts off too much heat. Just my .02...