[Edit: I'm leaving this post up for the background info, but I've come up with a better design for my problem. See second post for changes.]
I am having consistent problems cloning. Since I have not always had this many problems, and I have not substantially changed my methods, I think the problem is down to small tweaks I introduced to my method, or climate, or both. I want to remove the climate variations so I can dial in whatever climate I want, and thus remove temp/humidity from the factors I have to consider in dealing with my cloning problem.
I want to build insulated, climate-controlled boxes to eliminate climate as a source of problems. I don't know what I'm going to build just yet, but I'm thinking wood with a lot of insulation. I'm probably going to build several boxes, each built around a standard clone tray size, so interior dimensions about 12" wide, 18" deep, and 15" high.
I live in South Carolina. The summers get hot, up to 100 degrees or more without the heat index. The winters are pretty mild, usually not going much below freezing, and only then during the coldest days. It's very humid, especially in the summer.
The kicker is, though the boxes will be indoors and protected from the elements, they will not be in a climate-controlled area. So no heat and no AC. There is insulation, so daily temp changes will be ameliorated, but the boxes will have to have their own climate control.
I plan to heavily insulate the boxes, but how would you control climate inside a box like this? For heating, I think the heat coming off the lights, plus heating pads controlled by thermostats, will be good enough. For cooling, obviously I can use computer fans and equipment, but I don't know if that will be enough in the summer. Assuming it isn't, how would you cool a box like this on a small budget? How do I control humidity in the boxes?
I could use some advice from the box-builders. Cloning is an absolutely essential part of my grow and right now it's totally fucking me up. I have to get the survival rate for my cuttings WAY up.
Also, I've been cloning for years in the standard, flimsy, 10 dollar 72 site trays/domes. I'd like to graduate to something a level up from that. I want the same size and the same design, basically, but using hard plastic that doesn't bend and with parts that all fit together snugly and reliably. Any recommends?
And a DIY guide for building a heavily insulated box for a non-carpenter would be great too. I have a skill saw and power drill and I know how to use them, but beyond that I'm not much of a carpenter. I like to just screw things together but I'm going to need a better plan for this design.
I am having consistent problems cloning. Since I have not always had this many problems, and I have not substantially changed my methods, I think the problem is down to small tweaks I introduced to my method, or climate, or both. I want to remove the climate variations so I can dial in whatever climate I want, and thus remove temp/humidity from the factors I have to consider in dealing with my cloning problem.
I want to build insulated, climate-controlled boxes to eliminate climate as a source of problems. I don't know what I'm going to build just yet, but I'm thinking wood with a lot of insulation. I'm probably going to build several boxes, each built around a standard clone tray size, so interior dimensions about 12" wide, 18" deep, and 15" high.
I live in South Carolina. The summers get hot, up to 100 degrees or more without the heat index. The winters are pretty mild, usually not going much below freezing, and only then during the coldest days. It's very humid, especially in the summer.
The kicker is, though the boxes will be indoors and protected from the elements, they will not be in a climate-controlled area. So no heat and no AC. There is insulation, so daily temp changes will be ameliorated, but the boxes will have to have their own climate control.
I plan to heavily insulate the boxes, but how would you control climate inside a box like this? For heating, I think the heat coming off the lights, plus heating pads controlled by thermostats, will be good enough. For cooling, obviously I can use computer fans and equipment, but I don't know if that will be enough in the summer. Assuming it isn't, how would you cool a box like this on a small budget? How do I control humidity in the boxes?
I could use some advice from the box-builders. Cloning is an absolutely essential part of my grow and right now it's totally fucking me up. I have to get the survival rate for my cuttings WAY up.
Also, I've been cloning for years in the standard, flimsy, 10 dollar 72 site trays/domes. I'd like to graduate to something a level up from that. I want the same size and the same design, basically, but using hard plastic that doesn't bend and with parts that all fit together snugly and reliably. Any recommends?
And a DIY guide for building a heavily insulated box for a non-carpenter would be great too. I have a skill saw and power drill and I know how to use them, but beyond that I'm not much of a carpenter. I like to just screw things together but I'm going to need a better plan for this design.
