4x4 Tent - Blue Hash and A-Train

[Bob Smith]

If you had a 15x15 you were growin in then the sentinel would be a worthwhile investment. I didn't read back through the thread, but did this start with just wanting the Co2 controller? Are you looking at a Sentinel CHHC-1? My buddy has one of these and it works awesome. It doesn't claim to suck your dick when you turn it on like the one you are looking at, but wild claims are easy to make.

It does exactly what it says it does, you program the timers for the lights, you set all your environmental variables and it voila, it takes care of it for you. I believe it has the built in "Anti-Cook" that the sentinel light timers have so if something goes wrong and your "cooling device" stops working and the temp keeps rising it'll shut the lights off to get the room to cool back down.

THAT is the only reason I would purchase the Sentinel even. It hurts when 13 weeks of work goes down the toilet because a fuckin' fan died while you were away. Co2 is nice, but it's expensive and annoying to fill so I don't bother with it. The time it would take, the attention it would attract and the cost have always made me feel it would take to long to b worthwhile.

Again....15x15 sealed room, yeah I'm gonna run the sit. My 4x4 tent? A little silly.

I couldn't disagree more with it being "silly" to have a Sentinel in a 4x4 tent - it's a one-time $500 investment (the cost of a good light) that ensures a perfect growing environment, as well as a safeguard against things breaking, etc. - pays for itself with the first 1/8 of a decent harvest.

My best investment thus far (without a doubt), and I've bought lots of stuff.

 

[laserbrn]

I couldn't disagree more with it being "silly" to have a Sentinel in a 4x4 tent - it's a one-time $500 investment (the cost of a good light) that ensures a perfect growing environment, as well as a safeguard against things breaking, etc. - pays for itself with the first 1/8 of a decent harvest.

My best investment thus far (without a doubt), and I've bought lots of stuff.

The sentinel isn't silly if you are going to run co2. I don't think running co2 is silly for everyone, but for me it's silly. I have a source of fresh air and the added expenses and hassle of co2 will definitely cost you more than the initial cost of the co2.

Having another task to complete weekly means spending my time to go get tanks refilled. Lugging tanks back and forth up the stairs to my apartment complex could easily make a neihbor say "that's like the 3rd time I've seen him with those tanks, what's he doin' in there?". So for most people with a 4x4 tent, co2, the controllers and ALL of the added expense and time are not worth it.

Would've been easier to just get another tent and grow twice as many plants and the advantages are greater.

But I'm not knockin' it. I understand WHY other people do it, it's just for me it's too much.

 

[smokingrubber]

Definately a little silly, but I do plan on using all this crap in the larger tent next year. I know everything will be fine if I just set up an AC and a dehumidifier, and Im still not completely sold on getting Co2 since I've seen many grows without it that came out spectacular. Like I said, I've got a while to chew on all my options.

EDIT: Im planning it now because I will have all the money to finish everything off. I want to do it all right and I don't want to regret going cheap. I'm definately getting a digital ballast and an AC. Everything else is up for review.

 

[Bob Smith]

The sentinel isn't silly if you are going to run co2. I don't think running co2 is silly for everyone, but for me it's silly. I have a source of fresh air and the added expenses and hassle of co2 will definitely cost you more than the initial cost of the co2.

Having another task to complete weekly means spending my time to go get tanks refilled. Lugging tanks back and forth up the stairs to my apartment complex could easily make a neihbor say "that's like the 3rd time I've seen him with those tanks, what's he doin' in there?". So for most people with a 4x4 tent, co2, the controllers and ALL of the added expense and time are not worth it.

Would've been easier to just get another tent and grow twice as many plants and the advantages are greater.

But I'm not knockin' it. I understand WHY other people do it, it's just for me it's too much.

Agreed regarding the tanks - have filled my three tanks twice and am already over sneaking around in the dark with the tanks wrapped in towels to hide them from the neighbors - have a CO2 generator being delivered tomorrow, as a matter of fact.

Nothing shady about getting tanks of propane filled (besides the fact that one tank will last me a few months, as opposed to the week that a 20lb. CO2 tank lasts me).

Just gotta remember to use the barbecue a little more

 

[laserbrn]

Agreed regarding the tanks - have filled my three tanks twice and am already over sneaking around in the dark with the tanks wrapped in towels to hide them from the neighbors - have a CO2 generator being delivered tomorrow, as a matter of fact.

Nothing shady about getting tanks of propane filled (besides the fact that one tank will last me a few months, as opposed to the week that a 20lb. CO2 tank lasts me).

Just gotta remember to use the barbecue a little more

Right? If I had come up on the $1500 to purchase the crazy evironmental controller (not the sentinel, I actually think those are pretty sweet at the $550ish price) I would go ahead and purchase another tent, another light and hookup the sentinel. Could do it all for $1500 bucks. Use the 4x4 for veg and get a 4x4 for flower or a 4x8 (I don't know what you can fit). Same price and Co2 ain't gonna DOUBLE your yeild like more space and lights will.

THAT's why I say it's a little silly. Once you are using AS MUCH space as you can I would add Co2 as the next step. That's all.

 

[smokingrubber]

I personally can't upgrade the tent until I move. I'm locked into my current lease until March. I figured I could dial in the little tent then push everything into a larger tent for very minimal cost later on. Plus, adding more space doubles a lot of things . . . the lights, hoods, ballasts, fans, pots and the smell. I've got to be sure I can control the situation I've got before I try to go big. I still haven't gotten a crop out of this setup yet, so I need to take a deep breath here.

 

[laserbrn]

I personally can't upgrade the tent until I move. I'm locked into my current lease until March. I figured I could dial in the little tent then push everything into a larger tent for very minimal cost later on. Plus, adding more space doubles a lot of things . . . the lights, hoods, ballasts, fans, pots and the smell. I've got to be sure I can control the situation I've got before I try to go big. I still haven't gotten a crop out of this setup yet, so I need to take a deep breath here.

Then that's what I would do...take a breath. Dont' go blow $1500 because you have it. Just a get a grow out of this one and then worry about all Especially if you have until March before you plan an upgrade...just get this grow done, take some clones and get some practice at doing that, grow out that batch from clones and you'll have the knowledge about EXACTLY what you want and what you need. This hobby will suck the living money out of you so seeking ways to spend it can be dangerous. Are you going to eventually run in a sealed environment that would necessitate the equipment? That's really where those things shine.

 

[smokingrubber]

Then that's what I would do...take a breath. Dont' go blow $1500 because you have it. Just a get a grow out of this one and then worry about all Especially if you have until March before you plan an upgrade...just get this grow done, take some clones and get some practice at doing that, grow out that batch from clones and you'll have the knowledge about EXACTLY what you want and what you need. This hobby will suck the living money out of you so seeking ways to spend it can be dangerous. Are you going to eventually run in a sealed environment that would necessitate the equipment? That's really where those things shine.

Solid advise. I am a little impatient at times . Last night I found a way to squeeze a 4x8 into my garage. I've been dreaming of the possibilities all night. But after going back and forth over it, I'm back to ... taking a breath. There are pros and cons for going bigger right now, but I'm thinking I should ride this 4x4 for a cycle or 2 then bounce. It's just hard to know that I could throw another k at the room and DOUBLE the size and output. Thats a lot of pot to leave on the table! I could . . ...see there I go again.

As of now, my plan is to fully upgrade the 4x4 on everything except Co2. I will suck in fresh air off a roof vent and pump it into the tent through a hepa filter. That should provide plenty of Co2 to do the job if everything else is done right. Upgrading to Co2 can still be done later but it's not very kosher in the condo.

By upgrading everything I only mean new ballast and new fans. My current fan is 180 watts and I'm only running it on 40%, but it still seems to be drawing a fatty off the power meter. So I want to swap that out for 2 lower cfm 6" that only use 70 watts each. I won't need the dimmer box so that will make the fans quieter. Going with a digital ballast is obvious. I need the quiet and I want the efficiency.

I still want the controller that handles 8 devices, but I can get an add-on for Co2 later. That'll save a grip. Then I'll get the AC, dehumidifier, and a flock of fans. Viola.

Side note: Why doesn't someone make a portable AC/Dehumidifier/Heater that can be used by a controller? Is it only me who wants one of those?

 

[Bob Smith]

Solid advise. I am a little impatient at times . Last night I found a way to squeeze a 4x8 into my garage. I've been dreaming of the possibilities all night. But after going back and forth over it, I'm back to ... taking a breath. There are pros and cons for going bigger right now, but I'm thinking I should ride this 4x4 for a cycle or 2 then bounce. It's just hard to know that I could throw another k at the room and DOUBLE the size and output. Thats a lot of pot to leave on the table! I could . . ...see there I go again.

As of now, my plan is to fully upgrade the 4x4 on everything except Co2. I will suck in fresh air off a roof vent and pump it into the tent through a hepa filter. That should provide plenty of Co2 to do the job if everything else is done right. Upgrading to Co2 can still be done later but it's not very kosher in the condo.

By upgrading everything I only mean new ballast and new fans. My current fan is 180 watts and I'm only running it on 40%, but it still seems to be drawing a fatty off the power meter. So I want to swap that out for 2 lower cfm 6" that only use 70 watts each. I won't need the dimmer box so that will make the fans quieter. Going with a digital ballast is obvious. I need the quiet and I want the efficiency.

I still want the controller that handles 8 devices, but I can get an add-on for Co2 later. That'll save a grip. Then I'll get the AC, dehumidifier, and a flock of fans. Viola.

Side note: Why doesn't someone make a portable AC/Dehumidifier/Heater that can be used by a controller? Is it only me who wants one of those?

They do, there's plenty of them - you just need an old school one with the knobs instead of a newer electronically controlled one, or a new one with an auto-restart function.

Here's one, but you can find them by doing a Google search for "portable air conditioner auto restart".

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/pe210r32-portable-air-conditioners.html?show=UP&itemId=1671

 

[smokingrubber]

sweet! been looking but didn't think to add "auto restart" I found this, it looks good:
http://www.qualitymatters.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=QMARC%2D10D
$300 is a great deal on something I'm budgeting $500 for My point is, it's too bad I've got to buy a seperate dehumidifier. I'm rapidly running out of room in my tiny tent.

 

[Bob Smith]

sweet! been looking but didn't think to add "auto restart" I found this, it looks good:
http://www.qualitymatters.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=QMARC-10D
$300 is a great deal on something I'm budgeting $500 for My point is, it's too bad I've got to buy a seperate dehumidifier. I'm rapidly running out of room in my tiny tent.

No you don't - that has a dehumidifier mode on it.

"Three operational modes: Air Conditioner, fan or dehumidifier"

When you're running the AC, that will automatically dehumidify the air, and when it's winter, you can just set it to dehumidify - that right there will do all that you need.

 

[smokingrubber]

But the functions can't be controlled by the EC (environmental controller). It's great that it does all those things, but it would be better if I could run each seperately. I know I'm being picky but it seems obvious to me. There should be at least ONE mfg out there that can cater to the growers in the world.

My plants have been growing wonderfully. They're growing "out" way more than growing "up". So I raised the hood 12" a couple days ago and I REALLY like the results so far. I've gone in and retied all of the stalks. Almost all of them are about to turn the corner and BH#1 already has. Gangbusters!

 

[laserbrn]

But the functions can't be controlled by the EC (environmental controller). It's great that it does all those things, but it would be better if I could run each seperately. I know I'm being picky but it seems obvious to me. There should be at least ONE mfg out there that can cater to the growers in the world.

My plants have been growing wonderfully. They're growing "out" way more than growing "up". So I raised the hood 12" a couple days ago and I REALLY like the results so far. I've gone in and retied all of the stalks. Almost all of them are about to turn the corner and BH#1 already has. Gangbusters!

I understand wanting all of that, it's just so unnecessary. Measure your environment before going to those lengths. Do you have a humidity problem?

 

[smokingrubber]

No humidity problems now, but they're still vegging and it's cold out. I don't need the AC now either, but I don't want to get to that point. I want both pieces of equipment in the tent and preferrably ones that stack on top of each other (less floor space). I'm mostly just surprised that these pieces of advanced technology aren't already available.

Amazingly, the same AC unit highlighted in all of the grow mags can't be ECed. And they only highlight ONE model? Still hunting for the perfect model, but so far the one above is the best due to a very small footprint, low price, and auto-restart.

 

[laserbrn]

No humidity problems now, but they're still vegging and it's cold out. I don't need the AC now either, but I don't want to get to that point. I want both pieces of equipment in the tent and preferrably ones that stack on top of each other (less floor space). I'm mostly just surprised that these pieces of advanced technology aren't already available.

Amazingly, the same AC unit highlighted in all of the grow mags can't be ECed. And they only highlight ONE model? Still hunting for the perfect model, but so far the one above is the best due to a very small footprint, low price, and auto-restart.

I've been through all of that and I'm not home right now to see what model mine is, but it autostarts. I'm retiring it though. You want to see your electric bill go up? Turn that summumma bitch on. Complete kills it for me so I don't bother anymore. I'm only running 3/4 of the year nowadays and I'm gonna bang out as much ganja as I can while the gettin' is good and the air is cold.

 

[smokingrubber]

Thankfully it's typically nice around here and that will help tame the AC bill. My bill is already too frickn bloated. That's another arguement for going to a larger tent cuz same eqiupment can pop out 2x more bud. Still chewin on that... a little.

 

[laserbrn]

Thankfully it's typically nice around here and that will help tame the AC bill. My bill is already too frickn bloated. That's another arguement for going to a larger tent cuz same eqiupment can pop out 2x more bud. Still chewin on that... a little.

Now you're getting the idea. I'm going to convert my 3x8 space into another flower area for the winter. So I'm going to go from 1x 600w for flower to 3x 600w for flower. Then when summer comes, I'll convert it to my weed storage facility and smoke it all up till winter comes around again.

My electric bills in the summer topped $500.00 because of the AC and the equipment. The electric companies charge so much now with the 'tiered' system they have in place.

 

[Bob Smith]

Now you're getting the idea. I'm going to convert my 3x8 space into another flower area for the winter. So I'm going to go from 1x 600w for flower to 3x 600w for flower. Then when summer comes, I'll convert it to my weed storage facility and smoke it all up till winter comes around again.

My electric bills in the summer topped $500.00 because of the AC and the equipment. The electric companies charge so much now with the 'tiered' system they have in place.

Yeah, you California boys are lucky in that you have dispensaries and great weather all the time and it's legal to grow, but the electric bills I hear about coming from that state are monstrous.

 

[raulhawkins718]

Now you're getting the idea. I'm going to convert my 3x8 space into another flower area for the winter. So I'm going to go from 1x 600w for flower to 3x 600w for flower. Then when summer comes, I'll convert it to my weed storage facility and smoke it all up till winter comes around again.

My electric bills in the summer topped $500.00 because of the AC and the equipment. The electric companies charge so much now with the 'tiered' system they have in place.

yeah thats insane....i'ld look into getting some solar panels....might be worth it in the long run

 

[smokingrubber]

$500? That would knock me back for a minute too. Just got mine and it was less than 200 ... for now.

I GOT THE FREAKIN CLONES! I was supposed to go over sunday but I figured a couple more days couldn't hurt. I originally planned to get 6 and toss out 2 I already had going ... but screw that! These little fuckers are WAAAAY behind (3 weeks). So I got 5 (1 extra) to fill out 4 pots.

So now what? They are all 5 Grand Daddy Purp They've been soaking in a shallow tray of clonex for exactly 6 days. Should I cover them? I'm putting them on 18/6 lighting. I will foliar spray but I think I want the rockwool to dry out a bit. Its soaked. When I see roots, I will transfer into larger rockwool. What else should I do?