LED/Fluoresent Cabinet Grow Snow White/Dutch Dragon

[cruzer101]

LED / Fluorescent Grow
Snow White seedlings and Dutch Dragon clones.
Second Grow​

I decided to build a grow cabinet.
I have a flowering room setup at a friend’s house so I want this to be the Veg Monster.
After reading JohnnyB's super closet journal I had to have one.
But wanted to save money and I wanted something original. So I built one.​

This journal with plenty of pics will be updated every couple days once posted.​

Ok, we want low wattage, and it has to be quiet so I am going to try LEDs and CFLs.
I checked out the light spectrum needed by plants:​

Chlorophyll b 410-453nm
Chlorophyll a 642-662nm​

So, I used compact fluorescent, T-5's and LEDs to hit those wavelengths.
After doing some research I found out I could build LED panels to save cost.

The best deal is the 14 watt kits. Here's what I got,​

Three panels, 272 LED 0.05w bulbs per panel.
42 watt (3x14w Panels) = 25% blue @ 455-485nm 75% red 615-655nm​

Then added 18 watts LED red 662-680nm: Four 90 led PAR 30 spotlights​

Next I needed some dark blue so I got 10 watts LED Blue 460nm High power 1 watt Luxium star.
I got ten of them. here is a pic. They came attached together in a grid so I broke them up in sets of two so
I would have five lights at 2w each. You can see one set that isnt lit up yet.​

The fluorescents are high output so they are the equivalent of 320 watts
The LEDs supply only the spectrum needed by plants. Based on the theory only 10% of the light rays
we get from artificial light are actually used by the plant when using HPS and MH,

This should be equal to 400w MH.
I am actually using 154 watts.
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This almost gave me the spectrum I wanted but I needed some T5 lighting around the array.
So I got 2X 24 watt T5 High Output 24 inch tubes at 6500k =80w of normal lights.
Then I got some CFLs (4X14w cfl) = 180w normal lights at 6500k Daylight Full Spectrum.​

Cost?​

3X 14 watt LED panel kit $128 Total 42w led
4X 4w 90 LED red spot lights $76.95 Total 16w LED
1 soldering gun, flux ohm meter $28​

10X 1 watt Luxeon Star Midnight blue 470nm LEDs $60 Total 10w LED
parts to assemble circuits $20 ($10 S&H fees)​

2X 2 foot 24w T5 HO 6500k $55
1X 24w T5 HO 3000k bulb $14​

2X 3 pack GE 60w cfls 3000k $13
1 Bathroom light bar $10
4x sockets $5
1 extension cord $1
2X power strips $3​

10 LB co2 tank free
Regulator $70​

1 SPER LIGHT METER $30​

2x four inch fans 119 cfm $30
2x four inch fans 35 cfm $19​

The cabinet I got second hand. 36x18x72 Paid $100
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2/15/08
OK Lets get to work. I just got the cabinet home and realized this wasn't what I had in mind.
I wanted one with adjustable shelves. These are fixed. Humm I will cut the shelves out.
Back to DYI center for blades.

Got the shelves out that I didnt want and cut the vent holes, Put up the insulation and mylar.
Next I installed the exahust fan its pretty loud. I tried putting it on a light dimmer switch.
That didnt work very good. I will use smaller fan untill summer.​

Built a light array. I needed some way to hang the led panels so I mounted them to a board
and attached metal braces. wired them all up. (I will do this over someday) hung the lamp.​

After searching to hell and gone I finaly found the right size tub for my upper shelf.
Then I bought a standard sink drain I think its a 1 1/4 inch. fits flush, thats all I cared about.
Also large enough to run my 1/2 up through for the drip system and drain through the same hole.​

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2/28/08
So, We are up and running.​

I got two clones from my bud (Dutch Dragon) that were not doing very well. They got shocked,
well over nuted. Lets just say they didnt have much chance we will try and save at least one.
My Plan is to have a mother Dragon I will take six clones at a time.​

Well new cabinet needs new growth too so I bought 5 feminized Snow White seeds from Narvana
I got them in 14 days.While I was waiting for them to arrive I found two seeds in the med bud I had.
They are Apolo seeds. Now these could be male who knows. But if they are ladies I sure liked the smoke.​

Used paper towel method and got all seven to sprout in 2 days. I used rapid rooter plugs
because I have a hard time with rockwool retaining water. seems like there isnt enough oxygen.
I will use rooter then put them in the larger rockwool cubes. Much eaiser for me to manage the
watering.that way.​

I made a bubbler to germ with, submersible heater and two air sticks. Blue LEDs and heating mat.
Put that in my prop tray so I could cover with the super dome. I will use this mainly for cloneing.​

Ok after two days in the bubbler I see tiny tap roots comming through the bottom of the plug.
Actualy they are about one inch longer than the plug. It's time to put them in 3 inch rockwool cubes.
We have six seedlings out of seven. Lost one. It sprouted but then nothing. root turned brown. history.​

Here they are at 4 days from seed. I will dip the cubes in plain R/O water every other day for two weeks.​

Day 5​

One of the two Dragon clones looks like its going to make it. Yea! I got a mother​

OK Back to the kids. Its been a week now and I think they are ready for some light so I moved them up.
They are much smaller than the clone so I made a shelf for them. I cut a tray in half and fit one side in the other.​

Couple shots of the light array, I am not running the four CFL's yet. Plants need to get bigger.​

Here you can see the different lighting.
I turned off the T-5s so you can see when the red and blue LEDs are mixed they make purple.
The lower shelf is where my res is and where I started them.
I got CO2 also, I know to mazimize it I need higher temps but I figure it will just be a supplement for now.​

OK on with the show,​

Day 9​

Dont mind my little Mylar runway there. I'm just thinking of the alge on the cubes... Moms doing great.​

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Day 11​

Started 24 hour lighting. Still on R/O water around ph 6.0, going to start 1/4 nutes in a couple days.​

The Dragon is almost ready to snip a few clones.​

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Day 14​

Took 6 small clones from the Dragon. I know she was small but I need two more plants for this grow and
I figure I should be able to get two out of the six to make it. Here is a shot of them.​

I found out the rooting gel I used "Olivias gel" needs to be refridgrated after opening and we didnt do that.
Well, lets see what happens.​

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Day 16​

OK I see roots comming out of the bottom of the 3 inch cubs, Time to transplant to larger containers.
I brought the Mother Dragon over to my buds house so we have room.​

I got six inch containers and lined them with 1/2 gallon grow bags.
This way it will be eaiser to transplant them again to the flower room. Just cut the bag.
There they will flower in hydroton filled Waterfarms.​

I found the best way to get them started is to add a second water line to the roots for the first week or so.​

Here we go, Started the 1/4 nutes watering 24/7 as well as lights. Been keeping temps at 85 degrees day
and 75 at night. about 50% humidity.​

I found those little covers at the hydro shop.​

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Day 18​

Clones are not looking good, but still hopeing​

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Day 20
Turned on the CFLs and moved the plants around a bit. Wow the CFLs work great.
Now the four on the right are the Snow White and the two on the left are the apollo.​

The Apollo havent been sexed yet and might be male so I am adding some blue LED to try and get females.
I read cool temps, blue light, High humidity and increased levels of Nitrogen create more females.​

Thats another reason why I am trying to get some more Dragons. I want to flower eight.
(I have eight Waterfarms under 1500 watts on a light rail for my flower room)​

I almost lost the one on the left from damping off when it was a few days old.
I got to it in time but the stem is bent. I figure its old enough now to bend it back.​

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[Garden Knowm]

KEEP up the great work...
to submit into the journal contest, rerad the journal thread.. all the details are THERE.

thanks for the PM.. you rock!

 

[LoudBlunts]

FUCKING KICK ASS!!!!!

lets see what your spaceship does

 

[cruzer101]

LOL Thanks Man.

 

[The Boy]

that's a pretty sweet cabinet, good luck with your grow.
I'm gonna keep checking up on this one for updates.

 

[cruzer101]

Day 21
Topped off the res with 1 gallon Water, R/O 20ppm PH6.0
That put me at 570 PPM Temps been holding at 83 days and 72 nights.
After adding a little 4 inch fan and pointing it at the water flowing on the bottom of the tray
I was finaly able to get a stable 50% humidity.​

They grew over an inch in the last 24 hours, I think they just entered there rapid grow stage.
Turning on the CFLs didnt hurt I am sure​

Here are some close ups.
Snow White​

Half of this one is under the blue leds
Apollo​

Now this next one is weird. Here is a over shot
It never grew a second fan leaf and the one it did grow is bigger than all the plants leaves.
I think I read somewhere this happens with the white strain sometimes. I call her my Mutant.
(kinda looks like a spaceship)​

At Three weeks old they are filling in nicely. I hope the lower stock catches up.
See how big the upper stock is compared to the lower?​

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[LoudBlunts]

are you using those 5watt wide angle leds????

 

[cruzer101]

are you using those 5watt wide angle leds????

Hey Blunts
Naw, I looked at them but They were like 25 bucks a piece. Besides they need to be farther away then I needed.
I got 10 of the one watt for 5 bucks ea. and they are the batwing angle. its more focused.
Hell I am just guessing here but From the led grows I been lookin at the five watt seem to be placed 24 inches away.
Its a small space, well ok sometimes Im cheap too.

Now the LEDs in the Panels are .05mm high intensity wide angle at 0.05watts but there is 272 of them.
Those rock when placed so close together.

Here is a shot of one panel I took. I pointed it in the mirror and turned out the other lights.
Although its made of 75% red leds you can see the blue hue to the light.

.

 

[LoudBlunts]

well i wish you much luck, but the only led grows i've seen that are decent, worth it are from the wide angle 5 watts.

regardless, bad ass cab. im interested in leds for my cab once they progress a little more. i think they need a little more tuning.

 

[LoudBlunts]

also, are those diy waterfarms? if so....bad ass bro!!!

 

[cruzer101]

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Watering System​

I chose a drip system because of its versitility. I can move smaller plants closer to the light.
Also because I wouldnt be moving so much water like an ebb an flow I could get by
with a smaler res and it would be quieter.​

I found a sterlite tub almost the right size, cut the rim off it and it was perfect.
Looked in the plumming section and found a standard 1 1/2 inch sink drain
with the lower flange. Picked up a length of pvc to go over it and into the lower res.​

Cut the hole and used some silicon to seal it.
Then I found a wire shelf at the hardware store and cut it back to fit inside.​

I picked up manifold at OSH, found it the low presure section.​

I ran the waterline right back through the drain to the pump.
(thats a CO2 bubble counter behind it)​

then covered it with a piece of
PVC that slides up when I remove the pump.​

I run it 24/7 and it is silent.​

Then attached the

Filled the pot about half way with Hydroton and made a drip system.
I found by heating that black tubing with a bick lighter helps attaching it to the fittings.
Then added a second water line to the roots for the first week or so.


.​

 

[cruzer101]

also, are those diy waterfarms? if so....bad ass bro!!!

Yup,
They are lined with a grow bag so I can transplant them to eight waterfarms I have set up for flowering.
This journal will follow them.

After I get those filled I will do a grow from start to finish in the cab I have a DYI bubbleponic I want to try out.
I threaded a waterline through a net pot so I pump water right under the root line with
enough oxygen I think I can water 24/7... I hear it grows like 30% faster.

Not sure what to go with,
I was thinking PPP but maybe I will stick to snow white and compare the two grows.
I figure the waterfarms with 1500w on a light rail will blow the cabinets yeild away but it will be fun.

Heres a pic of inside one of the net pots.

 

[cruzer101]

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Day 22​

It got hot today, up to 92 when I checked it. Cant figure out how. I got a thermostate set at 84
The Apollos Loved it but the snow white didnt like it much. I see a little curling on there leaves.
Backed off the lights an inch or two, now keeping them about six inches away.
Checked the ph again. It was up to 6.4 so I brought it down to 5.9 The ppms are at 810
Tomorrow I will do a res change and start out at 800ppm.​

 

[cruzer101]

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Day 23​

Good News today, Three of the clones rooted.​

I am soaking 3 inch cubes for them now. It was the three in the back.​

I know they were small and when I found out the rooting gel was bad I didn’t think any would root.
If I wait long enough I think the other two might do something too. I lightly pulled on them and
there was a resistance so I’m letting them go a few more days. (I know, they look dead)
OK Back to work. I drained the res and started 75% Flora nutes.
Using GH Formula
Bloom, Micro, Grow
Floralicious grow
Golden nectar
Flora Shield
Found a new water source Distilled water now. Starting at 0 PPMs
Set the ph at 5.7 our PPMs are at 1000
Temps 87 to 72 Hm 32%​

Today’s pics Day 24

The two apollos. Praying for girls.​

.​

 

[cruzer101]

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Heres a small Video I made
Click Here

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Day 25

PPMs on the res jumped to 1280. The Ph up to 6.5
Added distilled water and got it down to 860 Ph at 5.9

Doing just great. They will be ready to go to the flower room in about 2 weeks.

Man these are short and fat. The three in the center are about 8 in wide and 6 in tall

Got the clones in there new home. We got one more in the oven.

I have to find another cube.


.
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[cruzer101]

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Day 26

System seems to be using about a gallon a day. With a small res I need to adjust daily.
PPMS went up to 1260, down to 1100 with a gallon of water added. PH back at 5.9

They are growing about an inch a day.

I believe the LEDs are working great. Although we dont have two grows side by side
I will say this much, I have vegged under a 400w Metal Halide and I am getting
better results here without the heat or the electric bill.

Much tighter spacing and over all healthy plants. I dont know if it is
possible but it seems like they are making better use of the nutes.

.
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[cruzer101]

Day 27​

Added a gallon of distilled and ph to 5.9
Temps been staying around 82 day and 72 night
Lights and watering still 24/7​

Heres my Mutant​

I have a feeling when this one starts to flower its going to need some help supporting the buds.​

OK, and our group shot.​

Oh I almost forgot,​

These were taken about 2 weeks ago from the Dragon clone I started with.
We have 4 out of 6 survive. even without cloneing gel. I guess that diy bubbler works pretty good.​

I just took the dome off and I see roots pokeing out the bottom of the cube already.
I tried something different, I mixed 1/3 follige spray 1/3 res water and 1/3 distilled to there water.
I dip the bottom of the cube in it for 3 seconds every other day. Its working pretty good.​

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[cruzer101]

Day 28
Added a gallon of distilled and ph back down to 5.9​

Almost time to start flowering​

We skip the water today. Cant make it too easy for them.​

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Day 29
Time to Flower
Our flower room isnt set up right now so I am going to flower the Snow White here.
Besides with all that room it would be a shame to flower indica when we could grow
a tall and fat sativa mix.... Like that Apollo. I will snip some clones from her this week
then flower that with the dutch Dragon. That way most of the plants will be the same height.​

Also we can see what this cabinet can do from start to finish.​

So,​

Today we switch lighting to 12/12​

Added the Red 670nm LED PAR 90 spots.​

Changed out all the 6500k cfls and T-5s to 3000k​

Looks cool huh.​

Flushed out the res and added Distilled water.
Continued with flora grow nutes at 800 PPM for one more week.
PH at 5.9 watering still 24/7​

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[newbie45]

im learning so much from reading this

 

[specialkayme]

Great thread. Good luck!

Cruzer, do you mind if I pm you and ask how you built those LED lights? I'm kinda a slow learner.