Hello everyone. I have cabinet that is 6 feet high 3 feet wide and 1.5 feet deep. I have been actively looking for a supply list to build a stealth growbox. I have a friend who is into salt water fish. He has offered me 2 of the Blue Wave 1 250W Metal Halide ballast by Sunlight Supply. He said one only has one working output. He wants $70 for both. My question to you all, is should I go with another lighting all together? I have about $200 to spare right now on this project and want to get started asap. Please point me in the right direction with the simplest setup. I do know I want to grow autos at first. I will have more money to play with for this project in March. thank you everyone for the direction. I am interested in CFL lighting also. I also have option to buy a 90 watt UFO led with bridgelux led's for $90. please help this newbie supply the wife her meds.
1st time about to start
- Thread starter freeshit
- Start date
Nukebisket
Well-Known Member
Is that just the ballast or does that include hood and bulb? Take a look at some of the econo HPS setups from some of the online retailers, they have good deals way within your price range. I wouldn't go cfl because they are less efficient than HID. You would get way more usable lumens from a 250W HID than compared to a 250W CFL but you still pay the same electric usage fee.
It is just the ballast. I am trying to get the cabinet at least done or as close to done with $200 I have right now.
I want to do this as cost effective as I can. Lower electricity bills are a plus also. Wife is a slow medicine user so I don't need to have the box running all year round, but also don't want any red flags raised with my usage of the equipment. I will look into the lights that you both recommended.
here is the cabinet
So I need light, fans, and carbon filter. I have a battery backup already. Which brand of light would you recommend? I really think the used ballast would save me some money and help towards getting the box complete sooner than later. What light and hood would be recommended if I go with the 250watt MK ballast? So many questions, sorry everyone. Just want to do this right the first time.
JayJammer
Active Member
No worries we're here to help.
The reason i dont suggest investing in that ballast is you will have to get a totally separate ballast if you ever switch to HPS, when you can get an HPS setup and use it for your entire grow.
You can buy a complete ballast/reflector/bulb package for around $150 or maybe a bit cheaper. the brand doesnt make a whole lot of difference, just buy from a legitimate source
Do you have any places you recommend? I am looking to get this going right away. And I need a trusted seed site also ... so much to do so little time. I don't medicate but surely am excited to give wifey the best she has ever had! lol
JayJammer
Active Member
First check Ebay they usually have some pretty good deals, just search something like "250w high pressure sodium" and make sure its an american company.
Seeds you want from amsterdam or canada, try Nirvana, Attitude, or Green House. They have a lot of quality strains
here is a local shop I can go pick this system up at. What are your thoughts?
http://www.ehydroponics.com/?action=product&id=8495&cid=491
JayJammer
Active Member
Thats even better, you wont have to wait for it in the mail.
That looks like everything you need to get started, also you can upgrade to a 400w bulb later without having to buy any extra equip.
Thank you for your help. Anything else I am overlooking? I have to figure out the seeds. Scared to order to my home
JayJammer
Active Member
I wouldn't worry too much about that, they do a very good job of sending them discreetly, and no action will be taken against you if they get caught by customs. The company will usually even replace confiscated seeds.
Are you going to grow with soil?
Yes I am actually trying to compile a list of everything else I will need.
I still need to get the foil stuff for the cabinet and also the fans. I actually have a Dyson air multiplier I was thinking of putting in there. We got it for xmas and haven't even opened it. it's the 10inch version I think. Is that overkill?
JayJammer
Active Member
Wait until your plants are a little more established, then you can use the Dyson to circulate air inside the tent. This will help the young plants develop a strong stem since they are being blown around like they would outside in nature.
You can slowly add to your tent over the course of the grow instead of rushing to have everything set up right away. Trust me you'll have time. Just get the basics and get started
really? won't the cabinet have light leakage ?