4 Door File Cabinet Grow

15thpeak

Member
Hey guys. Currently in the beginning stages of setting up my new grow setup. This is my first time growing. I had an empty file cabinet lying around so I decided to modify it to be able to grow 2 plants in it at a time.

I'm planning on going bubble hydro and have the plants in separate 5 gallon buckets. I went to my local hydroponic store and was educated on a lot involving the hydro setup. The guy who was helping my seemed to be against ufo lighting beause he said they weren't tried and true. He pointed me in the direction of fluorescent lighting which would absolutely light up the inside of the cabinet but I would really like to find an LED setup that would really work. I intend to line the inside with mylar. He also recommended me getting a carbon filter that sits ontop the cabinet (after I cut a hole for it to sit in) and suck air up that way. I was wondering if this would impede any part of the plants growth. He said i wouldn't need any fans since it would provide a lot of air since the space is so small but my concern was if too much co2 would be sucked out

I was thinking about putting a 90w ufo light in there which would then give the plant about 35ish inches for the plant to grow vertically since the cabinet is 52inches and some change tall and the 5 gallon buckets are 13".

I wanted to put a strain in there that would give me a big yield given the space but would LED set me back? I've been shopping around for strains and I've found some like Cheese where they claim that it grows up to 31 or so inches and yields up to 24 ounces. It sounds too good to be true, but given the dimensions, how effective do you think my setup can be?

I haven't ordered any of the parts yet, I'm still trying to plan every bit of it before I take action.
 

grlsk8co

Member
what are the dimensions of your cab? It sounds like it should be small enough to run a passive intake (no fan, just a "hole") and use 1 single fan to suck air out of the grow room and through the carbon filter. As long as there is an intake hole with fresh air coming in, and the exhaust fan, you will not have a problem with co2. Most people like to have their exhaust fan sucking air through the carbon filter, then exhausting it out of the room, but pushing air will work adequately as long as the fan is not pushing more cfm then the filter will allow. GOOD LUCK!
 

grlsk8co

Member
http://www.420magazine.com/forums/how-grow-marijuana/71083-how-much-ventilation-do-i-need-my-grow-room.html

you can use this link to help understand cfm and what your needs are going to be, and I'm sure your hydro shop can help you understand as well. An efficient way to set up your cabinet could be to place an intake hole very low in the cabinet, and on the opposite side place your carbon filter and exhaust fan. You should also invest in a small clip on/mountable fan to help move fresh air and c02 around your canopy otherwise you will stunt plant growth, and mold can occur.

There is an awesome LED section on the forum, Ive been reading lots of reviews and grows with LED's and they have great results. Just make sure you get a well known brand and model. I like the PR180 from pro-grow. very reasonably priced with lots of good reviews and journals to read.

Reading grow journals is the best way to learn about strains, You may be able to find someone else doing something similar to you and see what works or doesn't work.
 

grlsk8co

Member
Also make sure you know your environment in which you plan to grow. You should pick up a handy temperature and relative humidity gauge. I have a nice digital one that was only around $20. Take note to how hot it gets naturally.... you don't want to get to deep into building your cab just to realize your rooms temps are too hot :P
 
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