All-in-one vs. budgeted set-ups

Hi All,

So it's been a long while since we grew anything. Last set-up was in a 3x4x96 closet, soil medium with a 400 watt HID system and terrible ventilation and heat/humidity control. And that was a while ago.

Like many newbies we've been reading all the material posted online and going to local shops for suggestions. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting started?

Right now we are looking into the following grow-op:
- 4x4x80 tent
- 400 to 600 MH/HPS system
- Hydro system

Plan would be to grow 1-2 strains, and have 4 plants in the grow-op at a time, as well as 1-2 mothers depending on the strain count going in veg. (maintaining stasis of a mother plant will also be a question in the future).

We unfortunately have very little experience with hydro, but would like to go with the deep water method. We aren't the biggest smoker's these days either so perhaps 600 watts is excessive. Though having excess would mean being able to experiment with making concentrates and extracts.

Basically we're wondering if it's best to just drop say $1-1.25k at the start on a complete set-up versus buying each piece separately

The people at the local grow stores are friendly and helpful, but also tend to push towards the largest grow-ops which makes me think we're being sold more then we'll ultimately need.

Really excited to be back on a forum like this. Haven't posted on a site like this since Overgrow...
~MMs

IMO, if you're relatively new to the game, and you don't have a proven custom setup, then get a pre-made setup.

Every single time I made a custom setup for a new grow method (E&F, DWC, Coco, Soil, CO2, etc) I purchased components that didn't work well together. For example, I have a can fan max fan pro 8" that is so powerful (on low) that it destroyed the zippers on my 4x2x6 tent. And on the flip side, I once had a 4x4x4 custom grow box with a 400w HID cool tube and tried to use an inline fan which wasn't nearly enough. Just like building a race engine, simply buying the most expensive or "best" parts won't do it. They all have to work together in harmony.

Sounds like im in roughly the same shoes as you OP.

I just ordered a complete set up less pots for $419 AUS. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/262932127003?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&var=561934861800&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Hope it will work ok and seems to be a fair bit cheaper (if not the best brand names) than buying individually.

If you want to jump in head first then go for a medium priced kit but make sure the tent can handle the equipment,

LL,

That shipping cost is crazy... Good luck!!

Furious,

What would you consider to be a medium priced kit? Now you have me concerned all in one set-ups may include the wrong gear. lol

That looks like a pretty good starter kit. I'll relate my experience.
I bought a 600w mh/hps with a 2x4x5 tent as parts of a kit.
I had to buy a cool tube, the tent was too small so I upgraded, the filter was incorrect for the fan but it took me a year to figure that one out. I bought a Can filter but filters need to be replaced anyway.

Mass Medicinals said:

Hi All,

So it's been a long while since we grew anything. Last set-up was in a 3x4x96 closet, soil medium with a 400 watt HID system and terrible ventilation and heat/humidity control. And that was a while ago.

Like many newbies we've been reading all the material posted online and going to local shops for suggestions. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting started?

Right now we are looking into the following grow-op:
- 4x4x80 tent
- 400 to 600 MH/HPS system
- Hydro system

Plan would be to grow 1-2 strains, and have 4 plants in the grow-op at a time, as well as 1-2 mothers depending on the strain count going in veg. (maintaining stasis of a mother plant will also be a question in the future).

We unfortunately have very little experience with hydro, but would like to go with the deep water method. We aren't the biggest smoker's these days either so perhaps 600 watts is excessive. Though having excess would mean being able to experiment with making concentrates and extracts.

Basically we're wondering if it's best to just drop say $1-1.25k at the start on a complete set-up versus buying each piece separately

The people at the local grow stores are friendly and helpful, but also tend to push towards the largest grow-ops which makes me think we're being sold more then we'll ultimately need.

Really excited to be back on a forum like this. Haven't posted on a site like this since Overgrow...
~MMs

Click to expand...

I can give you some links to some very cheap gear to get started. Some China stuff. But it works well. Have a friend all setup with it and he is growing 4 in a 3x3. 600w light. 4in vortex fan and filter. And a used window ac. Converted to force air into the bottom of the tent. All said and done less than 200 bucks. I think it was 174 dollars...

Hope this helps. Good luck look forward to pics!!

Mass Medicinals said:

Hi All,

So it's been a long while since we grew anything. Last set-up was in a 3x4x96 closet, soil medium with a 400 watt HID system and terrible ventilation and heat/humidity control. And that was a while ago.

Like many newbies we've been reading all the material posted online and going to local shops for suggestions. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting started?

Right now we are looking into the following grow-op:
- 4x4x80 tent
- 400 to 600 MH/HPS system
- Hydro system

Plan would be to grow 1-2 strains, and have 4 plants in the grow-op at a time, as well as 1-2 mothers depending on the strain count going in veg. (maintaining stasis of a mother plant will also be a question in the future).

We unfortunately have very little experience with hydro, but would like to go with the deep water method. We aren't the biggest smoker's these days either so perhaps 600 watts is excessive. Though having excess would mean being able to experiment with making concentrates and extracts.

Basically we're wondering if it's best to just drop say $1-1.25k at the start on a complete set-up versus buying each piece separately

The people at the local grow stores are friendly and helpful, but also tend to push towards the largest grow-ops which makes me think we're being sold more then we'll ultimately need.

Really excited to be back on a forum like this. Haven't posted on a site like this since Overgrow...
~MMs

Click to expand...

I can help you with numbers as far as cfm a small amount of negative pressure and you will never smell it. The light doesn't matter as long as it turns on and is a 600 mh or hps. I have veggies and flowered with both. If your not a professional it either will work without switching bulbs. Most new ballasts can run both just by switching bulbs. Only use manufacture recommended bulbs in any ballast to avoid problems. You can pm if you want. Can show you my setup. Offer any help.

Mass Medicinals said:

LL,

That shipping cost is crazy... Good luck!!

Click to expand...

im in Aus,,,shipping is free.

Mass Medicinals said:

Hi All,

So it's been a long while since we grew anything. Last set-up was in a 3x4x96 closet, soil medium with a 400 watt HID system and terrible ventilation and heat/humidity control. And that was a while ago.

Like many newbies we've been reading all the material posted online and going to local shops for suggestions. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting started?

Right now we are looking into the following grow-op:
- 4x4x80 tent
- 400 to 600 MH/HPS system
- Hydro system

Plan would be to grow 1-2 strains, and have 4 plants in the grow-op at a time, as well as 1-2 mothers depending on the strain count going in veg. (maintaining stasis of a mother plant will also be a question in the future).

We unfortunately have very little experience with hydro, but would like to go with the deep water method. We aren't the biggest smoker's these days either so perhaps 600 watts is excessive. Though having excess would mean being able to experiment with making concentrates and extracts.

Basically we're wondering if it's best to just drop say $1-1.25k at the start on a complete set-up versus buying each piece separately

The people at the local grow stores are friendly and helpful, but also tend to push towards the largest grow-ops which makes me think we're being sold more then we'll ultimately need.

Really excited to be back on a forum like this. Haven't posted on a site like this since Overgrow...
~MMs

Click to expand...

Greetings, myself thinking back would of saved 2k if I would of just shopped Craigslist and bought everything like that.

Nutes are the money pit for newbies. Don't get hung up on advertising garbage, it's designed to separate your cash from your wallet. Get a good cheap one or two part preferably powder nute. Cost is about 80% cheaper than water bottles.

Hydro is expensive to set up but works great. Maybe a stretch for a genuine newbie. But not really to hard. Just stay on pH every few days, ca:mg and res temps and you will be fine.

I believe the seeds are in the mail, so we're excited to commence.

I just saw the awesome link on RIU about DWC. And to be honest it sounds a bit intimidating. It looks like the mesh buckets in the 5 gal systems are somewhat deep, and it seems like over kill to put a small cube of rockwool in there at the start. The other fear is when the plants get large and you have to take them out to clean the bucket. Oh right and don't forget about water temps. And don't forget pH.

Does a 600 MH/HPS light sound like too much for 4 (5gal) bucket set-up?

We've been trying to practice germination with bag seeds from friends. Our place must be cold. Nothing is passing the initial tap root phase. Not a great confidence booster before planning to start with headie seeds that cost over $10 bucks a pop.

live and learn, well grow and learn (too tacky?) Also hope everyone has an amazing Memorial Day with friends & or family.

MM's

Mass Medicinals said:

I believe the seeds are in the mail, so we're excited to commence.

I just saw the awesome link on RIU about DWC. And to be honest it sounds a bit intimidating. It looks like the mesh buckets in the 5 gal systems are somewhat deep, and it seems like over kill to put a small cube of rockwool in there at the start. The other fear is when the plants get large and you have to take them out to clean the bucket. Oh right and don't forget about water temps. And don't forget pH.

Does a 600 MH/HPS light sound like too much for 4 (5gal) bucket set-up?

We've been trying to practice germination with bag seeds from friends. Our place must be cold. Nothing is passing the initial tap root phase. Not a great confidence booster before planning to start with headie seeds that cost over $10 bucks a pop.

live and learn, well grow and learn (too tacky?) Also hope everyone has an amazing Memorial Day with friends & or family.

MM's

Click to expand...

600 will do 4 plants just fine. It's not about number of plants. It's about the size of its light footprint. A 400 covers a 3x3 a 600 covers 4x4. Now if your 4 plants get bigger than a 4x4 space than you will need more light. Depends how big they are. If you have never grown before I would run bag seeds on my first crop. That way if something happens your not out the money or the seeds.


Germination in cold weather makes it rough.
I don't germinate ant of my seeds. I plant the literally 1/2 inch or less in the soil a little water and they usually pop in 3 days. But that's me.
My 2 cents.
Nameste

friedguy said:

IMO, if you're relatively new to the game, and you don't have a proven custom setup, then get a pre-made setup.

Every single time I made a custom setup for a new grow method (E&F, DWC, Coco, Soil, CO2, etc) I purchased components that didn't work well together. For example, I have a can fan max fan pro 8" that is so powerful (on low) that it destroyed the zippers on my 4x2x6 tent. And on the flip side, I once had a 4x4x4 custom grow box with a 400w HID cool tube and tried to use an inline fan which wasn't nearly enough. Just like building a race engine, simply buying the most expensive or "best" parts won't do it. They all have to work together in harmony.

Click to expand...

What did you do to lower the temps I plan on having a box about the same size and a 400watt hid

in regard to germination there are a few threads on it but this is what ive been doing.

1 plastic sandwich bag (ounce baggie) toilet paper and a water heater or heating mat.
Place seeds in some toilet paper and place in sandwich bag. Moisten toilet paper and seal bag. Place bag on top of a water heater if its an inside heater or heating mat making sure that your using a piece of cardboard as a base. (keeps the seeds warm but not to hot.

Check in two days and plant whats sprouted..check the others in a day or two.

Germination to seedling. Again a heating mat is very useful as is a large box (cardboard is fine) and a small light.

Id recommend using fem seeds and not bag seed in the first few grows. Using bag seeds creates to many variables.

Bumblebeetuna said:

What did you do to lower the temps I plan on having a box about the same size and a 400watt hid

Click to expand...

Mount the ac in a window close to the tent.
Build any kind of contraption you can. I used a ton of duct tape and cardboard cut to fit lol. To catch the cold air leaving the ac and hook your contraption to a 4 or 6 in hose. Pipe it to the bottom hole on the tent. Done. Then if you run a cool tube use 6 in and put a y in. Then the fan behind it pulling that cold air over the bulb. The other going into the bottom of the tent. Then incorporate your filter if using one. Put a 4 in for out to exhaust 1 of the 2 6 inche that is not going through the cool tube.

If not using a cool tube. Get a 4 in 196 cfm fan filter combo. I have a link for one for 68 dollars. Works great. Set that up as exhaust. Pipe ac in with 6 inch to the bottom hole. 4 in mounted inside top of tent leaving top hole. That way you bring more cold air in than leaving the room. This let's cold air chill in tent for a min before leaving so it can actually cool it down. Instead of using 400 cfm to suck so much air out the ac is irrelevant.
This also creats a small amount of amount of negative pressure as long as you use a small 5000btu ac. This will maximize your filter setup.
Anything more than a small 5000btu ac and you will want a 6 in 300 something cfm fan to create the negative pressure.
Don't create to much or it will literally rip your tent apart.
Hope this helps.

Along,

Is AC necessary?

Also do you have any idea how to determine proper distance between seedlings and Cree 60w LED bulbs?

We have received a lot of feedback from the well-known members, and are starting to look into coco / soil for our first grow after the long hiatus. The seeds are currently in ziplock bags, and once they pop will be planted into jiffy peet pellets. So we have time before the medium selection process is final.

Also tent and light set-up are also pending being purchased.

Just your typical crap or get off the pot logic. Having researched and stressed over what to do for about a month now.

Appreciate all the feedback from people here!!
~MMs

Update and still looking for help:

Okay so here is the list of purchases:

smart grow pots (1 & 5 gal)
coco soil (pre-mixed
Grow light (600w HPS/MH w/hangers) I believe 6" aircooled vents
4x4 Tent
Temp/humidity Meter

Things we are still on the fence about buying, trying to do it all through amazon for ease of shipping:

Nutrients
fans / ducts
Carbon filter
ph meter (are there good ones for under $20?)

We have 3 strains germinating (sorry no pic's at this time)
2-NL sprouted no problem
2-Super Hash also sprouted
2-Super Silver Haze is taking it's time. just seeing a taproot 3 days after starting germination.
All are in Peet Pellets under 12 x 60w LED bulbs.

~MMs