DIY Closet DWC Grow - First grow ever

Edit: If you are not interested in the back story here are jump ahead points: (feel free to read the whole thing, you might learn something and will probably laugh)
page 6: plants arrive
page 10: roots poke through
page 13: price list / materials list
page 16: first reservoir change
page 18: screen gets put in
page 22: 12/12 begins w/ 430w HPS

Hello everyone, This is my very first time growing. I am just in the planning stages and hoping to order some parts soon. I'll lay out the overall plan then get into specifics in case anyone is interested or has advice. So here's what I am planning:

My closet is around 3' X 2.5' X 7.5' (w/d/h). For vegin' I am planning on using a 400 w MH. For flowering a 400 w hps with a 430 w son agro bulb. I am going to purchase some clones (indica) from a collective in Hollywood. For hydro I am planning on using a homemade deep water culture setup. I am also going to try the Screen of Green technique on the plants.

What I do not know yet is if I will run both lights in the closet, having two sections for flowers/ veg. I know temperature is a big deal, from reading I believe 75 f is good for the grow room. I am going to get the room as set up as possible before I put any little plants in, that way I can check temps with lights on, off, day, night, see what happens when my home furnace turns on and heats the bedroom the closet is in. Also I'll be able to check water temps, light leaks, ventilation noise, etc. So, first when I get one light and the fans setup and run them for a day I'll be able to tell if I'll have the option of running both lights in the closet.

Like I said I'm planning on using 400w MH ballast and bulb for veg. I'm going to make my own reflectors to save money. I'm sure some may question this, but I have faith in my skills to make something better than what you can buy (we'll see though). I am using sheet metal to make a parabolic shape reflector with circular vents on each side for intake/ exhaust. I am going to buy the toughest tempered glass I can to seal the things. I am not sure if I am going to use 4 or 6 inch ducting. I will use at least 150 cfm for each lamp, or 300 split between the two.

My room is about 7 sq/ft so the lighting comes out to be 60 w/s/f. I beleive that to be about the most I should do and still see results vs increased electric bill. The space is about 58 cu/ft, so I think I need around 150 cfm to ventilate the room itself (separate from lights). Some things I read say clear the room 3 times a minute, others say once in 3 minutes. I swear, wading though masses of information recorded by potheads can be frustrating sometimes. I really shouldn't talk. At least I know you drill a hole, not a whole. Anyways, I'm beleiving the 3 times a minute thing. Now saying all this, I haven't calculated for carbon filters. I beleive it to cut efficiency by 20%+, so I'll figure that out at some point. I'm going to have the intake come from the bottom of the door (sucking bedroom air - around 65 f). The exhaust will join the light exhaust and be vented out through the roof.

One Question, light vent fan before the light or after? I have read the fan life will be greatly increase in front of the light (makes sense). But, it will create positive pressure in the light enclosure possibly pushing hot air (most likely a small amount) into the grow room. While having the fan after will create negative pressure, making any leaks in the enclosure tiny vacuums for extra hot air in the room. SO, anyone want to wager a guess as to which would be more beneficial?

As for plant/ hydro set up. I'm thinking of one 30 gal rubbermaid bin. I want one bin for ease and for a more stable ph/ ppm levels. For oxygen I am thinking of a Double XL Micro-Pore Air Diffuser with a pump that does around 100 gph. I am going to try distilled water. I will get ph, ppm meter. I'm not sure what Nutes I will be using. Any suggestions are welcome.

For my ScroG I read 1 plant per sq/ft is good. That would make 7 for my little closet. Seems ambitious, so we'll see what happens.

I have more to write but I'm tired of typing for now.

I am planning on having updated pictures throughout construction, and growing. I am also going to keep a well documented log for myself as far as what I did and such. Feel free to ask me any questions or offer any answers/ advice. I have learned alot from the folks on this site and would like to do what I can to let people learn from my experience too.

I got paid the other day so it's time to start getting supplies. I figure I'll tell everyone what I'm getting as I get it, and once all the supplies are compiled I'll make a list with costs and where I got things. So far, the sheet metal for the reflectors is cut and ready to be shaped a little. I bought a rubbermaid tub (37 gal), some 4 inch flexible ducting, a 4 inch Y coupling, rigid ducting to go through roof, an end vent, and finally flat white paint for walls.

The walls in the closet are textured and originally I thought I should smooth them out, or get mylar. But now my thinking on the walls is this, if the walls were smooth, or cotaed with mylar the angles the light hits the plant will be reduced. Does that make sense to anyone. I'm sure it doesn't make that much difference, but I thought it would be more like nature. The sun hitting outdoor plants is bouncing off everything around it to light more pieces of plant.

I've been checking temps around the closet. The air near the bottom of the door (bedroom air) is around 65 f. The closet itself, with the door closed is around 65 - 70.

I don't know if I already said it, but I'm doing this entire setup on a budget. Hopefully I can spend (including tax) less than $500. We'll see, right.

The pics are of the sheet metal for reflectors, the closet, the resivoir, and some flower pots I found lying around. Do you think these would be enough holes for the roots? I'll probably end up buying some net pots.

I bought some more stuff. I'm wrapping the rubbermaid with aluminium tape to block all light. It seems to work very well. I weather striped the closet door for light. I might cut a hole in the roof today. I decided I would get supplies for a level gauge on the resivoir. I also copied an air stone setup from a guy [http://forum.grasscity.com/general-indoor-growing/121335-lets-build-bubble-bucket-step-step.html] and bought enough extra supplies to cover the setup I'm making.

I have revised my cost estimate. I would now like to get in under $800. That's still pretty cheap for the kind of setup I will end up with.

I finished taping up my resivoir and I feel like I went a bit overkill, but whatever, the tape wasn't expensive. I also put together my level guage and the hoses for the bubblers. I'm going to order 4 med. cylinder airstones to plug in.

I spent yesterday installing a floor, so I can afford to order more stuff.

I'm bad with estimations. I thought I could get away under $500, then decided $800 would be good. Well, I haven't added everything up, but the total from my order for the lights/ fans/ nutes was $800. That doesn't include the stuff I've already got, or the plants I'm going to buy. I don't really have a steady job so money now is short now. Due to my bad planning I have had to change my blueprints just a bit.

I am now (for my first grow) going to use one space and one resevoir for the entire grow. This way I can wait a couple monthes to get... MH Ballast, another power timer, clonex, rockwool, 2nd bubbler system (pump, hoses, res, water, hardware). I'm going to get a MH conversion bulb for this grow. I guess this will be good for my first time, cause I won't have to start my own moms, take clones, and root them. Unfortunately, I won't have a mother for next time, but it's cool. Just an extra trip to buy more clones, or I can try germinating some of the seeds I have.

What I did end up buying was a 400w hps ballast, 430w son agro bulb, 400w mh conversion bulb, timer, air stones, 6 in. net pots, hydroton, 38 L/min. air pump, ph up/down, 435cfm fan, fan controller, nutrients, ph/ec/tds meter. I feel bad for the UPS driver, we have 30 steps up to the front door.

I'm listening to sirius radio - hip hop nation right now and they just played "Go Hard - remix" by DJ Khaled w/ JayZ and Kanye. I'd never heard it before, but DAMN it is bomb. Don't know if any of you like that kind of music, but if you don't your missing out (go ahead make fun). Do booming subwoofers bother the plants? I bet they like it.

I'm guessing my supplies will be here by the 28th. It's gonna be on.

Thanks to all the visitors so far. Pics to come when there is anything new.

I forgot, Happy New President's Day.

Regardless your politics, you have to admit we have a better shot at getting medical marijuana federally legalized under Obama than the departing guy, or the guy that lost the vote. Then I could move out of California and still smoke & grow.

Let's keep our fingers crossed (just don't hold your breath).

UPS emailed today and told me Jan 29th should be the delivery date for all the stuff I ordered the other day. I can't wait.

I put in some boards and weather stripping at the bottom and top of my door frame so the lights don't keep me up at night.

I also went shopping again. Pics below. The store sold metal screens with the size gap I wanted, but they only sold in huge rolls. So I picked up a 'sheet' of stucco backing, it was a lot cheaper. It had the right size screen (2in x 2 in) and I'm just going to cut off the paper stuff. I also got some roof patch, thermometer/ humidity meter, metal strap for light, 2 in black pvc (2) elbows and pipe for extension, attic fan thermostat, grates for ventilation holes my closet door (to be cut soon), Target had cheap electical cords so I got an extension cord to be cut and used for my ballast, and a power bar. I also got a fan at lowes that I didn't realize until I took the picture it rotates on a 360 axis. If you look at the picture you may find it hard to believe I didn't notice the 360 action earlier. I was pretty baked and tired as well.

While in the process of typing this post I have cut the screen to fit and placed it around where it will be to look at. It isn't attached to anything yet.

I think that's it. I can't wait. Things are coming together. Thanks much to all you guys on here - Rollitup.

Since my last post I have ordered an exhaust fan for the closet. My closet is 58 cu/ft. I ordered a 27cfm fan. I figured with that blowing through some carbon it would be worth 20cfm or so. That would clear the room in less than 3 min. I don't know when this will be delivered.

I just ordered this morning from ebay: Hanna GroMeter Ph/ ppm/ ec/ temp continuous monitor. It should be delivered when the lights and nutes get here.

Also, the 360 fan I got doesn't oscillate. I guess I should have looked at the box closer. Anyhow it's too big too, so I'm going to get two smaller fans to keep things circulating.

I don't know what every ones experience is, but I'm not getting any supplements for my plants this time. Just the nutrients. Is this a mistake? We'll find out I guess.

Nice set-up man Good luck with ur dwc contraption.

holy shit, subscribed, Ur going all out for ur first grow...for my first I used a bunch of cfls

I say dont worry ab putting mylar on the walls, the white paint will be fine

yes I listen to rap and ur right the "go hard" remix does go hard

and yes it is a mistake not getting supplements...some Veg and Bloom nutrients dont have the secondary nutrients the plants need (CalMG) which will impact the buds during flowering.

If U have seeds U should practice germinating now (it is a skill that requires great patience to learn) and by the time U get the rest of the equip U will be set to go with no waiting

good luck with the DWC cant wait to see some bushes in that sweet ass setup

I bought some activated carbon for the filter I'm going to make. It was strange, at Petco where I found the carbon there were two brands. The petco brand I got and some name brand. There were 3 sizes of each, each were the same prices (3.99, 7.99, 12.99). They looked to be the same sized, they felt to weigh the same, but the weights listed were completely different. The carbon in each was the same style nuggets. I bought the 28oz for 12.99 and the name brand said 14oz. Same for the other sizes. I know the world isn't being affected by this, but I am deeply disturbed by things that make no sense like that.

Spittn4cash said:

...
and yes it is a mistake not getting supplements...some Veg and Bloom nutrients dont have the secondary nutrients the plants need (CalMG) which will impact the buds during flowering.

Click to expand...

Thanks to my big homie Spittn4cash I'm looking into supplements. I've been spending the evening reading up on the things. I swear my head is spinning with all the different stuff. I think Voodoo Juice and Big Bud are the favorites around the forum. I'm checking it out. These are the items I've read people gush over Voodoo Juice, Piranha, Tarantula, SensiZym, Carbo Load Liquid, Big Bud, mother earth bloom, B52, overdrive, connoisseur, bud blood, Rhizotonic, Thrive Alive B-1, Liquid Karma, Pro-Grow , Pro-Bloom. All are welcome to comment on any experiences they have had with any of these or others.

I'll let you guys know what I choose.

blakkmask said:

Hey dude little tip for anyone usind rubbermaid tub bubblers, use marine glue(referably the "GOOP" brand) to section of the plants roots using 1 inch pliable netting. Keeps roots untangle and makes it easier to remove plants for maintenance and what not. if you can find plastic coated metal netting, that would be the best. try and find out what kind of metal is safe to be in the res with plants and find chicken wire made of that material.

Click to expand...

Thanks to blakkmask I'm going to check into getting some kind of netting for the res to put in between plants. I have read about a lot of people complaining about tangled roots, but this was the first I heard of sectioning things off. Sounds pretty easy to do for what sounds like a potentially nasty problem.

I love this website. I swear it was one of the main reasons Al Gore invented the internet.

cruzer101 said:

Hi jig,

Looks good, I know what you mean about the budget. I am always getting some new toy for my grow. Just thought I would mention something. I think I read you are going to use a 27cfm fan? you mean 270 right? 27 ant gonna cut it.
​

Click to expand...

It is a 27 cfm for 57 cu/ft. That is for the room. I have a 465 cfm fan to cool the 400w light.

The ambient temp is 65 so as long as I can keep the light cool I don't figure I'll need a lot of circulation.

However, I ordered a 110 cfm fan just in case there are heat or humidity issues when the plants start growing.

This is why I'm setting things up before any plants get in there, but thanks for the advice.

Input always welcome.

I've been told that GH's Floralicious Plus is a better product. It supposedly has what Liquid Karma and HydroGuard have, as well as some other stuff.

And it costs less, and is easier to use.

Spittn4cash said:

I've been told that GH's Floralicious Plus is a better product. It supposedly has what Liquid Karma and HydroGuard have, as well as some other stuff.

And it costs less, and is easier to use.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip.

When I was looking around I found a thread on here of someone claiming they got 21oz. dry weight from 2 plants that were 3.5ft tall. Everyone asked for pictures and there was no reply from the guy. Lame.

Tonight I bought some netting for the roots. I'll post pics tomorrow. I started cutting it to fit. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to fit it all together.

Still looking at supplements. I think I'm going to have to wait a couple weeks until I get paid again to keep things going. The only things left are supplements and plants. I'm budgeting $200 for the supplements.

Thanks for all the help, and thanks for stopping by.

What's up guys. I am going to go with Ducth Masters supplements to go with my nutes. I'm sure I could mix it up, but there is just too much choices. So I'm ordering DM Gold Penetrator, Liquid Light, Max Grow, Max Flower, Zone, Silica, Potash+. I'm going to see if there is anything else to add that wouldn't just be a waste.

I'm still working on the netting. I beleive I'm going to have a pretty bad ass setup when I am done, I really hope I can produce some fitting results. Joints for all who help.

I'll post pics soon.

This is going to be a good grow, good luck man!

Thanks for the support guys.

Here's the pics of the netting and such.

My meter should be delivered today. The rest of the gear today or tomorrow.

One note about the netting I used, DO NOT use this unless you have a heat gun. The stuff is so set in it's coil, it's taken quite a bit of patience to get it flat. The last two pictures are of the heat gun, the two before those a before and after using the heat gun. If you do try this, I used the medium (800F) setting on the heat gun and held it about 8 inches away. I found letting it cool after going over it once and doing it again helped too.

My meter came in the mail. The receipt pic I took reads: $146.93. That is for a Hanna ph/temp/ec/tds, plus tax and shipping. I ordered on Sunday and was here Wednesday morning, Atlanta to California. eseasongear.com

[end commercial]

UPS called twice to tell me my package of goodies arrive tomorrow. It's all coming together (mostly).

I was thinking originally about using distilled water, but I never really thought about how much water I would be using over the course of a grow for 6 plants I plan on being quite thirsty. Anyhow I think I'll have around 24-26 gal in the res. If I change the res every 2 weeks for at least 12 weeks... anyways, I don't know why people debate using distilled water at all considering the cost of an RO filter. Distilled water would be way more expensive than anything more then 2 plants for 1 grow. So, I'll be ordering a 5 stage RO filter from ebay when the funds roll in.

I finished the netting. What I did was flatten and cut out the 3 pieces. I cut into the main/ center piece the first few 'squares' where the 2 other pieces would meet up. The 2 smaller pieces I cut all the way down the center, Except the top and bottom 3 'squares'. Can you see what's coming next. I slid the small pieces over the main and 'hooked' into place with the overhanging bits. I've always loved puzzles. I also cut out larger squares to slide the pvc pipes through. Pics below.

Thanks again for all the help and for coming through and checking out what's new. Together we are going to grow some BOMB weed. It really is a shame we can't pass a joint through a chat room or something.

Good luck with this grow. I almost went with a DWC scrog in 42g res for my new setup so I'll be watching this.