First Sterilite Box Grow..Any Suggestions?

Hey all, thanks for stopping by. This will be my first Sterilite box grow,
using 6 x 26w Soft white CFLs on the top, and 2 x 40w Cool white CFLs on both sides.
The set up is a cheap, but efficient one costing about $50-$55.

For soil, Ill be using Miracle-Gro Potting mix with time released plant food,
as well as Miracle-Gro Perlite.


Here is the box its-self. No lights set up yet, but I plan on using
the lasagna pan hood for the top, and the good ol' beer can reflectors on the sides
As for the size of the bucket Im using, IM not too sure, but it should be good for the job.


To make moving the top light hood easier, I rigged a string too the top of the hood, and through the top of the box.
Will probably have to change the string to wire when I add the lights.


The top.

(SORRY, dont know why this pic came out so big^^)

And tie her up like a boat to keep it in place.



Im open too any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated .
 

RRain

Active Member
I only know by hearing from others, but I have heard miracle grow isn't the best for growing bud. Not like its gonna kill your plant or anything, just heard its harder to work with.
 
I only know by hearing from others, but I have heard miracle grow isn't the best for growing bud. Not like its gonna kill your plant or anything, just heard its harder to work with.
I guess Ill find out, a buddy of mine uses it and it works good for him, figured Id give it a go.

I am using MG soil and had no problem yet...almost 3 weeks in my rubbermaid grow...nifty setup btw...GL!!
Thanks bro, show a pic of your setup?
 

GreenThumb17244

Active Member
Come check out journal link in sig. But here is preview...IMG_20120411_190611.jpg
this is from like day one...but thank you for making me realize I need to take more pics...will post better pics in journal tonight after ladies wake up...any questions bout my setup or nething else I will answer the best I can...
 
More pics coming soon, set up will be up and running by monday, just gotta install the lights and pick up a clone(Sour D), stay tuned.
 

Lady.J

Well-Known Member
I only know by hearing from others, but I have heard miracle grow isn't the best for growing bud. Not like its gonna kill your plant or anything, just heard its harder to work with.

Yea I have read this in several places too. Yes, you can grow with it...but you might be setting yourself up for potential nute problems, makes it harder on your first grow. Also, it can make your entire grow less productive since you're not treating the plant for the nutes it needs and instead giving it a predetermined amount. You can get organic soil for the same price maybe even less than MG, and use some organic nutes according to your plants needs. But then again this is your grow and all up to you! I wish you luck and am subbed =).
 
Yea I have read this in several places too. Yes, you can grow with it...but you might be setting yourself up for potential nute problems, makes it harder on your first grow. Also, it can make your entire grow less productive since you're not treating the plant for the nutes it needs and instead giving it a predetermined amount. You can get organic soil for the same price maybe even less than MG, and use some organic nutes according to your plants needs. But then again this is your grow and all up to you! I wish you luck and am subbed =).
I might consider a different soil type, any suggestions for a better soil?

What for lights u using?...cant make it out in pic
6x 26watt cfls 1700 lumens
and will be adding 2x 40 watters
 

GreenThumb17244

Active Member
Beware of heat issues w/ 6 cfl's...hope u have a good ventilation...just bought a therm. Today and my box was at 90 deg. After 1 hr with 6 cfl's....making bigger vent whole now!!
 

FrostyTheBudMan

Well-Known Member
A few things I would add. Get rid of the aluminum pan as a reflector, that is going to create hot spots with your lights. You have the box plenty reflective, ditch the aluminum. I would run the box for a few days to get a good feel on the heat before you add your babies. Also MG Time released works, but be careful adding additional nutes to it as you can get a lockout from too much. Then it becomes harder to flush it out, as the time released MG gives off its nutes by watering.
 
A few things I would add. Get rid of the aluminum pan as a reflector, that is going to create hot spots with your lights. You have the box plenty reflective, ditch the aluminum. I would run the box for a few days to get a good feel on the heat before you add your babies. Also MG Time released works, but be careful adding additional nutes to it as you can get a lockout from too much. Then it becomes harder to flush it out, as the time released MG gives off its nutes by watering.
I have the pan lined with mylar, do you think Ill still have hot spots? I was thinking the pan would make it easier to maneuver.

Beware of heat issues w/ 6 cfl's...hope u have a good ventilation...just bought a therm. Today and my box was at 90 deg. After 1 hr with 6 cfl's....making bigger vent whole now!!
Yes, im adding a little 12v computer fan before I start the grow, also trying to find a mini osculating fan for additional air flow.


Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.:leaf:
 

FrostyTheBudMan

Well-Known Member
I have the pan lined with mylar, do you think Ill still have hot spots? I was thinking the pan would make it easier to maneuver.
I'd just be careful with heat buildup in it then. Being able to maneuver your light is essential, but like all things with this hobby, it is a learn as you grow. You learn your space, until you outgrow it so to speak.



Yes, im adding a little 12v computer fan before I start the grow, also trying to find a mini osculating fan for additional air flow.
Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.:leaf:
Just make sure you do a test run of at least 24 hours to watch the temp, before you add the girls.

You have a good start, looking forward to the ride, Happy Growing!
 
I'd just be careful with heat buildup in it then. Being able to maneuver your light is essential, but like all things with this hobby, it is a learn as you grow. You learn your space, until you outgrow it so to speak.




Just make sure you do a test run of at least 24 hours to watch the temp, before you add the girls.

You have a good start, looking forward to the ride, Happy Growing!
Thanks frosty, much appreciated, will have more pics ASAP.
 
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