iApathy's Journal #1 - PC Growbox - [Bagseed]

Let's give this whole PC Growbox thing a try and see how it turns out. However, this is also my first grow so it will be a learning experience as well, no harm if I don't get great yield this time.

Parts List
ENERMAX CSX10182-BA-1 Black Steel Server Computer Case [22" x 8.1" x 20.6"(DxWxH)] - $23
2-3 80mm PC Case Fans - Free (Come free with most cases, size will depend on your case)
2x Windshield Sun Reflectors - $30
1 Pack Heavy Duty Velcro - $3
1 Double Pack 20W 6500k CFL's - $10
1 Double Pack 20W 2700K CFL's - $10
4 Outlet-to-Light Socket Adapter's - $5
1 Surge Protector Power Strip - $5
1 12V Power cable - Free (Almost everyone has one of these laying around somewhere, if not then you can pick one up for around $3)
1 Roll Electrical Tape - $1

Total Cost: $90
**I did not include the cost of pots, soil, and nutrients because some people choose to grow hydroponically or otherwise so the cost in that area will vary.



To begin, I soaked 6 seeds in water until they sank to the bottom (roughly 12 hours), then I put them in a wet paper towel in a cup, and placed the cup on the windowsill. 3 days later I had 3 seeds germinated with several centimeter long roots beginning to grow. I planted the 3 seeds in Miracle Gro Organic Soil inside of red dixie cups. I hung one one 6500k CFL about 4 inches from the cups on an 18/6 timer.


It is now two days later and I have my first sprout! I decided to add more lights, now I have 2x 6500k CFL's and 1x 2700k CFL. As you can see from these pictures, the box isn't quite finished. I only bought 1 windshield sun reflector and it wasn't enough to cover the whole box so I had to just quickly cover the large holes up with the scraps I had left over. I'm going to buy a 2nd sun reflector and properly redo the parts that need it. There are also quite a few light leaks but I'm not too worried about them at the moment.

After waiting several days with no signs of the other two plants growing, I dug them up and tried planting two new seeds straight into the dirt (without germinating in a paper towel) at the suggestion of a friend. Two days ago, the other two plants finally sprouted and are catching up to the middle plant quite quickly. They seem to be doing well although I do think I may have been over-watering just a bit (the middle plant looks a little droopy to me).

One question though, the plant on the right ended up sprouting towards the edge of the cup. Is this going to cause problems or is it okay to leave it that way until I transplant into a bigger pot?

EDIT: Actually make that two questions. To anyone else that has grown in a PC case, or just has experience with CFL's: I would like to add one more bulb to the case, however that means that at least two of the CFL's would be touching each other. Would it be safe to have them touching, or is that going to cause them to overheat and break or something like that? I'll wait for a response before I add one because they seem to be doing just fine without it.

iApathy said:

After waiting several days with no signs of the other two plants growing, I dug them up and tried planting two new seeds straight into the dirt (without germinating in a paper towel) at the suggestion of a friend. Two days ago, the other two plants finally sprouted and are catching up to the middle plant quite quickly. They seem to be doing well although I do think I may have been over-watering just a bit (the middle plant looks a little droopy to me).

One question though, the plant on the right ended up sprouting towards the edge of the cup. Is this going to cause problems or is it okay to leave it that way until I transplant into a bigger pot?

EDIT: Actually make that two questions. To anyone else that has grown in a PC case, or just has experience with CFL's: I would like to add one more bulb to the case, however that means that at least two of the CFL's would be touching each other. Would it be safe to have them touching, or is that going to cause them to overheat and break or something like that? I'll wait for a response before I add one because they seem to be doing just fine without it.

Click to expand...

I Am currently conducting a pc grow and from what Iv researched I believe it becomes a fire hazard if the cfl's touch, don't quote me on that but I wouldn't just to be safe. I have also read that you need at least 100w (actual wattage) per plant so you may require more lighting.