My First Grow Box! Looking for feedback

OK I searched and see what youre talking about now. I will pick one up. Any recommendation on a HPS light? I am searching HTGSupply right now

Maybe something like this.


http://www.amazon.com/LEDwholesalers-GYO2009-3-Piece-Hydroponic-6-Inch/dp/B004HNPGKA/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1366789204&sr=8-15&keywords=cooltube


i have not used a cooltube light so not sure if this is a good one. But along the lines of this maybe?

Check out sworths journal entrees on his page shows his setup and give you some ideas. Looks like he has a nice setup .

I found another one that looks pretty nice.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380594864318?hlp=false

Anyone have any thoughts on this? For 150$

400W Wing Cool Tube Reflector HPS & MH w Dimmable Ballast Grow Light System

400W Digital Electronic Dimmable Ballast w Cooling Fan

• Power output: Dimmable at 50%, 75%, 100%
• Fully compatible for metal halide and high pressure sodium bulbs
• The built-in fuse, cooling fan and graduating fin design resulting in 15% cooler operation
• Stabilize input power and output luminous flux.
• Reduce wastage and improve usable efficiency of power supply equipment capability.
• Open/short circuit protection under input terminal/internal heat and radio frequency for critical component

Reflector Hanger Yoyo:

• High-quality durable Polypropylene Rope
• Made with special heat and cold resistant composite material.
• Rope Ratchet can pull the rope tight and lock it in place.
• One Locking Latch for hanging the reflector, the other one to connect the hanger to the ceiling.
• Up to 150 lbs / 68 kg weight load capacity per pair.
• To provide reliable support & befitting distance from plants with tension mechanism.
• Compatible with all parabolic and round reflectors, so long as hooks and locking latch suit.
• Hanger Size: 3" x 1-1/4"
• Maximum Extension Length: 7 Feet

Package Contents:

• 1x 400W MH Bulb
• 1x 400W HPS Bulb
• 1x 400W Digital Electronic Ballast
• 1x 6" Cool Tube Reflector
• 1Pair Reflector Hangers
• 1x Free Timer

I like it...especially because it is dimmable =)

I wish I'd had the chance to buy when I was in the market for a couple.
It won't be long and no-one will be able to sell magnetic ballasts anymore...

So is there something wrong with the light I posted? What is the difference between the electronic and the magnetic ballast?

Digital ballasts run much quieter and cooler....that's about it really.
Magnetic ballasts can get a real good buzz going (no pun intended ) which was noisy enough for me to change over...

Here's mine

Filter--> ducting---> fan--->ducting---> cooltube---> ducting---out the tent....

It's pretty obvious once the light's in your hand.

Check this video, should give you a reasonable idea

[video=youtube;dHKuAEVDPGU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHKuAEVDPGU[/video]

Thanks for that reply! I was looking for a video like that.

How much CFM does your filter and inline fan have? (My filter is 180 CFM. Recycling my grow box's air 4.5 times per minute. My fan is 190 CFM.)

To be honest, I haven't got a clue! lol

Small grow, pretty much every inline fan is going to be strong enough.

As long as my temps are okay, and the house doesn't stink of herb...I reckon it's "job done"

Its ok I found some great advice in another thread.

raven1290 said:

The filter needs to be rated at a higher cfm than your fan, othewise the air passes through the filter too fast and doesn't get scrubbed. A 4" inline fan will be good. You can also use a speed controller to dial in the perfect airflow.

Click to expand...

My recommendation is go bigger than you need. Try and get a 6" inline you could even get one up to 400 cfm, then get a speed controller. Run your fan at half power and it will be quite. I run a small 4" 160 cfm and it is almost not enough and the thing runs 100% 24/7 and is kinda loud. May pay a little more...but if you have a dimmable ballast and can control fan speeds with more to burn when needed then you can really control temps in that cabinet. You spend a little more but at least your not going back after a couple grows and upgrading.

rwbrock said:

My recommendation is go bigger than you need. Try and get a 6" inline you could even get one up to 400 cfm, then get a speed controller. Run your fan at half power and it will be quite. I run a small 4" 160 cfm and it is almost not enough and the thing runs 100% 24/7 and is kinda loud. May pay a little more...but if you have a dimmable ballast and can control fan speeds with more to burn when needed then you can really control temps in that cabinet. You spend a little more but at least your not going back after a couple grows and upgrading.

Click to expand...

Well my grow box cubic feet is only 40. So isn't using the fan and filter that is 190 CFM already more than I need? Its recycles the air about 4.5 times a minute on max.

Everyone please check the first post I have updated ALL of the links with the new items you all suggested. I also added a picture of the current grow box design.

Updated grow box pic in first post

roesn said:

Carbon Filter - Phresh Filter 4" x 12" 200 CFM w Flange Carbon Can Odor Control Inline Fan
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Phresh-Filter-4-x-12-200-CFM-w-Flange-Carbon-Can-Odor-Control-Inline-Fan-/120839016335?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c22910f8f


Fan for Carbon Filter
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280897495567

Click to expand...

Is there a reason you are buying your fan and filter separate? Below is a fan + filter combo (fan is exactly the same):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280876968539?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

The combo would save you around $60; thought I would point out.

Also best of luck looks like you will have a decent set up! im jelly

Yea I like the fan but I might get more CFM so I can run it on medium instead of high. Ive seen that combo before. With a name like "Value Pro" on the filter, I think Ill stick with the reputable brands suggested like Phresh and Mountain Air. Odor is my main concern.

Any thoughts on the lights? I know that the 400 watt HPS is good but Ive heard that the 600 watt overall is just more efficient and worth the extra money.

600w is definitely worth it as it's dimmable.
I reckon just about every longer term grower here on RIU all up graded within one or two grows...soooo...you're saving yourself even more £/$..

I'm getting a bit green at your set up as well lol! Hurry up and buy it so we can see it in action...please!

(Edit, you're right in wanting the best equipment. But just for anyone with less cash, the combi fan/filter deals do do the job. My first set was the cheapest on EbayUK-and lasted 9 months continual 12/12 before I thought I smelled a slight odour...and then I upgraded!

Well the current 400w HPS in my list is also dimmable. So I guess I should get the same light I have now just get the 600w version? Im still concerned about heat... but I was thinking of getting a higher CFM fan.

My grow box is about 50 square feet. The new fan I found is 440 CFM.(this time a 6" so I can connect easier to my cool tube) The new filter I found is 400 CFM, but Ill never run the fan on high. With the stronger fan to have more control over the temperature and also be able to run it on medium instead of full power. (for less noise and maybe longer life on the fan )

Did you see the picture in the first post? I think that will be the final layout unless someone has a suggestion. Anything from plant count, layout, dimensions .... anything Im planning on ordering ALL of the stuff within the next day or 2.

By the way nice video in your sig