New grow room

BigDawg@1964

BigDawg@1964

Active Member
Built my grow room in corner of garbage with a window, I have small window AC that I can run for fan only for fresh air intake and run ac on hot days, size is 8x12 plywood walls and concrete floor, all covered with panda film, using optic 1 leds x 4, also using 6 in hydro active exhaust fan with ducting running into attic of house since my state is illegal, my fist issue was when I turned on fans and ac it sucked the floor up to the level of lights. Lol turned into one big white balloon the floor is not stapled like the walls, but I am setup with four grow spots 1 plant per light, I have good air movement and plants are thriving, my next issue will be this winter when temps bottom out I am going to use space heater for temps but not sure on getting outside air in. It's my first grow room build and still working out kinks but glad I am to the point of watching plants grow without the worries of helicopters. Lol
 
Renfro

Renfro

Well-Known Member
You shouldnt vent into the attic because when it's cold outside it can condense humidity on the inside of the roof sheathing and cause black mold.

If you have an exhaust fan you should have an intake vent, usually 2 - 2.5 times the area of the exhaust.
 
coreywebster

coreywebster

Well-Known Member
Plus if your illegal and venting into an attic the whole attic is going to light up like a beacon to a chopper with a flir cam.
 
JSB99

JSB99

Well-Known Member
BigDawg@1964 said:
Built my grow room in corner of garbage with a window, I have small window AC that I can run for fan only for fresh air intake and run ac on hot days, size is 8x12 plywood walls and concrete floor, all covered with panda film, using optic 1 leds x 4, also using 6 in hydro active exhaust fan with ducting running into attic of house since my state is illegal, my fist issue was when I turned on fans and ac it sucked the floor up to the level of lights. Lol turned into one big white balloon the floor is not stapled like the walls, but I am setup with four grow spots 1 plant per light, I have good air movement and plants are thriving, my next issue will be this winter when temps bottom out I am going to use space heater for temps but not sure on getting outside air in. It's my first grow room build and still working out kinks but glad I am to the point of watching plants grow without the worries of helicopters. Lol
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Window ACs do not exchange air. They only cool the existing air. A minisplit exchanges the air, but not a window shaker.

Unless you've extensively sealed your room, like you would do if you were supplementing co2, your plants will get plenty of fresh air. Especially with how often you're going to be in and out of there.
 
JSB99

JSB99

Well-Known Member
Renfro said:
Wrong.

A minisplit doesnt even have a way to exchange air!

The window shaker will leak a little.
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I was thinking that all mini splits exchange air, but it looks like both exist.

And yes, a window AC will have some leaks, along with other parts of the room. The exhaust fan, blowing into the attic, will bring in plenty of fresh air.
 
Renfro

Renfro

Well-Known Member
JSB99 said:
I was thinking that all mini splits exchange air, but it looks like both exist.
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All minisplits have an air handler (it goes in your room) and a condenser unit (goes outside). The only connections are refrigerant lines and electrical. There is no way a mini split can exchange air.

Window AC units are designed to leak a little because for air quality you want a little fresh air intake for your home otherwise unhealthy CO2 levels can occur.
 
Renfro

Renfro

Well-Known Member
A ducted minisplit only has the potential to exchange air if the air handler is located outside the grow room, but even then they are not likely to exchange air with the outside since they are inside.
 
JSB99

JSB99

Well-Known Member
Renfro said:
A ducted minisplit only has the potential to exchange air if the air handler is located outside the grow room, but even then they are not likely to exchange air with the outside since they are inside.
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I was just reading up on this. I always thought they exchanged air, but I guess that's like an extra option for some units.
 
coreywebster

coreywebster

Well-Known Member
Porky101 said:
I disagree. Putting any insulation over the concrete is going to cause mold issues underneath. Leave the concrete open to breath.

Put the plants on something to protect from the cold.
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Yeah fair point, guess there's a big difference between insulating the entire floor and just one section where spillages are possible.
 
Porky101

Porky101

Well-Known Member
coreywebster said:
Yeah fair point, guess there's a big difference between insulating the entire floor and just one section where spillages are possible.
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The thing is, in a grow, water will always get everywhere. Insulating also means water cant escape. Trust me. I have had so many floods. NOWHERE IS SAFE!!!:D

And Rule #1: Electricity up high.
 
Therrion

Therrion

Well-Known Member
I don't know about exchange, but I do know I could smell bud outside mine before I got a mini-split. From what I understand, smell can transfer through condensation. If you live in an illegal state, I would definitely use a ductless mini-split which doesn't exchange air. Plus, your power bill will thank you.
 
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