I made a soil pc grow box for about $40 bucks. I already had a pc case, fans and other equipment though. I wouldn't spend $400 on something you could make in a single night for under a hundred with hydro. You can buy perfect light fixtures for the cfls from a surplus store for about $1.50. The ones I bought even had a metal fastener tube with the wiring ran through it so it was super easy to install. All I needed to do was drill a hole, pull the wiring and the threaded tip through and top it off with a nut. You can also remove the brackets from the inside by drilling/tapping the rivets out and with a little trial and error the first time it comes out and after that its easy the next time.
You should find one you like and study how its made, along with other DIY pc grow boxes and you'll make a very nice one for a fraction of the price. With all the information out there on how to build your own I wouldn't spend the money.
I'm going to be putting clones in mine soon and using the LST method. I did quite a bit of research before I built mine and PM me if you have any questions. Below is the basics I used to make mine, it may insult your intelligence, but it makes for good start and the beginings of a nice shopping list.
Computer Box(free-$50) – Remove all components except fans if the placement works.
Wiring(free-$5) – Use the same grade wiring used in construction when hooking up your lights. Read up on basic electrical connection types so you don’t burn the place down.
light/vapor Barrier($1-$20) – For stealth purposes and for durring the flowering cycle so no outside light hits the plants when the lights are off. There many ways of doing this and it usually incorporates reflective material you want. This can range in price quite a bit
Reflective material($1-20) – Increases efficiency of bulbs. Do not use tin foil because it reflects improperly due to crinkles. a surplus or grow shop should sell good reflective material. I've also read using car window reflectors made with mylar and also painting the wall white works the best for a cheap solution.
Active Carbon Filter($6-$10) - a container of active carbon runs for under $10 at most pet stores. Its in the aquarium section. google DIY active carbon filter for directions on how to make it. You don't need much and if too much is used it will restrict air flow, raising the air temp. It can be made to remove all traces of smell of the grow according to others. I will soon be finding out for myself.
Light Fixtures($1.50) – cheap ones from surplus stores. They have many varieties to meet just about any placement needs you will have.
Thermometer($2-$25) - shows air temp. Optimal temp is around 70-80F.
Light bulbs($8-$40) - Research shows many people use 42w(150-200w equivilant) or higher bulbs for veg. Make sure you use the propper light spectrum per stage and that they have self-contained ballasts.
Vegetation Satge - 6500K Daylight white - 42w variety very common at hardware stores.
Flowering Stage - 2700K Warm white - 42w variety very common at hardware stores.
Light Timer($5)- A wall plugin light timer can be bought for under 5 bucks and all you do is plug it in and set the time.
Chicken coupe fencing(free-$10) - Used for the scrog method. Its Installed approx 9-12 inches from the base of the plant.
![[seriousdesert]](/data/avatars/m/247/247143.jpg?1275382087){kind=avatar}
