Tent Setup?

Okay, so after much research and planning, it just isn't feasible to set up my spare bedroom and have it as stealthy as I need it to be. So I've decided to go with a GrowLab GL240 7'11" x 7'11" x 6'7" grow tent instead for multiple reasons. I'm planning on running 2x 600w lights, 1x Hortilux Blue and 1x Hortilux Super HPS, simultaneously. With my previous plan, I was going to do the Titan Flo n Gro setup starting with 10 plants. With this tent, I'm thinking about cutting the number of plants down to 6-8 and growing them to about 5' but I'm not sure of an optimal hydroponics system. My previous experience was with 6 plants running a home built DWC system which was my first time going hydro. I'm looking for any input as to a good ebb and flow or DWC system along the same price range as the Flo n Gro that would work with these tent dimensions, as well as any additional feedback regarding the setup. Thanks!

Pics and budget will help you here.

Welcome to RIU by the way

I could say what I'd do in what you say you have, but I'll let the hydro experts speak up....

-spek

I'd like to not spend more than $600 on the hydro setup itself. I'm already wondering if I should upgrade the lighting setup with the tent size. I'll also be using 6" Hydrofarm Radiant reflectors to try to keep the temp in check.

big ol' tent! those 2 x 600w might get used up on flowering alone, you might want to get some additional lights for vegging if you are going to partition inside the tent. as for the hydro, someone else can chime in, i have no DWC experience. if that is what you have used before though, not a bad idea to stick with what you know.

Well I still have the 1000w MH ballast from my last grow. Maybe I'll just use a 1000w Sunmaster warm deluxe, a 600w Hortilux super HPS, and go with a 4'x8'x6.5' tent to save on some cost. Does anyone know if that size would work for 6-8x 5 gallon buckets without space or heat issues? I may need to build my own DWC system if I can't find a reliable pre built hydro setup to work in that tent size. My last DWC wasn't a RDWC and was a little iffy so I'd like something a bit more functional. I love ebb and flow as well as DWC. I'm just trying to figure out a low maintenance hydro system that is tent suitable with that low 6.5' ceiling.

On 2nd thought, that 1000w is going to be a pain to keep cool. What's everyone's thoughts on a Secret Jardin 4x8x6.5 tent running a GH Waterfarm with 8 plants with a 600w super HPS and a 600w super blue?

yeah man, that would work out nice, easier to work with a 4x8 than an 8x8 because you utilize the space more, you don't waste tent space for access. the other thing, you realize these tents don't come partitioned right? you will need to buy (never seen them but someone must have invented one by now) or make a reflective partition sheet to completely seal the 2 parts off so there is no light cross over.

if you want a system that is low maintenance, i would definately go for a wilma system. it is a simple tank/dripper feed system that has never failed me and it requires very very little maintenance. other than swapping out the solution once a week, you don't have to do anything.

Alright. The build has been planned out and ordered/purchased.

Secret Jardin 8'x4'x6.5' grow tent
2x 600 watt ballasts
2x 6" air cooled Radiant reflectors
2x Hortilux Super HPS bulbs
1x 6" 400cfm inline fan
1x 6" inline booster fan

I've also ordered everything for the hydroponics setup. I decided to do a home built recirculating DWC system using 8x 5 gallon buckets and a 18 gallon controller running 3/4" return lines and 1/4" feeds per bucket. I'm going to be keeping the reservoir and controller outside of the tent to keep water temp in check. I'll be running the 440 cfm through the tent's ceiling vent pulling through the lower floor vent and will run the booster fan: in > ducting > reflector > ducting > reflector > ducting > booster > out.' I think this will turn out pretty well. I'll post pics of the setup in a new thread when I start to document the grow.