planning out my first grow, suggestions?

[Stoney McGuiver]

hey guys I'm planning out my first grow and I'm really excited about it. I was coming here to make a journal of my efforts and try an get some advice throughout the process.

So here's my plan so far:

I'll be using an empty dresser roughly 2' deep by 3.5' wide by 5' tall.
I plan on using either a 400 or 600 watt high pressure sodium with a cool tube reflector. I'll also be using a MH conversion bulb for Veg though.

I intend at this point on using the microgarden Aero system which uses spray jets for nutrients instead of flooding.

I will also be using an adequate exhaust fan and carbon filter. Also I plan to use mylar coating on the walls. I've heard this is the best for reflecting light. anyone think differently?

One more thought I had was to get some LED grow light bulbs that fit in a standard socket and install light tracks up the sides of my space for suppliment lighting but I'm still not sure that's necessary.

So you know the equipment, as far as plants I'll be using clones, most likely AK-47.

So there's my initial plan. If no one has any suggestions on what to change I'll be starting here in the next couple weeks.

[SPEARCHUCKER]

All sounds good. Nice selection on the bud. And welcome to the board.

I would not worry about the LED lights. They are not that powerful at the moment. If you wanted to add some Red feeding color to it. The 2700 color temp CFLs produce about 70% usable Red feeding light. But they also put off some heat. So if you have no problem cooling the area. Wouldnt hurt, the more red you toss on plants the better.

[Stoney McGuiver]

Originally Posted by SPEARCHUCKER

I would not worry about the LED lights. They are not that powerful at the moment. If you wanted to add some Red feeding color to it. The 2700 color temp CFLs produce about 70% usable Red feeding light. But they also put off some heat. So if you have no problem cooling the area. Wouldnt hurt, the more red you toss on plants the better.

Sounds like a good idea. I'm not too worried about extra lights but I intend to grow some pretty tall plants and I want the bottoms of the plants to still get some light.

[fleshstain]

welcome to MP McGuiver.... sounds like a good setup.... personally, i wouldn't worry about the LED lighting.... i'd stick with the 400 watter too.... if your dresser is only 5' tall, after you add your light and containers, or hydro system, you're probably only going to have around 3' height left for plant growth.... i've grown in a 2' x 4' x 6' cabinet that had 1 400W HPS, all plants were between 3-4 feet, and didn't have any issues with the lower growth.... however, i did trim the lower 3rd....

another possibility not too many think of is double harvesting your plants.... when the top half of the buds are mostly mature clip them and leave the lower buds and vegetation.... after another week or so the bottom half should be mature.... the buds that would normally wind up in the hash bin are now fully mature and smokable.... you also get a bit of extra weight from letting the lower half mature.... it's not a lot of extra weight, but then again, every gram counts right?

best of luck on your grow!

[d_j_in_naptown]

Ive had 30 plants in a 9x2 while keeping 4 in the buddin stage i only use fluro for veg but a hps or mh for buding so i wouldnt use led's but if you want light that will help the bottom of the plant just put a reg.. 2 foot fluro at the bottom the plant will soon resemble being toped with out havein to top it then i peronaly recomened bat guana its high in pho. for big buds great pair wit the hps or mh ak47 is ok but afgani skunk is my favorite so in the dresser should suit you just fine

[d_j_in_naptown]

Ive had 30 plants in a 9x2 while keeping 4 in the buddin stage i only use fluro for veg but a hps or mh for buding so i wouldnt use led's but if you want light that will help the bottom of the plant just put a reg.. 2 foot fluro at the bottom the plant will soon resemble being toped with out havein to top it then i peronaly recomened bat guana its high in pho. for big buds great pair wit the hps or mh ak47 is ok but afgani skunk is my favorite so in the dresser should suit you just fine

[JBonez]

if you really want my suggestion,

scrap all of your ideas and get a homebox S.

check out my sig for what to do to get it up and running. You wont be disappointed. Tents are easier to work with unless you arent worried about being able to break down your grow.

peace,

jb

[Hamster Lewis]

I gotta agree....I love my tents...you can put them up and break them down quickly, they are light and mobile if need be and they are good quality...