So here I am again thinking about the box idea and the more I look at it, the more I see potential problems that could arise. So I am cooking up something a little less experimental. For this design I figured, go big or go home. So this one would be an optimal "all out" design, or at least what I consider all out.
This will be a very simple, but reliable build. I am thinking a box, 6 ft tall, 4 ft. wide and 3 ft. deep. This box will have the ability to see a grow from start to finish.
So I have my dimensions down and again this will have a hinged door on the front to allow for easy access. Two medium strength 5 ft. chains will hold the lighting in place and allow for the bar to be adjusted. For air circulation I have two options I could use two small computer fans mounted somewhere in the middle with two small pvc pipes acting as the outward vents at the bottom, or I could get a small counter top box fan and mount it in the middle somewhere. Set the box fan on a low setting and it should provide ample circulation. Which one I go with depends on what is tried and true, and what will function the best.
When all holes are cut and everything has been placed, secured and sealed I will seal the seams of the box with seal-gap and cover the seals with mylar tape. Once the seals have dried I will give the inside a layer of mylar from top to bottom. At this point the only light that should be escaping is the light from the exhaust system and maybe the seam of the door. I am not sure what to do about the door seam as I can not seal it like I will do with the seams inside the box. Maybe I will mount a flap that will run along the external seam of the door that will act as a cover when the door is closed.
That should wrap up the inside of the box. Unless I am missing something?
For cosmetic purposes maybe the outside of the box will be sanded down and have a finish applied to it, but I don't really see the point as it is pretty hard to make a six foot tall box blend in with anything.
Here is a quick mock-up of what I am thinking.
With this build I am still working on what lighting fixture to use. Suggestions would be helpful.
So again this can be a pretty cheap build.
4 3ft x 6ft pieces of plywood - $7.78 /sheet - 31.12 (Lowes) with special cut
2 3ft x 4ft pieces of plywood - $7.78 /sheet - 15.56 (Lowes) with special cut
1 Roll of mylar depending on how much is in a roll. - $22.95 for a 25ft roll (Local garden shop)
2 5-8 inch pieces of PVC (1-1.5 inches round) - $3.75 for a 10ft. tube with specialty cut. (Lowes)
1-2 Tubes of insulating weatherproof seal gap - $5.47 a 12oz tube. (Lowes)
2 medium quality single speed computer fans - $10.00 apiece /wiring included (Local computer shop)
Chain- 40 cents a ft. - $4.00 for 10 ft. (Lowes) w/ special cut.
x amount of wiring for computer fans and lights (not priced out)
1 light fixture (not priced out)
x amount of bulbs (not priced out)
Misc nails and screws and if you're really anal about your builds, wood glue for extra stability for the box. (not priced out)
All of this would probably set one back a hundred or so depending on how high quality of a build you are going for. Without the lights, bulbs, or fixtures we are at about $102.85 so this will end up being right around budget.
Feedback, suggestions?
Any would be helpful, any at all.