Grow Tent AC and Climate controls questions

ligrow

ligrow

Well-Known Member
Hi RIU

Im still doing some research for my new setup.
It will be 10 x 5 tent in 13 x 11 bedroom with windows.
3 600Watts HPS with closed loops air cool 6" vent.
6" exhaust and intake.
one 12" fan or couple smaller fan circulate the air inside the tent.
Not sealed room and not adding CO2

I want to use climate controls to control the temp and humidity, but i found out most grower use these controls they are in sealed room. any one knows how this work non-sealed grow?

This is the controller I can from local with great price
http://www.hg-hydroponics.co.uk/superpro-ac-2-basic-digital-atmosphere-controller-5298-p.asp

Im in the hot area, I might need portable AC connect all the time except the coldest months.
when AC run and exhaust fan keep pulling air out of the tent. This means pull out the cool air too. Can AC work when air keep exchange this way? I should shut down the exhaust and intake when AC on?

I never had portable AC before. I know controller can set it on and off based on temp setting.
the part im confused is How can controller turn on AC? where I live most houses do not have central AC. We use window ac or mini spilt cooling rooms or houses all the time. as I remember, If u cut the power off, sure unit turn off. when power back on, the unit does not go on. I just got its power back. You have to either press the bottom on unit or remote to turn it on. everything is reset. How could this possibly work with climate control?

Thanks and happy grow
 
S

smokertoker

Well-Known Member
A portable air condition will have its own climate control as far as temperature goes and due the to nature of A/C it will also reduce humidity in the air. A more efficient portable A/C will have an air intake and exhaust hose and like you said is most suitable for a sealed room. I'm assuming your room will be semi sealed; will you keep the door open or closed?

You can treat your tent as a sealed area. Bring the air from the room to your light and back out to the room, similar to the two hose A/C, keeping your tent "sealed". At least you would be doing the best you can do to keep your ladies cool and happy. Then ditch the exhaust and intake like you said, to keep your cool air in, and just place your carbon filter scrubber in the room.
 
ligrow

ligrow

Well-Known Member
smokertoker said:
A portable air condition will have its own climate control as far as temperature goes and due the to nature of A/C it will also reduce humidity in the air. A more efficient portable A/C will have an air intake and exhaust hose and like you said is most suitable for a sealed room. I'm assuming your room will be semi sealed; will you keep the door open or closed?
Click to expand...
Yes its semi sealed room, but still have some leak at the door tho. if I run with dual horses portable A/C. A/C will do the air exchange, so there is no intake or exhaust need for the room is that what you mean?
So A/C needs to turn on 24/7?
I was hoping the climate controller can do the trick for me switch on and off when i need.

Can portable A/C to be set with day/ night temp?

check out this video at 10:20. Is that similar to what you mention?

Seems I can Make my grow space sealed, do you think I should run CO2 burner?
I heard can have higher temp when runing with CO2. that way I can save some money on cooling the room.
Do you think its a good idea hanging CO burner in the room?

If you runing in the sealed room with A/C, do you still turn lighting hours at night time. When in vent grow, I run light at night all the time. I get cooler
temperature
during hot summer, A/C will runing all the time any way.(day-35-36 C night 27-30 C)
What would you setup the lighting hours?

Have not use any A/C and climate controllers for growing before, What to get my new setup done well with good yield. Sorry for all the rookie question....:wall:
much appreciated for your input.

smokertoker said:
You can treat your tent as a sealed area. Bring the air from the room to your light and back out to the room, similar to the two hose A/C, keeping your tent "sealed". At least you would be doing the best you can do to keep your ladies cool and happy. Then ditch the exhaust and intake like you said, to keep your cool air in, and just place your carbon filter scrubber in the room.
Click to expand...
"Bring the air from the room to your light and back out to the room, similar to the two hose A/C"

Sorry, Im quite sure what this setup would be, Do you mean to my tent? could you pls explain more clear. Thanks!
 
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S

smokertoker

Well-Known Member
Yes its semi sealed room, but still have some leak at the door tho. if I run with dual horses portable A/C. A/C will do the air exchange, so there is no intake or exhaust need for the room is that what you mean? Yes

So A/C needs to turn on 24/7? It will be powered up 24/7, not necessarily running. It would only run when the temp is hotter than temp you want.


Can portable A/C to be set with day/ night temp? It depends on the unit you buy and the bells and whistles it has.

check out this video at 10:20. Is that similar to what you mention? That would be the most efficient setup, but not your only choice.

What I was talking about is a less efficient system but you would not need to do any modifications to the room. Yes you would remove your intake and exhaust lines. See the picture below.

upload_2016-2-12_9-24-26.png

With that setup, you could save yourself some $$ and get a single hose A/C but keep your intake line. See below.

upload_2016-2-12_9-27-21.png

When I talk about efficiency it is best to have the A/C exhaust the hot air outside while bringing cool air through the A/C unit. The hotter the air that goes through the intake the harder the A/C has to work to cool that air. If you can get your exhaust lines to port outside of the room it would be that much easier to keep the room and the tent cooler. However because you have the tent I would not consider that mandatory. The tent will act as a sub-climate and keep your ladies happy.

You can still run at night. Typically electricity is cheaper on non-peak hours (night time) and of course cooler outside temps (less work for the A/C).

Seems I can Make my grow space sealed, do you think I should run CO2 burner?
I heard can have higher temp when runing with CO2. that way I can save some money on cooling the room.
Do you think its a good idea hanging CO burner in the room? You may want to hold off on A/C and CO until you figure out what temps you are getting in the room with normal venting of the tent and light. If temps stay below 95 F then you could just go with CO2. If your temps climb above 95 F you probably want to go with the A/C. You could do both but that is icing on the cake not minimum requirements. Will you be growing in soil or water. If water you may want to lean more towards the A/C for the fact of keeping your res temps cooler.

I hope that helps. I know it is such a pain trying to setup a space that you don't want to permanently convert.
 
ligrow

ligrow

Well-Known Member
Once again thanks for your clear input ! This is very helpful for me, hope I can pass one joint to you.

For both setup from the picture, they dont need exhaust fan and filter in the tent? How am I control the smell? The air portable A/C exhaust will also stink isnt it?
If air cool loop pull and push air out of the room would be better idea?
two dual horses portable A/C set two duct out the the room, so the air can exchange . This one I got it. but for portable A/C only with exhaust, where is fresh air coming in? the negative pressure will pull the air in from the leak of the door? only I should keep it little bit window open for the air exchange?

I saw a used one with only exhaust. Its only like 250 USD. brand new one is like 700-800.
Dual horses seems like fit best for making a sealed room. Im not sure if I should just go for the dual horses one. In case I need it in the future.

I have smaller tent with air cool venting setup, temp below 32 C except the hottest months. I can only grow nothing but soft buds. This is the reason I what to setup the new room with A/C, If only runing in small tent, i dont think it worth running A/C in such a small space. so I decide to run bigger tent this time.

I will grow in hydro, this is the system I will use. Need big res. I want to put it out of the tent, that I can have more space for plants. I guess I most run with chiller

This definitely help! Thank you so much again. Hopefully I can have it set in the end of the month. I will start grow journal too. Hope I can get more help from you. much appreciate!
 
S

smokertoker

Well-Known Member
For both setup from the picture, they dont need exhaust fan and filter in the tent? How am I control the smell? I would put a fan in the room to help your plants grow stronger and if you use a two hose A/C also put a scruber, a carbon filter hooked up to a fan that simply cleans the smell, within the tent. The air portable A/C exhaust will also stink isnt it? Only if you use the single hose A/C.

If air cool loop pull and push air out of the room would be better idea? Yes

but for portable A/C only with exhaust, where is fresh air coming in? the negative pressure will pull the air in from the leak of the door? If you exhausted to the room, the fresh air would also come from the room. That is what I'm talking about it not being the most efficient setup, but it will work. I should keep it little bit window open for the air exchange? If you can make something so you can exhaust out the window and pull air from out of the window that would be optimum.

Dual horses seems like fit best for making a sealed room. Im not sure if I should just go for the dual horses one. Your right you can't seal the room with a single hose A/C.

I guess I most run with chiller. If you go with A/C, probably not.

Good luck and most of all have fun! I look forward to reading your journal.
 
Skunk Baxter

Skunk Baxter

Well-Known Member
If you're growing in a tent that's in a room with a door you can close, you might be able to just use the AC to cool the room. If the air around the tent is chilled down into the 60s, and you vent the tent properly, the ambient temp of the room may be enough to keep the temps low inside the tent. I've done that before in a very hot climate, and it worked quite well. It would really depend on the circumstances of your particular growing area, though.
 
ligrow

ligrow

Well-Known Member
＠smokertoker
I would put a fan in the room to help your plants grow stronger and if you use a two hose A/C also put a scruber, a carbon filter hooked up to a fan that simply cleans the smell, within the tent.
What kind of fan are you talking about? I will also set some clip fans or one box fan to have them moving slightly.
As you mention hook up carbon filter or scruber. I think it should be vent type fan.
in the video 1:00, the setup with fan and filter. is that what you mention?

If you can make something so you can exhaust out the window and pull air from out of the window that would be optimum.
so its better to set exhaust fan pull out the air in the room , and let the air exchange?
This is only need when use single line portable A/C right?

have you ever use controller?
this is the model im looking, not sure how it can be fit in my setup.
After some reading, what I know about this controller is, it can read the temp and humidity and tells A/C, fan, dehumidifier etc. when to set on and off. Do you think I need this controller?

Your right you can't seal the room with a single hose A/C.
let me see if I can just get one with dual hoses A/C. Its much expensive than window A/C.
Actually, I already have one in that room. I dont want to use i because I will have to run it a lot of time. Dont want get any attention safety first tho. by the want it is a rental aparment, with other neighbor close by.

If you go with A/C, probably not.
For last couple years, I grow in DWC. Thing messed up so bad when water can not get cool enough. After some research, I realized that EBB and FLOW system its easier to maintain. When in DWC with chiller, I chill the water down to 19C, I can only run without chiller during Oct-Mar. water temp is around 22-23C.(not hot summer) still have some root problem sometimes. What do you think about res temp?


Good luck and most of all have fun! I look forward to reading your journal.
Thanks man! I will start my journal soon. In fact, I have trouble with my clone now. Just bought a small tray with cover. when I took off the cover after two weeks, they die...
I will get cut some more branch for more clones soon.
Im pretty sure I will need some advise by then, so please come stop by when I start it. This is the other reason I want to start a journal. that I can know if Im doing it right. man, where I live doesnt have much info about grow MMJ. Hope you guys can point me to the right dirction. Thank you so much man!

@Skunk Baxter
Thanks for your input!
Only the coldest months can have temp around 60F. I run 4 by 4 tent with single air cool vent setup with no A/C. Temp 25C when lights on, but this is only during winter. small tent im runing, will be the last harvest before summer. Thats why I want to setup a new tent I can operate in four season.
When you run in hot climate area, you can go with proper vent and air circulating without A/C?


Any feedback or input still welcome!
 
S

smokertoker

Well-Known Member
What kind of fan are you talking about? I will also set some clip fans or one box fan to have them moving slightly. Just like in the video at 1:00. Box fans, clip, and/or oscillating fans will be fine.

As you mention hook up carbon filter or scruber. I think it should be vent type fan. It doesn't need to vent out. in the video 1:00, the setup with fan and filter. is that what you mention? Yes, just like that.

have you ever use controller? No. Do you think I need this controller? No. If you had a separate dehumidifier, A/C, and CO2 then yes.

let me see if I can just get one with dual hoses A/C. Its much expensive than window A/C. The window unit can work but you may loose the sealed room aspect, which is fine not running CO2. You would need air intake and exhaust in your tent, and an air cooled hood with the window unit. That' pretty much what Skunk was saying. Safety first in all of your decisions though. If you think the neighbors may question it, it isn't worth the risk.

I grow DWC and my room runs ~75-80 with no chiller and I don't have problems. I wouldn't want any temps higher than that though. I believe with Ebb Flow setup you won't need to worry about your res temp. If you get your room temp under control your res temp will be good.

In fact, I have trouble with my clone now. Just bought a small tray with cover. when I took off the cover after two weeks, they die... You might be shocking them. If they are in a tray with a cover it is probably a high humidity environment. When you uncover them and put them in where ever it is a shock to their system. I had that problem with other plants before. I slowly acclimated them, opening the lid for a short duration extending the duration over a week or two.
 
ligrow

ligrow

Well-Known Member
smokertoker said:
As you mention hook up carbon filter or scruber. I think it should be vent type fan. It doesn't need to vent out. in the video 1:00, the setup with fan and filter. is that what you mention? Yes, just like that.
Click to expand...

As filter hook up with fan but not vent out, they are just getting rid of the smell. How can I know how much CFM do I need?
If they are just for smells, can I use it only in late flowering stage? I will stay have box fan blowing my pants.

smokertoker said:
have you ever use controller? No. Do you think I need this controller? No. If you had a separate dehumidifier, A/C, and CO2 then yes.
Click to expand...
As you mention, humidity could be lower when runing A/C. I think dehumidifier would not be necessary right now, and Im not running CO2 either. controller would not be need at this moment. still seeking for portable A/C, most of models I find locally its single hose unit. I did some research, many people say if you connect the intake and exhaust too long. A/C will not work good enough, and thats the review for home use(less heat sources) If I put it in the tent, i think there is no way i can keep the exhaust and intake short.
this setup has really bother me day and night. I think I really need one with dual hose in case I want to run CO2 in the future.

When you run a sealed room with A/C, do you still put it on when in cold winter? or do you change to vent setup?



smokertoker said:
let me see if I can just get one with dual hoses A/C. Its much expensive than window A/C. The window unit can work but you may loose the sealed room aspect, which is fine not running CO2. You would need air intake and exhaust in your tent, and an air cooled hood with the window unit. That' pretty much what Skunk was saying. Safety first in all of your decisions though. If you think the neighbors may question it, it isn't worth the risk.
Click to expand...
still seeking for portable A/C, most of models I find locally its single hose unit. I did some research, many people say if you connect the intake and exhaust too long. A/C will not work good enough, and thats the review for home use(less heat sources) If I put it in the tent, i think there is no way i can keep the exhaust and intake short.
this setup has really bother me day and night. I think I really need one with dual hose in case I want to run CO2 in the future.

could you pls explain why dual hose portable A/C wont have smell exhaust out?

smokertoker said:
I grow DWC and my room runs ~75-80 with no chiller and I don't have problems. I wouldn't want any temps higher than that though. I believe with Ebb Flow setup you won't need to worry about your res temp. If you get your room temp under control your res temp will be good.
Click to expand...
I will see what res temp will be since I will set it out of the tent. Hope I can run without a chiller


smokertoker said:
In fact, I have trouble with my clone now. Just bought a small tray with cover. when I took off the cover after two weeks, they die... You might be shocking them. If they are in a tray with a cover it is probably a high humidity environment. When you uncover them and put them in where ever it is a shock to their system. I had that problem with other plants before. I slowly acclimated them, opening the lid for a short duration extending the duration over a week or two.
Click to expand...
I have no problem make new clone without cover. I thought it might work better with cover. the humidity in the veg room its around 50-70%
It usually takes about two weeks to see root coming out. some strain might longer 3-4 weeks? is that normal?
I have couple of them alive in the rockwool, but they dont look heathy at all. Im buy some jiffy making some new one. Hope it root out fast that way I can start my new grow ASAP.

Thanks for your clear input
 
AlGore

AlGore

Well-Known Member
From: http://rollitup.org/t/post-pics-of-your-grow-setup.899541/page-2


ligrow said:
Sorry I forgot to paste that link
https://www.rollitup.org/t/grow-tent-ac-and-climate-controls-questions.899164/#post-12321042

I actually have a window A/C in that room. I think its really strange to have it 24/7 with neighbor live by both up and downstair. I dont what take any risk. the other thing is here we usually have 120v plugs in the room, and we have window A/C setup with 220V with its power connect to replaceable on wall with 220V 20 amp power from breaker. I realized that when runing HPS, its much brighter when have 220V. I want run my light with 220V. I will save that replaceable for my lights.

Ckeck out the link I paste above
Such a nice guy @smokertoker draw me a picture of his suggestion. pretty similar to what you mentioned. different is your setup do use exhaust, he doesnt. Put the fan for the intake, can solve negitivhpresser problem with single hose A/C in the tent. This is my option if I can not find any good portable A/C with dual locally.

I also heard some said they put exhaust and have it with timer just for the air exchange in the grow room.
I am not sure if I should have a exhaust or not
If yes, should I keep it runing 24/7?
Before I saw your setup, I was pretty much going to have my tent setup like he recommend( less watt use)


That exhaust also needs to be scrubbed for odor if the AC is in the tent. I think i could have done with some more ducting, another filter and a booster fan and cutting another hole in the tent but yea...
What I want to do now is having a filter connect with fan in the tent (no exhaust out) do you think this gonna work well?

Basically, if the air in the garage was over 72, then the AC would be on.
If is in the season you dont need any cooling. the intake still come from the box you made?
I might not need A/C running during Nov.-Mar.
by using the setup @smokertoker recommend I need add one exhaust for pulling air out of the tent.
trying to figure out the setup that I do not need a lot of change when adding or remving A/C

Some portable ACs are designed to do that and just have an 8" hookup for ducting but this one is meant to be in the house so it just has this big rectangle thing on it.
Pls check out attach pic. Is it the similar model you mentioned?
This stuff look it makes a lot of noise.

The bill gets high but not too outrageous.
sounds like you live in the place dont need worry nothing. Im jealous...
I dont know it would be any problem if I have somewhere around 300 per month.
For most residential house use ppl usually have 150 per month during summer( with A/C) have around 50 per month during other seasons. One of my friend have it with 300 per month, but I think he only did one run or two. This is a pretty good unit either the room or price. I dont plan on moving anywhere at least couple 2-3 years. Do you think I will be fine?

I think your biggest worry in your situation should be the smell and the noise. Exhaust fans are loud and hopefully so is your bud
Yes this is also what I worry about.
I already have some muffler and filter arrived. I setup the muffler with intake fan. I connect it with the side where coming in. I does reduce a bit, but not much. I will try to connect on the side where aire coming out to see if it helps more. If it work well, Im thinking have all the blower fan connect with muffler.
luckily I can get the hardware cheap here. 30 for a muffler 50 for a filter both 6"

What would you do to have odor control in my situation?

Much appreciated with your reply
have a nice day
Click to expand...


This is the most important: "I dont what take any risk."

That said...

I used to live in south Florida, and your climate sounds similar, I'm guessing it's also humid. I don't think anyone would really notice the window AC going at night and if they did they wouldn't think about it....

This also applies to the power use stuff you were asking about. That one thing by itself, is not likely to give you a problem unless there is already suspicion. Your neighbors should be ok as long as you aren't making lots of noise, having lots of odor, lots of trash, bringing grow stuff in and out, that sort of shitty neighbor stuff.

What's more likely to get you in trouble is your people that know about your grow, or people you sell to, or people they sell to.

Also your landlord is a big worry. And keep in mind that if someone does say something to them or the police are looking into you, they can just come right in and have a look if they want. Usually all the cops have to do is ask and they will open your place right up.

I'm gonna reply to the other stuff in a bit....
 
ligrow

ligrow

Well-Known Member
AlGore said:
From: http://rollitup.org/t/post-pics-of-your-grow-setup.899541/page-2






This is the most important: "I dont what take any risk."

That said...

I used to live in south Florida, and your climate sounds similar, I'm guessing it's also humid. I don't think anyone would really notice the window AC going at night and if they did they wouldn't think about it....

This also applies to the power use stuff you were asking about. That one thing by itself, is not likely to give you a problem unless there is already suspicion. Your neighbors should be ok as long as you aren't making lots of noise, having lots of odor, lots of trash, bringing grow stuff in and out, that sort of shitty neighbor stuff.

What's more likely to get you in trouble is your people that know about your grow, or people you sell to, or people they sell to.

Also your landlord is a big worry. And keep in mind that if someone does say something to them or the police are looking into you, they can just come right in and have a look if they want. Usually all the cops have to do is ask and they will open your place right up.

I'm gonna reply to the other stuff in a bit....
Click to expand...
I used to live in south Florida, and your climate sounds similar
Never been to south florida before, but yes its humid. Good guess!
how do you have your dehumidifier setup when not having A/C in south florida?

I don't think anyone would really notice the window AC going at night and if they did they wouldn't think about it....
Good to know! too bad is only have 20A 220V in the room. As you know its rental place, I dont want to run another power from breaker. But if I can use window A/C. It does save me some money.

This also applies to the power use stuff you were asking about. That one thing by itself, is not likely to give you a problem unless there is already suspicion.
yeah I think sometimes mind get wired when growing lol


What's more likely to get you in trouble is your people that know about your grow, or people you sell to, or people they sell to.
Actually I dont worried about this too much because I aware this when I first start grow. There is one time my friend told me that the guy we both know is growing. I understand he didnt do it on purpose. but it can really get him some trouble if ppl dont keep their mouth shut. so i know its better not let anyone know.
I dont really sell either, only self use and support couple close friends. sure I will aware that in the future too

Also your landlord is a big worry. And keep in mind that if someone does say something to them or the police are looking into you, they can just come right in and have a look if they want. Usually all the cops have to do is ask and they will open your place right up.
My landlord is nice, he know I have a job would never think about that. but the open door thing is what I worried. I think if you get suspicion, its hard too run away in anyway.

I'm gonna reply to the other stuff in a bit....
Really thanks for your help
 
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ligrow

ligrow

Well-Known Member
ok guys,
I can not really find a good portable A/C with dual hose. This is the model I look up right now.
9000btu around 600watt
no intake or exhaust tubes, fan spinning for intake on one side, exhaust on the other side. with 4 inch tube on the top the blow the cool air out.

This is what I think I am going to do
Have this unit exhaust side by the open window. connect it with 4 inch duct straight in the tent.
6" fan connect with filter pull the air out of the tent into the room.
6" fan for air cool hood. pull the air from the room into the cool hood and straight out of the window.

by having this unit, dont need A/C in the tent which have more space for plants.
Have exhaust pull onto the room might also have my room cooler, and air cool loop can have cooler air to cooling the lights.

Do you guys think is this setup can work well?
I also think if i can make the AC tube connect with two duct, that way I can have my another tent in the room, also have that tent chill too.

Do I need another intake for pull the cool air from A/C?

Pls share me your experience and knowledge with me
thanks a lot
 

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