My DIY Dual Cabinet System

Isthisnametaken

Well-Known Member
My DIY Dual Cabinet System!

I was fortunate enough to come across some free vending machines, and figured I'd finally make myself a grow cab. All comments and criticism's welcome. I'm very new to this.

My idea is to have a dual cabinet system, half being dedicated for vegatative cycle and cloning, while the other half will be dedicated to flowering cycle. The flowering cab. will use a 400w HPS (cool tube) and aeroponics, while the veg/cloning cab will use 250w MH and CFL with aeroponics.

The cabinet dimensions are 32w - 26d - 66t for a total foot print of 64w - 26d - 66t.

I'll post as many photos as I can remember to take. Here are some of the cabinets before surgery.
 

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2smoke4bud7

Well-Known Member
hmm interesting make sure to bleach that box down and no specs of dust.

sound like a good setup i run a 400w in a 2x2x4ft box and upgrading to a grow tent 4x4x7.

ill keep posted!
 

Isthisnametaken

Well-Known Member
First off I removed all the junk from inside. Then I removed the door from the right cab. and reinstalled it upside down so the door would open away from the other cab. allowing me to work inside both cabinets without having to move around the door.

Next I place the cabinets side by side making sure they are aligned perfectly and drill 3/8's holes and install stainless hardware.

When tight and aligned correctly I layed the cabinet on it's back and drilled holes for the six casters that will make the cabinet mobile. I tapped the holes and used 1/4" hardware.
 

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Isthisnametaken

Well-Known Member
Next step was too drill, cut and weld before paint.

I cut two rectangular holes in the top which will be the in and out for the cool tube. I'll install vent "shutters" or whatever they are called to direct the intake away from the exhaust for efficiency. This venting for the cool tube will be a closed system as not to disrupt regular cabinet ventilation and CO2.

Also cut the holes for the regular cabinet ventilation.

Cut out the shelving and upright support in the left (flowering) cabinet and relocated the shelf in the veg/cloning cabinet more toward the top. What a bitch that was!

Now to give the cabinets a good scrub and get ready for paint.
 

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Isthisnametaken

Well-Known Member
Scrubbed them down with a green brillo pad and let them dry.

Then applied two coats of "hunter green" rustoleum oil based paint. My cheap hobby sprayer quit on me so I finally had an excuse to go by a nice auto sprayer. Came out pretty good.

Started on some of the inside stuff. First I glued some mylar to some bubble wrap and then glued both to the inside using an industrial spray adhesive. Also installed some 4" ports for ducting to fasten to.
 

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Isthisnametaken

Well-Known Member
Wanted to see if anyone could answer a couple of questions regarding aeroponics. I believe it is the route I want to go but not 100% sure.

Would a 25 gallon Rubbermaid container be tall enough for an aeroponic system?

Should the roots be seperate from the res. water inside?

Maybe I could use a piece of acyrlic inside to make seperate chambers?

How much room for roots does a mature plant need in an aero system?

Thanks
 

Chumlie

Well-Known Member
Im not a experienced aeroponic user but I have tried it, and all I can say is read all you can about it before doing it.
For size I would try to get the biggest toat(width) that can fit; for more plant of course. You want an hybrid version of aeroponics, and what that means is in a true aeroponic system te roots don't touch the water.
Yet you want them to touch the water just in case your pump goes out they want die.
Your going to need a ppm meter, ph meter and all the other hydroponics supplies just in case you didn't know.
 

Isthisnametaken

Well-Known Member
Im not a experienced aeroponic user but I have tried it, and all I can say is read all you can about it before doing it.
For size I would try to get the biggest toat(width) that can fit; for more plant of course. You want an hybrid version of aeroponics, and what that means is in a true aeroponic system te roots don't touch the water.
Yet you want them to touch the water just in case your pump goes out they want die.
Your going to need a ppm meter, ph meter and all the other hydroponics supplies just in case you didn't know.
I think I'm going to use a battery back-up unit (UPS I think they are called) like they sell at office supply stores. Have read on these forums they will keep atleast the pump going for awhile.

And yes still much more to buy. Gonna try to get it all finished by the time I get my seeds. 3-5 more days I think.

Will give a picture update this evening.
 

Joe Camel

Well-Known Member
Just a thought:
you could tack some expanded metal for shelves.
always think ahead, you may want to go soil one day.
and would come very handy in case of a spill.
Awesome cabinet btw.
 
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