Built a cabinet, question about the lighting.

Hello everyone. I appreciate any advice. Still a new grower yet learning everyday. Sorry for the wordiness here. Hoping it makes sense

I built a cabinet in my garage to replace the 3x3 tent I had inside my house. Currently have 3 plants in 5 gal smart pots and one in a 5gal bucket DWC I am playing with (working awesome).
It has a 3ft deep by 5ft wide x 4ft tall flower chamber that sits on top of a 2ft tall veg area (same footprint). In the veg area I have some t5s that seem to be working out great. Both areas are lined with silver backed insulation I picked up at lowes.

I am considering changing up my flower area. Currently I am using a 315 CMH.


I am actually only using about 4ft of the 5ft of width in the flower area. I lost about a foot where I have my carbon filter/fans/space heater...etc. So the actual flower space footprint is 3ftx4ft x4ft tall..

I have been considering changing the light to some quantum boards. I am hoping to get some vertical space back and improve the light footprint. I do not have a meter but it seems the perimeter of the grow is lacking intensity. I am hoping the LED boards will help with the temps in the summer. Also, if anyone has opinion on the electricity cost comparison, I am hoping this will save on my monthly power bill.

I have been exchanging some email with some folks at Horticulture Lighting Group about board availability.
They recommended two of their 135w kits or building my own with their "4x QB 132 pack from amazon in 3500K" so I could space them out evenly over the 3x4 footprint. They are currently out of stock on the QB 132 3500k boards. Since I am wanting to use this primarily for flower, would it be ok to use the 2700k boards?
I asked the HLG folks and they replied to me with simply "3500K is good and better for smaller height." I was hoping someone could elaborate a little more. I am in no real hurry to do this change. I can wait a couple weeks for the 3500k boards to come back in stock. If they are not necessary and I can make the 2700k work then I can buy those now.
Also, if anyone thinks this is a waste of time and money and I should just stick to the 315cmh I would be open to that as well.

I would be happy to include some pics. The girls are sleeping right now though. I can add them later.

Thanks!

Here is a couple images of the cabinets flower compartment. I would really appreciate some feedback about my questions.
Thanks!

If it is just for flower, then 2700K would be ideal. It has the same red peak as 3000K with a bit more yellow and less blue wavelengths. I'm thinking of going with their 2700K boards for a flower-only area myself.

Thanks ismann,
I pulled the trigger on a HLG qb-288 kit (2700k). I saw a good deal on their website this morning for a scratch-n-dent. It is 3 boards with a scratch-n-dent heat sync with a Meanwell 320-h driver.
i appreciate your input.

Help me out... first time building my own grow cabinet. What can I use to stop the light from leaking out and something to muffle the sound of the fans or get better fans. I just used what I had. Got the cabinet for free off of Craigslist and lights from Home Depot 100w cfl and two clip on fans. I plan on running a hydroponics system. I need expert advice but I’m on a budget soo yeah lls. Ima gonna nail the board back up and and a piece of wood for the top part of the cabinet.

Pound22 said:

Help me out... first time building my own grow cabinet. What can I use to stop the light from leaking out and something to muffle the sound of the fans or get better fans. I just used what I had. Got the cabinet for free off of Craigslist and lights from Home Depot 100w cfl and two clip on fans. I plan on running a hydroponics system. I need expert advice but I’m on a budget soo yeah lls. Ima gonna nail the board back up and and a piece of wood for the top part of the cabinet.

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Unless you are worried about someone inside discovering you are growing it’s light leaks into your grow area you should be concerned about. If you can actually muffle one of these booster fans you’ll be a star on RIU revealing how you did it.

hotrodharley said:

Unless you are worried about someone inside discovering you are growing it’s light leaks into your grow area you should be concerned about. If you can actually muffle one of these booster fans you’ll be a star on RIU revealing how you did it.

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Any ideas on how to muffle the fans?

Pound22 said:

Any ideas on how to muffle the fans?

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CTM0J70/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_9?smid=A2PQGFJXAT8J9K&psc=1

Different brand but i'm guessing it'll work the same.

Pound22 said:

Any ideas on how to muffle the fans?

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I wish. I’m listening to one right now. The ducting transmits as much noise as the fan itself so using insulated ducting might be a start.

hotrodharley said:

I wish. I’m listening to one right now. The ducting transmits as much noise as the fan itself so using insulated ducting might be a start.

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You are a completely and intentional intellectually dishonest coward.

Shots Fired.

I’m thinking of using a rubber sheet about 1/4 inch thick and place it on the back wall to dampen the sound some