Grow Room that keps res temps down in DWC CHEAP

I currently have this grow room set up but the bucckets are ontop of the table and not dropped down into the table like the picture would suggest.. I was thinking I could use a hang on AC unit that is in a enclosed area that the buckets are in to keep the res temps down? What do you think of this?...Being you can get a cheap hangon unit at wallmart for $99 and used on CL for cheaper..

Yes I made this in paint! lol

Oh thnak you for providing information.

How big are your plants? are all the reservoirs connected or individual? what size net pots are you using?

for smaller grows, I have used 9 gallon coolers with two 3" net pots in the lid. I took the hinge off the back so I could remove the lid and set it into an empty cooler.

If I was to do it again, Id use bigger coolers. But I wouldn't cut holes in the lids. I'd remove the lids and save them so I could use the cooler later. for a lid I would use some of that heavy duty 2" thick foam insulation. Id wrap it in shrink wrap and cut holes to fit my net pots and air hoses.


Coolers are great insulated reservoirs and they usually have a drain built in.

Igloo makes a water cooler that holds 10 gallons. I picked one up at local OSH hardware store on clearance for $15.00 down from $40.00 MSRP! Check the CL and others for used equipment like this. Most stores like above sell storage containers (15-20 gallon) for dirt cheap like < $15.00, and they are usually available in dark colors to block light...

Well the price if IGLOO coolers seems to be somewhat expensive $15 x 6=$90...You can pick up a Hang on ac unit and set it up like this using regular buckets hanging in the AC room to keep the res temps down...This is just a IDEA I had my grow room is not set up like this at the moment BUT I am having a issue with keeping the res temps down and cant see spending $300 on a Chiller when a used AC unit can be picked up for under $100 and set up like this to keep the res temps down using regular buckets. Now I understand that it takes power to run the AC unit..BUT in such a small room how much power will that AC unit really need run?

Let me know if any1 thinks this will work...or if it is a good idea... THanks!

Maybe if you increased the thermal mass in the room around the res, it should give you more constant temperatures if you do use an A/C system.

Thats what I think to I can also add a small vent to the grow room if I wanted to pump some coller air into that...But any1 else think this will be a good idea...Or am i just going to have to try =)