Growbox Experiment

Greetings,
This project is something I set out to do on a budget, but won't mind investing into later on.

I started out with a large computer box which I cut into 6 pieces. I wrapped each piece tightly in garbage bag, and sealed with ducktape. I then wrapped one side of each piece with emergency blankets (reflective mylar sub found at walmart camping section for $3), and then ducktaped the pieces to form a box. I cut out a door and some holes for fans and then wrapped it all up like a birthday present.

To hang the lights, I straightened 2 paperclips out into a U shape, hooked some chains to them, and stabbed the ends through the ceiling of my box, then twisted. For fans I used 4 12v computer fans spliced with 12v AC adapters, 2 intake (bottom) and 2 exhaust (top). I ran an extension cable in for lights, slapped on some velcro for the door, and I had my box.

The dimensions of the box are 27 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and 12 inches deep. I'm currently using 3 125 watt 2100 lumen 3500k cfl bulbs. The temperature in there can range from 85 to 90, and I can't seem to get it lower than that unless I toss in a couple of ice packs.

I started this grow using a single Nirvana Northern Lights seed (which I intend to clone) on June 12th using the glass of water method to germinate. I planted first into a Solo cup, and 2 weeks later into a 3 gallon pot, using Miracle-Gro potting mix with continuous release beads. For water I use a filtered drinking water pitcher at room temperature which I mix some Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food (12-4- into, every other watering.

My goal is to keep her as short as possible, while maintaining my budget low, and yield a large crop. For this I've been looking into LST, and various methods of pruning and clipping. Suggestions and feedback are welcome!

Air flow ?

I got 2 intake at the bottom, and 2 exhaust at the top.

that is all

not bad, not bad. I like an incognito grow box, like mine. You wouldnt even think about it lol, besides the wires ontop which I need to relocate btw. Other than that looks like a 30 year old entertainment center lol!

Wow I'm inspired to make a grow box. Very clean. But in such a small space and only 1 plant I don't think you need more than 1 bulb hung straight down.

if your looking for max yield look into super cropping crazy ass stuff goin down there

p3ps1c0la said:

Wow I'm inspired to make a grow box. Very clean. But in such a small space and only 1 plant I don't think you need more than 1 bulb hung straight down.

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I got a space of1.5ft deep x 2.5ft tall x 2.75-3ft wide, I have 4 daylight (6500k)26w cfl's and 1 42w cfl, on one plant.

Day 26

Here's a couple of snapshots I took this evening, she's usually much perkier in the morning. So far my efforts to keep the height down have been paying off, I've seen plenty of other Northern Lights grows much taller than mine, so I'd assume it's holding up very well. Does anyone think she'll outgrow her space? I plan on staying in veg until she's a little less than halfway into the total height available in the box. She's about 5.5 inches now.

I also included a pic demonstrating the space available for 2 plants at a time in the future, as was the original intention.

when you gonna start LST? id start leaning it to the side of the pot some time in the next week

KaleoXxX said:

when you gonna start LST? id start leaning it to the side of the pot some time in the next week

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Considering her conveniently low height, I've decided not to make use of any pruning, topping, or LST in efforts to monitor her overall natural growth for cloning purposes. Instead, I'll be flowering when she reaches half the height available.

Unless you'd recommend otherwise?

Ack said:

dix

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Wow Ack, it's beautiful.. now I really need my own..

Rugg said:

Wow Ack, it's beautiful.. now I really need my own..

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Thanks, and yes you do, they're quite a bundle of joy.

naw you know how beneficial lst and topping can be so if you decide to watch the natural growth of the plant what you do with your baby is completely up to you

We've got flowers, I should be going into flowering soon.

So I thought it'd be a good idea to hang the lights by metal link chain hooked together by a paperclip. It seemed like a good idea and worked for awhile pretty nicely, as the pictures would demonstrate. However things aren't always what they seem, my friends..

As luck would have it, somehow at some point last night, the chain came undone and dropped the light fixture I had put together by extension cord into the pot. One light broke, another fell straight onto my dearest plant, and the remaining light melted through the pot edge until it popped.

I'll take and post some pix of the tragedy tomorrow.

Unfortunately, this growbox experiment was a one time deal considering the conclusion:

Growboxes are dangerous.

duct tape is my friend, it prevents tragedies like this. your already set up all you can do is fix it and start over

I don't plan to start over, I had high hopes for this growbox. The gig is up, it was my roommate who found the disaster scene in the morning while I was at work, and apparently I'm lucky his girlfriend didn't call the cops.

All in all it was a failed first grow, and a last. I had my fun, shit just got too real.

o well, what can you do?