Need advice on growbox

R

rabid

Active Member
I started work on this design today but i thought I should post it here before I continue any further incase there was any design faults. I was wondering if a 10k lumen lamp is big enough for this box as I plan on growing 2 or 3 plants at a time and topping them. I would also appreciate any advice on this box, is there anything wrong with it? I want to line the walls in Mylar, where can i buy this and how much will it likely cost to cover the walls and floor of my grow box (36 square feet)? I could also do with some advice on how to wire up computer fans to a 13a socket plug.
Cheers
 

Attachments

R

rabid

Active Member
So, I still need a couple of questions answering.
Mainly will 10k Lumen be enough for 4 square feet? How can I wire a computer fan to a socket plug?
Thanks.
 
Rocky Top High

Rocky Top High

Well-Known Member
I think the "standard" for lumens per square foot is like 5000 or somewhere in that neighborhood. IMHO, you need to double it, at least. I would also be curious as to how you are going to vent/filter your box.
 
pacman123

pacman123

Well-Known Member
10,000 a sq.ft is about what the sun puts out. Indoor you like to have 5k per or so, or the plants may grow slowly enough to be a real pain. Not sure the dimensions of your box, but HTG supply has a 150w HPS for 69$! Smokin deal, and it's like 15,000 lumes. You could opt for a higher quality bulb and it would be even more.

To wire a PC fan, you need to make sure your source plug is rated 12v (most pc fans are 12v) and that the amperage of the adapter you use is at least what the fan requires. Never try to pull more amps than a adapter is designed to carry. Snip the end of the AC/DC adapter (also know which one your fan is, a/c or d/c. most are d/c/ so you need an a/c d/c/ adapter) snip the end of the fans power cord, strip the last inch off each wire and match them up. Black with black and red with red. If the colors don't coordinate check the fans literature for which wire is grnd and which is pwer. Twist a wiring cap on each and wrap it up well with electrical tape.
 
R

rabid

Active Member
pacman123 said:
10,000 a sq.ft is about what the sun puts out. Indoor you like to have 5k per or so, or the plants may grow slowly enough to be a real pain. Not sure the dimensions of your box, but HTG supply has a 150w HPS for 69$! Smokin deal, and it's like 15,000 lumes. You could opt for a higher quality bulb and it would be even more.

To wire a PC fan, you need to make sure your source plug is rated 12v (most pc fans are 12v) and that the amperage of the adapter you use is at least what the fan requires. Never try to pull more amps than a adapter is designed to carry. Snip the end of the AC/DC adapter (also know which one your fan is, a/c or d/c. most are d/c/ so you need an a/c d/c/ adapter) snip the end of the fans power cord, strip the last inch off each wire and match them up. Black with black and red with red. If the colors don't coordinate check the fans literature for which wire is grnd and which is pwer. Twist a wiring cap on each and wrap it up well with electrical tape.
Click to expand...
Thanks loads.
I think I'm gunna take the size of the box down to 2 square feet, I only plan on growing small amounts for personal use anyway.
What can I buy that comes with an AC/DC adaptor?
 
Rocky Top High

Rocky Top High

Well-Known Member
rabid, I ain't trying to tell ya what to do but don't downsize, you will regret it. If you only plan on growing with 10,000K just grow 2 plants. I built my own cabinet and increased the size 3 times during construction. I still wish it were bigger. :mrgreen: You can always upgrade lights if you have the space.
 
smalltownDill

smalltownDill

Well-Known Member
you should have your intake and exhaust on opposite sides intakeat the topexhaust on the bottom if youhave themon opposite side the air will circulate much better good lookin box desine same as my homemade box i use flourecesnts and it works perfect
 
Rocky Top High

Rocky Top High

Well-Known Member
smalltownDill said:
you should have your intake and exhaust on opposite sides intakeat the topexhaust on the bottom if youhave themon opposite side the air will circulate much better good lookin box desine same as my homemade box i use flourecesnts and it works perfect
Click to expand...

I disagree. I have my exhaust at the top to help get the heat out. Heat rises and if your exhaust is at the bottom your box will be several degrees hotter. I also use a passive air intake at the bottom. Fresh air comes in the bottom, rises past my plants and goes out through my filter and exhaust fan at the top. I believe you will find having your exhaust at the top is more efficient. Good luck. :peace:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top