Planning on setting up a 30x40 building

This is my first post so please excuse me lack of knowledge. With my state passing a medical marijuana law Nov 3rd, I am planning to setup a grow operation in one of my two 30’x40’x12’ metal buildings (assuming I get approved for a license).
Here’s my plan please murder it as you see fit. lol
I’m planning on setting up 6 32’ long 4’ wide rows. Which should put me in the 190-200 plant range assuming 2’x2’ spacing per plant. I have 240v service to the building as well as a water well on site that has been tested (ph6) this year and is delicious. I have access to all types of outdoor commercial flood lights as I’m a Lineman by trade. By July 1 2021 I could accumulate as many 1000 HPS or MH or both as needed. Ive been reading a lot about Hortilux bulbs so I’m leaning towards their super hps bulbs.
My initial plan is to spray foam insulate the building and add a 5 ton ac system to combat the high heat of the lights and help control the humidity (Mississippi has 90-100% humidity year round). Assuming I buy premium feminized seeds what would one be safe to assume the yield to be? I’ve been researching this nonstop and I see most people’s growing limitations are in height. I wouldn’t have that problem but would I do better to have less plants and try to yield more if I did say 130 with LST? I’m completely confused as to what method will give me the best product in the shortest amount of time.
If you have read all the way to here thank you, any and all opinions are appreciated. D

Smacker said:

This is my first post so please excuse me lack of knowledge. With my state passing a medical marijuana law Nov 3rd, I am planning to setup a grow operation in one of my two 30’x40’x12’ metal buildings (assuming I get approved for a license).
Here’s my plan please murder it as you see fit. lol
I’m planning on setting up 6 32’ long 4’ wide rows. Which should put me in the 190-200 plant range assuming 2’x2’ spacing per plant. I have 240v service to the building as well as a water well on site that has been tested (ph6) this year and is delicious. I have access to all types of outdoor commercial flood lights as I’m a Lineman by trade. By July 1 2021 I could accumulate as many 1000 HPS or MH or both as needed. Ive been reading a lot about Hortilux bulbs so I’m leaning towards their super hps bulbs.
My initial plan is to spray foam insulate the building and add a 5 ton ac system to combat the high heat of the lights and help control the humidity (Mississippi has 90-100% humidity year round). Assuming I buy premium feminized seeds what would one be safe to assume the yield to be? I’ve been researching this nonstop and I see most people’s growing limitations are in height. I wouldn’t have that problem but would I do better to have less plants and try to yield more if I did say 130 with LST? I’m completely confused as to what method will give me the best product in the shortest amount of time.
If you have read all the way to here thank you, any and all opinions are appreciated. D

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Its really hard to say, as there are so many variables. Plant size can vary greatly and yield per plant depends on strain, training methods, and a ton of other factors. Calculating yield per plant isn't the method we usually use. Instead you could make some assumptions based on target gram per watt.

With HPS a good target goal would be 1 gram per watt. I am not sure how much growing experience you have based on your post, but a 1/2 gram a watt is more realistic for your first few cycles, if not the first year or so.

Your setup will be more ideal than a lot of growers to start, so you have that advantage. However you also are trying to go for a pretty large scale grow to start, and that is going to come with its own challenges.

I would personally suggest starting with one 1000W light, and run a cycle or two. This way you have a baseline measurement to go off of before you scale it up.

Also congrats and best wishes on getting your license!

ilovereggae said:

Its really hard to say, as there are so many variables. Plant size can vary greatly and yield per plant depends on strain, training methods, and a ton of other factors. Calculating yield per plant isn't the method we usually use. Instead you could make some assumptions based on target gram per watt.

With HPS a good target goal would be 1 gram per watt. I am not sure how much growing experience you have based on your post, but a 1/2 gram a watt is more realistic for your first few cycles, if not the first year or so.

Your setup will be more ideal than a lot of growers to start, so you have that advantage. However you also are trying to go for a pretty large scale grow to start, and that is going to come with its own challenges.

I would personally suggest starting with one 1000W light, and run a cycle or two. This way you have a baseline measurement to go off of before you scale it up.

Also congrats and best wishes on getting your license!

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Also question, are you getting the bulbs for super cheap or free? When doing something of that scale, it might be worth considering led instead for the cost savings in bulbs as well as energy usage.

ilovereggae said:

Its really hard to say, as there are so many variables. Plant size can vary greatly and yield per plant depends on strain, training methods, and a ton of other factors. Calculating yield per plant isn't the method we usually use. Instead you could make some assumptions based on target gram per watt.

With HPS a good target goal would be 1 gram per watt. I am not sure how much growing experience you have based on your post, but a 1/2 gram a watt is more realistic for your first few cycles, if not the first year or so.

Your setup will be more ideal than a lot of growers to start, so you have that advantage. However you also are trying to go for a pretty large scale grow to start, and that is going to come with its own challenges.

I would personally suggest starting with one 1000W light, and run a cycle or two. This way you have a baseline measurement to go off of before you scale it up.

Also congrats and best wishes on getting your license!

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Thanks for the reply. I have ZERO GROW EXPERIENCE! I would be happy at a half a gram a watt. That would mean that each plant would grow 500 grams based on a 1000 HPS. I’m not much on halfway stepping into something so I can’t see me doing just one. lol.

ilovereggae said:

Also question, are you getting the bulbs for super cheap or free? When doing something of that scale, it might be worth considering led instead for the cost savings in bulbs as well as energy usage.

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I have 20+ bulbs in the truck in my yard. lol. I have budgeted 35-40k for this venture so I don’t mind throwing a $100 bulb at a free light. (My company is doing a LED retrograde so we are trashing perfectly functional lights daily.) I know I’ll go LED if I decide to convert the adjacent 30x40 building but until I can prove to be profitable at this scale I’m going to hold off on that investment. lol. Just doing Ac, electric upgrades, insulation, and plumbing is going to eat half my budget.

Smacker said:

Thanks for the reply. I have ZERO GROW EXPERIENCE! I would be happy at a half a gram a watt. That would mean that each plant would grow 500 grams based on a 1000 HPS. I’m not much on halfway stepping into something so I can’t see me doing just one. lol.

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well, I wouldn't plan on 500 grams per plant per se. those would require a really long veg time. im not sure of the exact footprint people usually cover with one 1000W bulb, but I think say a 4x4 or slightly larger. I use LED someone who knows more about HPS can chime in.

but my point is you would probably want to do say 4 plants in 5 or 7 gallon buckets in that space (if you are doing soil, not sure what medium you plan to use).

a lot depends on your growing style as well. for example I do SOG in a 4x5 closet. 3 rows of 8 smaller plants. so 24 total in what most ppl do 4 max. just depends on what your goals are.

5 tons of cooling? You serious? Double that for sure

Smacker said:

I have 20+ bulbs in the truck in my yard. lol. I have budgeted 35-40k for this venture so I don’t mind throwing a $100 bulb at a free light. (My company is doing a LED retrograde so we are trashing perfectly functional lights daily.) I know I’ll go LED if I decide to convert the adjacent 30x40 building but until I can prove to be profitable at this scale I’m going to hold off on that investment. lol. Just doing Ac, electric upgrades, insulation, and plumbing is going to eat half my budget.

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wicked that's a great deal I would definitely take advantage. out here in CA they just mandated all new commercial licenses used LED no more cmh or hps and all existing licenses have to comply by I think 2023. sucks for everyone who just hung 100 hps lamps but I bet there is a steady flood of 2nd hand hps stuff that hits the market to keep your costs down.

firsttimeARE said:

5 tons of cooling? You serious? Double that for sure

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Mississippi is a hot humid place and if I ever decide to make it a tractor shed again it will be a nice air conditioned work space. lol

edit: I missed the double that at the end. lol. I can’t see needing two units to maintain 80 degrees is a insulated 1200 sq ft building!

ilovereggae said:

wicked that's a great deal I would definitely take advantage. out here in CA they just mandated all new commercial licenses used LED no more cmh or hps and all existing licenses have to comply by I think 2023. sucks for everyone who just hung 100 hps lamps but I bet there is a steady flood of 2nd hand hps stuff that hits the market to keep your costs down.

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I’m in rural Mississippi. We don’t care what bulbs you have as long as you pay them their tax money. Lol

ilovereggae said:

well, I wouldn't plan on 500 grams per plant per se. those would require a really long veg time. im not sure of the exact footprint people usually cover with one 1000W bulb, but I think say a 4x4 or slightly larger. I use LED someone who knows more about HPS can chime in.

but my point is you would probably want to do say 4 plants in 5 or 7 gallon buckets in that space (if you are doing soil, not sure what medium you plan to use).

a lot depends on your growing style as well. for example I do SOG in a 4x5 closet. 3 rows of 8 smaller plants. so 24 total in what most ppl do 4 max. just depends on what your goals are.

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I’m thinking 24 lights. That’s 8 per row. I plan to weld up 3 light mounting racks and hoist them with a winch to control my light height. These 1k Odl’s are heavy as hell. Like 75 lbs. I may look at mutilating the housings to reduce the weight.
I’m leaning towards 5 gallons buckets and local sourced soil.

Smacker said:

Mississippi is a hot humid place and if I ever decide to make it a tractor shed again it will be a nice air conditioned work space. lol

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You want 6 4x32 growing surface. 768 sq. ft at 45 watts per sq. ft. X 3.41 btuh per watt is 118k btuh or 10 tons.

I would put a 1 ton mini split on the each end of the 32ft. rows between the rows for a total of 10. 10 ton condenser will run you $4k each. (2) branch controllers (reduces amount of refrigeration lines so instead of running a liquid and suction line to each you a larger diameter line to the controllers which then run smaller lines shorter distances to each head unit) each controlling 5 head end units will be another $5k. Then you are looking at another $3k for labor and materials. Armaflex, ACR tubing and fittings, pvc for condensate.

The res $12k already. You may need additional dehumidifiers as well. So call that $15k with circulation fans as well.

24 4x8 flood and drain tables x $120 per about $3k

At $18k so far.

Say you get light a for free. Youre going to need 32 1kw ballasts and reflectors at $150 per. Thats $4k

At $22k so far.

Id say $2500 in tubing, drippers, pumps, dowsers and fertilizer tanks. Another $150 in nutrients. 25# bag jacks 5-12-26 and 25# bag calcium nitrate and some Epsom Salts.

So $25k so far

Not sure what there is for floor drains. But id put a 12ft. trench drain between each row. Figure $6k for this work if you cut concrete yourself and excavate and backfill yourself.

$31k so far

Actually your budget sounds about right figuring this tally is missing flood and drain systems which might be a luxury for you, trellis netting, slotted angle iron to hold trellis up, wiring, controls, insulation, unistrut, threaded rod, top beam clamps, nuts and washers.

I have one issue with your plan. I applaud the desire , skill, ability and pocket depth. Dream come true here. I must rain on the parade. You need to grow first. Master that before you possibly fail at a high cost. Start small and expand as your skills do. Just weeds until you bring them indoors. And if you employ help? Don't rely on them until a cycle or two. Just things I've learned. Don't jump until you know how to not hit the bottom thing. Best wishes and grow tips from a home grower if needed. Keeping things in perspective. My wife would kill me.

As far as yields figure 35# harvests 32kw at 0.5 gpw with 3.5 harvests per year. 105# a year. Trimmers make $150-$200 per lb. So thats $18k in labor a year.

firsttimeARE said:

You want 6 4x32 growing surface. 768 sq. ft at 45 watts per sq. ft. X 3.41 btuh per watt is 118k btuh or 10 tons.

I would put a 1 ton mini split on the each end of the 32ft. rows between the rows for a total of 10. 10 ton condenser will run you $4k each. (2) branch controllers (reduces amount of refrigeration lines so instead of running a liquid and suction line to each you a larger diameter line to the controllers which then run smaller lines shorter distances to each head unit) each controlling 5 head end units will be another $5k. Then you are looking at another $3k for labor and materials. Armaflex, ACR tubing and fittings, pvc for condensate.

The res $12k already. You may need additional dehumidifiers as well. So call that $15k with circulation fans as well.

24 4x8 flood and drain tables x $120 per about $3k

At $18k so far.

Say you get light a for free. Youre going to need 32 1kw ballasts and reflectors at $150 per. Thats $4k

At $22k so far.

Id say $2500 in tubing, drippers, pumps, dowsers and fertilizer tanks. Another $150 in nutrients. 25# bag jacks 5-12-26 and 25# bag calcium nitrate and some Epsom Salts.

So $25k so far

Not sure what there is for floor drains. But id put a 12ft. trench drain between each row. Figure $6k for this work if you cut concrete yourself and excavate and backfill yourself.

$31k so far

Actually your budget sounds about right.

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Thanks for the overview. Why would I need to buy ballast and reflectors? I have access to complete flood lights. I was planning to retrofit those with quality grow bulbs. As for drainage I was planning to let it run out the doors. I’m in a rural area and own the land for a half mile in any direction. Other than possibly corroding the base of the tin walls I don’t see any other reason to excavate. I wasn’t planning on that much ac but I’m sure you are correct. The idea of using mini splits is golden, that’s the new plan. lol

MICHI-CAN said:

I have one issue with your plan. I applaud the desire , skill, ability and pocket depth. Dream come true here. I must rain on the parade. You need to grow first. Master that before you possibly fail at a high cost. Start small and expand as your skills do. Just weeds until you bring them indoors. And if you employ help? Don't rely on them until a cycle or two. Just things I've learned. Don't jump until you know how to not hit the bottom thing. Best wishes and grow tips from a home grower if needed. Keeping things in perspective. My wife would kill me.

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Definitely this and all of this.

firsttimeARE said:

Definitely this and all of this.

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I'm poor. Sure you wasted more than me. Too much. All I'm saying is keep it real and K.I.S.S.. TY and peace to all.

Smacker said:

Thanks for the overview. Why would I need to buy ballast and reflectors? I have access to complete flood lights. I was planning to retrofit those with quality grow bulbs. As for drainage I was planning to let it run out the doors. I’m in a rural area and own the land for a half mile in any direction. Other than possibly corroding the base of the tin walls I don’t see any other reason to excavate. I wasn’t planning on that much ac but I’m sure you are correct. The idea of using mini splits is golden, that’s the new plan. lol

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Ok subtract $70 per from the $150 for ballast and reflector which leaves $80 for a quality bulb.

I do HVAC and Plumbing for a living. You are going to want drainage.

Im 100% on the cooling needs. Id use dehumidifiers for lights off.

Smacker said:

Thanks for the overview. Why would I need to buy ballast and reflectors? I have access to complete flood lights. I was planning to retrofit those with quality grow bulbs. As for drainage I was planning to let it run out the doors. I’m in a rural area and own the land for a half mile in any direction. Other than possibly corroding the base of the tin walls I don’t see any other reason to excavate. I wasn’t planning on that much ac but I’m sure you are correct. The idea of using mini splits is golden, that’s the new plan. lol

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Trolling? or are you actually serious? I know a guy who spent 50k on 2 rooms. stuck 500 plants and they went all golden lol. Long story short we all laughed really hard.

MICHI-CAN said:

I'm poor. Sure you wasted more than me. Too much. All I'm saying is keep it real and K.I.S.S.. TY and peace to all.

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Naw I agree totally. He either needs to factor hiring a growing or going in on this venture with a grower. But any grower that has experience doing this much volume has money of their own to invest and doesnt need someone who just has money.