If you could do it over again what would you change?

[Thundercat]

Then run some DWC buckets, you can use regular 5 gallon buckets, they make simple net pot lids for them, and through an air stone in it. I spoke wrong before its not a hydro garden its a waterfarm, http://www.hydrofarm.com/product.php?itemid=605 complete kit for like $65. That would let you grow some sweet ass plants and still be able to move them. If you wanted to scrog it, then hook on some posts and screen, and build a scrog, or just put a screen above the unit. I believe that any DWC unit will require you to have one or more air pumps, but you shouldn't need any water pumps or anything like that. The waterfarm is a nice complete unit that you basically fill up and plug in. I've seen a thead on here were a guy was regularly pulling 10+ oz from one waterfarm, and a 400w light in a cabinet scrog(about 2.5'x4' space) He would veg for like 2-3 months then flower out a sweet filled scrog. You have much more space then that, so if you vegged for a couple months with plants in waterfarms, they could get large. Then veg some more while those flower and start over.

What he means about being confused is you keep saying you want 12 plants, and thats fine, but our understanding is that you mean 6 in flower and 6 in veg. That being said I don't know where you are or what your laws are, but you may want to figure some clones or a mother plant into the equation if your worried about staying under your numbers.

I had actually typed this before Retired posted his comment but got sidetracked and timed out. So I want to add I agree with Retired completely. The schedule he took his time to write out for you very nicely, looks like it could work perfect for you. It will give you a good time frame for clones, and enough veg time for the plants to get some size. If you are planning on just buying clones to run from it will give you a few extra weeks for them to get bigger. If you decide to run from seed, it will take a couple weeks longer. What he said is dead on though. Its all about figuring out what is gonna work for you. Take ideas, and build on them, I always like to remember K.I.S.S. though.(keep it simple stupid)

Peace TC

 

[Blueberry Bud]

thanks again guys, sorry im so damn confusing, I just have a million ideas running through my head. I like the idea best of running a dwc in individual buckets, I don't like the idea of extra res and tubes and pumps etc.

If this setup is for you and the better half, do you really need a perpetual veg & flowering job? If you smoke that much weed you will have a hard time keeping that many hydro systems going! The first advice of starting out with a soil set up is pretty sound, because learning to walk before running is always a good idea. You may find that a couple grows a year of 12 plants is all you really need. Even in soil, thats a LOT of weed! Mix in a little variety (Blue Berry of course) and have fun and don't drive yourself crazy!

 

[StonerCloner]

thanks guys ALOT! all the input has been awesome. Right now i am bartering with the wife on how much room i can get out of the basement haha.. I am trying for more than the 21x8 space. the one thing i have always hated was being cramped up, so im trying to barter with her for a few more feet in width. hopefully get 21x12 or so! and we can both legally have 6 plants in each stage, so 12 veg,12 flower,etc. So i think i am going to listed to retiredmathbrute (sorry probably miss spelled that) and try his plans!... I cannot tell you guys how frickkin pumped i am haha. I must first build a wall up to shut off that third of the basement, then i will be bringing in the equipment!

 

[RetiredMatthebrute]

keep us posted on the dimensions of the rooms you build. your going to need one room for veg and another for flower. with a 21x12 space you may need more lighting than you think so just keep us posted so we can make sure you get the right equipment. once we know the dimensions, we know you want to do DWC and we know you want 12 plants in each stage so thats a great start. dimensions and we can further build this dream grow of yours.

question. do you use natural gas in your house? I ask because theres different Co2 generators out there and from what i have read a direct line to the natural gas in a burner is best for cost and convienece. If you do decide to go C02 instead of hooking both rooms up i would just hook up passive intakes near the generator and let them suck in the Co2. Co2 is heavier than air so its always going to make its way to ground level if its undisturbed by fans and such. So a passive intake facing the burner at the lowest point you can on each room will allow the to suck in Co2 and your fans in the romm will distribute it into the atmosphere.

also dont forget your going to need some quality seeds. start looking around at what strains do what and which are going to best suite you medically

 

[StonerCloner]

keep us posted on the dimensions of the rooms you build. your going to need one room for veg and another for flower. with a 21x12 space you may need more lighting than you think so just keep us posted so we can make sure you get the right equipment. once we know the dimensions, we know you want to do DWC and we know you want 12 plants in each stage so thats a great start. dimensions and we can further build this dream grow of yours.

question. do you use natural gas in your house? I ask because theres different Co2 generators out there and from what i have read a direct line to the natural gas in a burner is best for cost and convienece. If you do decide to go C02 instead of hooking both rooms up i would just hook up passive intakes near the generator and let them suck in the Co2. Co2 is heavier than air so its always going to make its way to ground level if its undisturbed by fans and such. So a passive intake facing the burner at the lowest point you can on each room will allow the to suck in Co2 and your fans in the romm will distribute it into the atmosphere.

also dont forget your going to need some quality seeds. start looking around at what strains do what and which are going to best suite you medically

huge help all around guys, much appreciated! I think each room(ill have 3 side by side,) will 7ft long by 8ft wide. And we do not have natural gas in our home. i have a lot to learn about co2 for sure. Do you guys use the big tanks( they are approx. 4feet tall and maybe 12in in diameter?) and how long would one last? I read a few posts about them, but everyone seemed to either leave out the size of the tank or dimensions of area they were using it for! Thanks again. One last thing, so what i am going to do is throw a wall up sectioning off the last 1/3 of the basement(21x So to divide each room should i put up wood framing, or just section each room off by two layers of poly film, fitted with a zipper to gain access to each room?

 

[RetiredMatthebrute]

also if you do 12 and 12 your going to need 24 DWC buckets. you have the option to buy them pre made or you can build them yourself. I have built them before and its not hard at all.




heres a DWC system i setup ages ago (just waiting to be able to afford a decent PH pen and PPM meter before i give it a try)

verry simple to do. heres what you need

5 gal bucket and lid your going to need 25 buckets and 24 lids. you want a swap bucket so you can mix up a clean bucket and just swap the lids, then you will always have a spare bucket that you can clean and get ready for a quick swap of the lid and rinse and repeat. 5 bucks each x 25 = 125$

air pump, . http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-AAPA110L-112-Watt-110-LPM-Commercial/dp/B002JPPFJ0/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1357916077&sr=1-2&keywords=air+pump
the pump in link above has 12 sites only need to order 2 of them. 70$ x 2 = 140 + 40 =$180 bucks you can pick up tubing for dirt cheap at a hardware store. but i would say probabally no more than 40 bucks for airline.

air stones, http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-AS4RD-4-Inch-Active-Round/dp/B003UPOXXC/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1357916376&sr=1-1&keywords=air+stone
10$ ea @ 24 = 240 bucks.

net pots. now heres where you can decide. do you want to buy bucket lids and cut holes for net pots or just buy lids that have them built into them. http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-HG10MESHPOT-10-Inch-Bucket-Basket/dp/B0049XEDMK/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1357916520&sr=1-4&keywords=net+pots these fit your average 5 gal bucket and cost 9$ each, your typical 5 gal bucket like is around $2.50and net pot is around $1.00 so you would save around 5.50 x 24 = 132 bucks on making your own net ppot lids.
http://www.amazon.com/Pots-inch-Round-Heavy-Duty/dp/B004HC3OC8/ref=pd_sbs_lg_5

building your own 24 site DWC system would cost you around 600$ your probabally going to be paying at least 30 bucks a bucket if yo ubuy them pre made. look around see what you can find its definatly easier to just order them pre made. this is also a nice setup here http://www.amazon.com/RAINMAKER-Aeroponic-Hydroponic-system-culture/dp/B008P8HNNG/ref=sr_1_13?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1357917109&sr=1-13&keywords=dwc+hydroponic+system only thing is i dont think it comes with buckets. so you would have to go out and get them but it has a nice drip system which is great for your clones just going into the system.

now to make the DWC unit simply take the bucket lid if thats what your using, drill a hole in it for the air line and cut a hole for the netpot. doing so many of these might be a cood idea to get a hole saw that is the size of the netpots to save yourself some agrovation.

cut holes for netpots, slide airtubuing through and attach to airstone put net pot in lid, fill with water and nutrients. turn on airpump and your ready to add hydroton and a plant.

ok hope this isnt too much for you right now. let me know what you think

 

[StonerCloner]

also if you do 12 and 12 your going to need 24 DWC buckets. you have the option to buy them pre made or you can build them yourself. I have built them before and its not hard at all.

View attachment 2475864View attachment 2475866View attachment 2475870View attachment 2475871View attachment 2475865


heres a DWC system i setup ages ago (just waiting to be able to afford a decent PH pen and PPM meter before i give it a try)

verry simple to do. heres what you need

5 gal bucket and lid your going to need 25 buckets and 24 lids. you want a swap bucket so you can mix up a clean bucket and just swap the lids, then you will always have a spare bucket that you can clean and get ready for a quick swap of the lid and rinse and repeat. 5 bucks each x 25 = 125$

air pump, . http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-AAPA110L-112-Watt-110-LPM-Commercial/dp/B002JPPFJ0/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1357916077&sr=1-2&keywords=air+pump
the pump in link above has 12 sites only need to order 2 of them. 70$ x 2 = 140 + 40 =$180 bucks you can pick up tubing for dirt cheap at a hardware store. but i would say probabally no more than 40 bucks for airline.

air stones, http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-AS4RD-4-Inch-Active-Round/dp/B003UPOXXC/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1357916376&sr=1-1&keywords=air+stone
10$ ea @ 24 = 240 bucks.

net pots. now heres where you can decide. do you want to buy bucket lids and cut holes for net pots or just buy lids that have them built into them. http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-HG10MESHPOT-10-Inch-Bucket-Basket/dp/B0049XEDMK/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1357916520&sr=1-4&keywords=net+pots these fit your average 5 gal bucket and cost 9$ each, your typical 5 gal bucket like is around $2.50and net pot is around $1.00 so you would save around 5.50 x 24 = 132 bucks on making your own net ppot lids.
http://www.amazon.com/Pots-inch-Round-Heavy-Duty/dp/B004HC3OC8/ref=pd_sbs_lg_5

building your own 24 site DWC system would cost you around 600$ your probabally going to be paying at least 30 bucks a bucket if yo ubuy them pre made. look around see what you can find its definatly easier to just order them pre made. this is also a nice setup here http://www.amazon.com/RAINMAKER-Aeroponic-Hydroponic-system-culture/dp/B008P8HNNG/ref=sr_1_13?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1357917109&sr=1-13&keywords=dwc+hydroponic+system only thing is i dont think it comes with buckets. so you would have to go out and get them but it has a nice drip system which is great for your clones just going into the system.

now to make the DWC unit simply take the bucket lid if thats what your using, drill a hole in it for the air line and cut a hole for the netpot. doing so many of these might be a cood idea to get a hole saw that is the size of the netpots to save yourself some agrovation.

cut holes for netpots, slide airtubuing through and attach to airstone put net pot in lid, fill with water and nutrients. turn on airpump and your ready to add hydroton and a plant.

ok hope this isnt too much for you right now. let me know what you think

Not too much info at all, ps. u are the man haha. This is exactly what i am going to do! Since i am currently working 0 hours per week (for 2 more weeks) i am going to build everything, save a little coin, which brings me to my next question... doing quick math, making a "square" growing area with 4buckets X 3buckets not being too cramped, each grow site would be approx. 5ft X4ft. would a nice 1000watt hps for flowering, and a 1000watt MH for veg be suffice for that space?

 

[RetiredMatthebrute]

when you say grow site, im assuming you mean grow room. i would give at least a 2x2 ft space for each bucket if you can. the bucket itself is roughtly 1x1 6x8 might be better. for a 6x8 area i would go with 2x 600w

 

[StonerCloner]

K i was kind of dreading that, so i was checking out air pumps and have u guys ever used a pump with multiple outlets? to save on outlet space, i was thinking about grabbing three of these guys...http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-AAPA25L-Air-Pump-Outlets/dp/B002JPD76I/ref=pd_sbs_lg_3 I know extremely hard question i about to pose, but what kind of electric bill should i expect, paying .076c per kwh... our current bill is around 75$, i don't know how, no kids, all new high efficiency fridge,etc. but if i set aside 450$ per month would i be safe? or should i be expecting a higher bill, i know a really hard and probably silly question, but figured id ask. Thanks again

 

[RetiredMatthebrute]

i put a link to one in the post above.

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-AAPA...words=air+pump

this one has 12 outlets, its 20 bucks more but you would only have to buy 2

the one i linked pushes 1750 GPH and the one you linked only pushed 400 GPHyour getting 4x the pump with more outlets for less money. plus the outlets have petcocks on them so if for some reason your not running a couple buckets you can just shut off any unused nipples.

 

[StonerCloner]

haaha i just realized that man sorry, reviews on that one are a bit iffy, but i will probably go with it..any first hand experience with it?

 

[RetiredMatthebrute]

no but i believe hydrofarm warranties thier products.

 

[RetiredMatthebrute]

if your reluctant on it you can always go with 24 smaller air pumps or find a different one with better reviews. Im not saying its a great product just saying the specs on it are double what you were looking at.

 

[StonerCloner]

making a quick shopping list, ill let you guys dissect it when im done here shortly! thanks again

 

[RetiredMatthebrute]

i started a thread asking for help with the air pump i dont want to steer you in the wrong direction m8.


might even be an idea to buy a small air compressor and run all 24 buckets off of that.

 

[StonerCloner]

well i appreciate that man. So i made a little shopping list from a store that is about 150mi away and seems to be the closest to me. since its not close, and i don't want to order too much stuff online, i made the list

 

[StonerCloner]

damn i hate my laptop lol, thing is doing shit i don't want it to... so i made the list with a few extra things so i don't have to go back anytime soon, i left out a few items as well that i will pick up at wal mart and home cheapo. Home depot has a 3 pack of buckets for 7$, so i will get 9 of those to be on safe side. $63, also, i figured id spend $100 on circulating fans, $200 on odor control, and roughly $150 on nutes and ferts, just not sure what i am going to get. I also am gonna try 2 -1000watt lights for now, and see how that works, also gonna try the clone bucket, a friend of mine highly recommends it and he can show me how he does it. i also left out an air pump set up for now, undecided, but will spend 150$ on that give or take. i will also buy tubing somewhere else, but added it just to be on safe side. by no means am i going to place this order, just kind of a planning tool i suppose. well here she is. ps i realize i left a few items out but heres the beginning https://www.htgsupply.com/cart.asp

 

[RetiredMatthebrute]

damn i hate my laptop lol, thing is doing shit i don't want it to... so i made the list with a few extra things so i don't have to go back anytime soon, i left out a few items as well that i will pick up at wal mart and home cheapo. Home depot has a 3 pack of buckets for 7$, so i will get 9 of those to be on safe side. $63, also, i figured id spend $100 on circulating fans, $200 on odor control, and roughly $150 on nutes and ferts, just not sure what i am going to get. I also am gonna try 2 -1000watt lights for now, and see how that works, also gonna try the clone bucket, a friend of mine highly recommends it and he can show me how he does it. i also left out an air pump set up for now, undecided, but will spend 150$ on that give or take. i will also buy tubing somewhere else, but added it just to be on safe side. by no means am i going to place this order, just kind of a planning tool i suppose. well here she is. ps i realize i left a few items out but heres the beginning https://www.htgsupply.com/cart.asp

dosent show up on my PC takes me to my own empty cart.

2 1000w lights i think will be best just not necessary. are these just for the flower room? 1 1kw will not do it for 12 plants especially.

for the veg cab go with a nice t5 rig they are cheaper on electric and much cooler. you can pick up a couple 4 ft 8 bulb t5 units for about 150 bucks each

heres a link on my recomendation on a 1000w light well they are not avaialble through amazon right now what about 3x 600w? i have read that 600w lights put out more lumens per watt and this would allow you to dedicate 1 light per 4 plants. they have some nice 600w kits on amazon from the brand i usually recomend. http://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Electronic-Dimmable-Reflector-Hydroponic/dp/B00521B894/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1357926791&sr=1-2&keywords=600w+apollo

it shouldnt cost you more to buy 3 of these opposed to 2 1000w, apollo comes with a 3 year warranty on ballasts and a 1 year warranty on all thier bulbs...cant beat that for the price. this kit includes everything you need to run and cool your lights.

and hell you could purchase 5 of these 600w lights and use 2 for your veg room, you should also be able to setup your cloning station right in your veg room so you dont have to mess with buying another light.

5 of these will cost around 900 bucks including shipping. this leaves you with $2100 left from your budget which is more than enough to build your 24 DWC buckets. get nutrients, PPM/PH testers, PH up and down (look into advanced nutrients PH perfect lineup might be a good choice to start with)

lets see if i can devise a list and you can match up whats on my list to yours.

DWC units (already figured this out)
Lights
PPM meter
PH meter
Nutrients
2x oscilating fans.
2x fan filter combo
ducting & clamps
seeds
medium (cocoa or hydroton?)
rockwool cubes
propogator with high rise lid and ventilation
clonex gel or solution
Co2?

thats about all i have right this second. how is your tap water? you may want to think about how the tap water is and if its going to be ok to use. alternativly you can buy a small water filtration system for relativly low cost. i use tap water and just let it sit out for a day or 2 before i use it

 

[RetiredMatthebrute]

oh and if your interested in Co2 theres lots of options out there. if your going to go all out which it seems you are i feel it would be a worthwhile investment to your operation.

 

[FlightSchool]

If I could do it over again I would have never grown in soil for any of my grows.

I'm hempy all the way. Completely sold on it.

Hydro/hempy anything that requires little to no transplanting, That's for me