Cabinet Grow| First Grow | Tips mucho appreciated! :)

I've been a longtime lurker, and like many, started with germinating bagseed. I germinated six, of which three sprouted. They were grown under a small flourescent light for a little under a week, at which I picked up some CFL's and this small filing cabinet at Goodwill.
Soon after one passed away, and the other looked stunted or irregular (I think he had trouble breaking out of his shell).

CFL's = 2 x 26 watt and 2x20 watt.

I gutted the filing cabinet, took the door off the cabinet, the shelf out the middle, tacked and glued them together, then hinged on the side.


I just transplanted my little child into the butter container, but I HAVE to ask. Is this a good container for now?

I'm just running peat and perlite mix, no nutes yet. Not entirely sure if and when I should.

And my biggest and most OBVIOUS concern is, how the HELL should I hang these lights? I really wanted the power strip to be connected to the ceiling, But I may pick up some mylar or something to coat the ceiling with.
I've been considering getting chains like everyone else has to raise and lower the lights accordingly.

As you can see my light situation is very temporary. Anyone have ideas? Duct tape is not strong enough. I've considered drilling holes through the top and running some sort of zip locks through it.

Any tips, comments, etc, are very appreciated. Like many I am going into this with as much research and constant configuration without traumatizing my child.

It will be fine for now but you won't to be looking for some think a bit bigger I start with a cupboard like yours after 4 week need some thing bigger so I would avice you get some think bigger if you can save making it twice lol as for the light just put some screw in the side wall and hang you lead on it till you are ready to rehome her fingers cross

If you cant make it any bigger you will won't to put a 45w cfl 6400k about 1/2" from the top and change it to a 45w 2700k when flowering have one fan intakeing and one for the out take you will won't some sort of carbon filter as they start to smell about 3/4 weeks in to veg
hope this helps

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GreenLamp-Spectrum-6400k-light-Bayonet/dp/B004G6XFMY/ref=sr_1_1?s=lighting&ie=UTF8&qid=1339527969&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GreenLamp-Spectrum-2700k-light-Bayonet/dp/B004J401GG/ref=sr_1_2?s=lighting&ie=UTF8&qid=1339528031&sr=1-2

I was thinking of doing some LST at some point into it. I honestly don't even expect this plant to complete the full cycle, as I'm sure some hiccup or trouble will plague me soon enough.

I do want a bigger cab, but as for stealth this is pushing it.

And who knows! It could be a male! I will look into some bigger wattage bulbs. I'd like to have a big one or two screwed in top and a few lining the sides for more coverage. And I've seen some plans for DIY carbon scrubbers that look promising, but no smell issues yet! Thank you for the tips though!

I made my carbon filter and it work ok but if it just for veg just get 100mm carbon filter £25 and works a treat I will just cost you more in the long run making them as I found out
as you only have one plant if you get half litre pot and cut to bottom off and put some carbon in a stocking when pop one end over a 80/100mm pc fan on the out take if will kill the smell

Quick update. Day 14. I think I self-diagnosed myself with a heat related issue.
My goal is to grab a thermometer tomorrow.
Backed my light off a few inches. Also should pick up some clamps to actually mount the light. And a water Ph reader just to test my water out of curiosity ( and love!).

i liked useing stiff tie wire so i could position the cfl's all around the plants and adjust them as needed easily ... also try the ph drops they work good and are cheap....

shop around you can find a decently priced cabinet that still looks totally inconspicuous.

test the light distance against your hand, if you feel it, the plant feels it, if it's uncomfortable, the plant will be uncomfortable.

keep those lights about 2-3 inches away from plant. Get a exhaust fan and a fan inside that will fix your heat problem. Plants are good between 75-85f no prob. I was using a file cabinet for my veg for abit but not enough space in it. Also if just a pc grow you dont really need a carbon filter for smell as there wont be much.