Custom cfl winter grow, 4x4 tent outside, vancouver island

chronicvanisland

chronicvanisland

Active Member
Going to setup and try growing 4 autos in tent outside during the upcoming cold months.

Equipment
X6 6500k 23w cfls
X6 2700k 23w cfls
Cfls are in a custom 3x3 fixture using 276 true watts creating 1200w equivalent watts apparently.
Im doing this to save money on hydro bill.

4x4 vivosun tent
4 inch 100cfm intake
4 inch 200cfm exaust with filter and speed control
6" vivo clip fan
Small heater

Going to run autoflowers.

Plan is to bring intake in the top and exaust out bottom to create less heat loss, could get to -10 at times (some years). Think this method of air exchange will work a bit? I will have a heater in there
 
chronicvanisland

chronicvanisland

Active Member
I am worried about humidity and dont wanna run dehumidifier, think i should have one? Rh this time of year is high with all the rain
 
StareCase

StareCase

Well-Known Member
chronicvanisland said:
... CFL's are in a custom 3x3 fixture using 276 true watts creating 1200w equivalent watts apparently ...
Click to expand...
It's still 276 watts.

chronicvanisland said:
... Plan is to bring intake in the top and exhaust out bottom to create less heat loss, could get to -10 at times (some years). Think this method of air exchange will work a bit? I will have a heater in there ...
Click to expand...
Venting is usually easier with the intake at the bottom and exhaust out the top. Trying to pull heat downwards can be like herding cats.

So is this tent going to be in a shed or garage or will it just be outside?
 
chronicvanisland

chronicvanisland

Active Member
StareCase said:
It's still 276 watts.


Venting is usually easier with the intake at the bottom and exhaust out the top. Trying to pull heat downwards can be like herding cats.

So is this tent going to be in a shed or garage or will it just be outside?
Click to expand...
Just outside with tarp to keep rain off
 
Big Green Thumb

Big Green Thumb

Well-Known Member
Is that -10C or -10F? If I was trying to do what you suggest, I would definitely use a dehumidifier once buds are forming to try to save the plants from mold. Run the lights at least 20 hours, 24 if the plants can handle it. 276 watts 24 hours a day may be enough heat. Consider covering the tent with some kind of insulation: rigid foam, mattress topper, bubble wrap foil, sleeping bags, etc just make sure they stay dry. Limit the amount of outside air you exchange to keep temps in check. Maybe look for a cheap used HID light instead of the cfls. 276 watts may not be enough light for your 4x4 tent. consider a 400-600 watt HPS.
 
chronicvanisland

chronicvanisland

Active Member
Big Green Thumb said:
Is that -10C or -10F? If I was trying to do what you suggest, I would definitely use a dehumidifier once buds are forming to try to save the plants from mold. Run the lights at least 20 hours, 24 if the plants can handle it. 276 watts 24 hours a day may be enough heat. Consider covering the tent with some kind of insulation: rigid foam, mattress topper, bubble wrap foil, sleeping bags, etc just make sure they stay dry. Limit the amount of outside air you exchange to keep temps in check. Maybe look for a cheap used HID light instead of the cfls. 276 watts may not be enough light for your 4x4 tent. consider a 400-600 watt HPS.
Click to expand...
Update i have ordered a vivosun 2x4x5 tent, 200cfm air kit, a 100cfm inline fan as other one might be too much! mars hydro tsl2000(300w), and accessories. Planning to take intake air and have it close to/facing top of light to help warm the intake air and keep the light driver cool!!!
 
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