Design/Equipment questions after 5 year break

It has been a while since I have last had a running set up, and after a lot of self reflection I have decided that I need the therapy that the growing process provides.

-I will use a (undersized) 2x4x8ish area for Veg/Flowering ( an actual room, not a tent) with the intention of 2 plants in the space for the first run.

-Currently I have a few (Phillips) 400W CMH Lights, with various reflector styles and a few Hortilux 600W HPS. Decent on/off timers for pumps and fans, Nothing in regards to Co2, but a silly air exchange rate for my tiny room.

-The method I will use most likely is CoCo, since mixing soil at a decent cost takes a while to be ready for planting.

My budget to get rolling will be under $500 in new equipment (this is room set up only)

My Questions:

1- Has Lighting performance changed much since 2012? Has the commercial industry provided better quality products for lighting than the old CMH as far as Light quality & Cost of operation (Including heat and AC costs)

2- Have there been any major advancements in mediums used in the past 5 years?
- Any advancements in irrigation that make life easier? Are pots with Air holes under/around them still what folks use?

3- Has air filtering changed much, or is a can fan carbon filter still the way to go?

4- Is there a most cost effective way to gain reflection in a room than Flat white paint w/ a healthy boost of Titanium Dioxide?

5- I heard that there are processes of drying and curing being used by the large warehouses, is there anything on a small scale yet to take some of the guess work out of this step?

6- Have LEOs upgraded their Tech, and what besides proper insulation are folks using these days?


If you took the time to read this I thank you, and if there are any other suggestions anyone has please let me know!

#1. Yes. COBs and LEDs advance everyday. It's cutting

#2. Kinda... Higher quality stuff is now sold at Wal-Mart. Other then that, no. Dirt is dirt. You don't have to mix your own to have good stuff.

#3. Carbon is still the gold standard on scent control

#4. Yes, Mylar. But there's debate between it and plain white paint.

#5. It's all about the mason jar. Now you can buy humidity packs used for a cigar humidor. 62% humidity is popular.

#6. Cops will always be dicks. If Peter doesn't tell Paul. Paul will never know. Selling is still the biggest risk and the easiest way to get caught.

Hello, Bargar.
1. Primary improvement has been led efficacy and spectrum-they are capable of equaling and surpassing CML, MH and HPS output with less heat load to the space. Downside is up front cost. If you already have lights and can deal with keeping environment conditions, I'd use them.
2. Seems that coco is effective and alot of folks are using a flood/drain tray setup-simple and effective. I grow with RDWC in buckets and have gotten great results.
3. Ditto with SC-Carbon
4. I just stuck with paint-it's my closet....
5. I just use qt mason jars(tinted if you can find them) and 1/2 gal. jars for the fluff for extracts. I use the Boveda's and haven't noticed any degradation of the smell/quality.
6. Know who you are dealing with and don't advertise