Lighting Recommendations / Please & Thanks

Greetings friends,

Converting my empty closet (2ft wide, 6ft long, 9ft tall) into a hydroponic growing area. First grow plan: two auto flowers sharing a two gallon tote; dwc system. Will be germinating the seeds. Closet is relatively dry and around 60 degrees (empty); Southern California climate. Been reading through the "medical growers bible" and have a friend who is trying to coach me along the journey.

Questions:
1. Do you think it will be possible to maintain climate in the closet, without the use of a tent or ventilation system? Can I simply use oscillating fans or crack the door of the closet during appropriate times, if it gets too hot?

2. Looking for recommendations on an initial light set up? I'm starting out with two plants in a dwc, hydroponic system. Hoping to add more plants, as I gain experience. I'm imaging I will need a light which will not get too hot, for the enclosed space I am using. Should I get a 400w or a 600w for that size space? maybe add another one the same size, if I eventually add more plants? hoping to also get a light that can handle all the cycles and stages, for this first grow.

any info would be great for this newbie. please and thanks.

I think its would be a push with hid, led would prob suit your needs best due to heat and the space you have.
I however have no experience with led so me personally i would use an air cooled dimmable mh/hps combo cutting a circular hole into the cupboard for the outake with a circulating fan and possibly an intake through a cavity in the wall at the bottom of the closet to help keep it cool.
It was be easier to keep a constant temperature using LED.
LED will be easier to manage as a beginner.
If you are to go with HID grab a 600w dimmable ballast you can use a lower output to control heat but you will probably find you need extra ventalation than just an oscillating fan

eyeballsaul said:

I think its would be a push with hid, led would prob suit your needs best due to heat and the space you have.
I however have no experience with led so me personally i would use an air cooled dimmable mh/hps combo cutting a circular hole into the cupboard for the outake with a circulating fan and possibly an intake through a cavity in the wall at the bottom of the closet to help keep it cool.
It was be easier to keep a constant temperature using LED.
LED will be easier to manage as a beginner.
If you are to go with HID grab a 600w dimmable ballast you can use a lower output to control heat but you will probably find you need extra ventalation than just an oscillating fan

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thanks for the info. really great stuff for me to think over. yeah, it might be a stretch trying to do this in my closet. i have space in my room for a tent; was just hoping i could make the closet work at first. seems like ventilation is going to be a problem though

No bother best of luck i think you are making the right choice using dwc, i would never use another system now. Why settle for less optimise your space and equipment the best you can to suit your needs, i would also lst/scrog expecially in the small space. Dont be afraid to trim branches and leaves.

lilbry said:

... i have space in my room for a tent; was just hoping i could make the closet work at first. seems like ventilation is going to be a problem though ...

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The LED's do run cooler than the HID set-ups - but they do still pump out some heat that would need to be removed. What LED's were you thinking of using?

I agree that the closet might not be viable.

During lights out, the door would need to be closed cause you want it dark. Without good ventilation, it will be difficult to remove the humidity that will build as the ladies transpire. You are setting yourself up for mold and mildew.

Light leaks from the room into the closet, such as through the gap between the door and the floor, during lights out. You don't want any light getting in when it should be dark.

The bud will stink as you get deeper into flower. You would need a carbon filter to control the smell. Without an exhaust to direct air through the filter, your room will be full of bud stink.

I am thinking a tent as well ...

just throwing my 2 cents in... i was successful last year with almost the same setup. 2x5x8 with a dwc bucket and 2 other fabric potted plants, total: 3
I bought a cheap blurple light at first then bought a HLG quantum board, added that in there as well. my highest temps were around 89F to 94F, sliding doors closed all day 8-5pm. Im in CentralCal but it can get hot here too so if you can try to crack the doors open a bit, also invest in HYDRO GUARD!!
it'll save you from root rot
as for lights my blurple was $150 at 260W and my HLG quantum board is $200 at 135w rspec so total watts just under 400
Im currently about to run both the closet again and i bought a tent, i will say that during the summer the room gets hot if you dont have AC running so
thats also something to keep in mind

Boofyblitzd said:

just throwing my 2 cents in... i was successful last year with almost the same setup. 2x5x8 with a dwc bucket and 2 other fabric potted plants, total: 3
I bought a cheap blurple light at first then bought a HLG quantum board, added that in there as well. my highest temps were around 89F to 94F, sliding doors closed all day 8-5pm. Im in CentralCal but it can get hot here too so if you can try to crack the doors open a bit, also invest in HYDRO GUARD!!
it'll save you from root rot
as for lights my blurple was $150 at 260W and my HLG quantum board is $200 at 135w rspec so total watts just under 400
Im currently about to run both the closet again and i bought a tent, i will say that during the summer the room gets hot if you dont have AC running so
thats also something to keep in mind

Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply and info. Thanks for the tip regarding Hydro Guard. I still like the idea of maybe using my closet someday, but I think I might grab a tent also. They seem relatively priced on amazon. I know Gorilla makes really nice one. Any recommendations on tents? Are some of the Amazon one ok? Thanks again for all the info