New Setup, 1st Grow EVER. Check it out! - White Rhino

Hey Guys,

I have started to get my bits & pieces for my first grow setup. I am growing indoors in a basement, Currently the temp is about 82 degrees w/about 37% humidity. Yesterday however, the humidity was upwards of 85%!!!

My tent comes tomorrow, here is what I ordered:
http://www.amazon.com/MILLIARD-Reflective-Hydroponic-Mylar-Window/dp/B00ETBE00M

Pic:

it's 36 x 36 x 73.

I already purchased my lighting goodies. ( I got an very good deal ) These are 400W HPS ballasts, that I have already wired and tested, They admit a nice orangish light.

I am going to be hanging the ballast right outside next to my tent. Here's a picture of the modified remote ballast:

That will plug directly into my hood, which I am hoping to order today after work. (depends on a few things)
here is the hood that I am going to be ordering today:


I also have already ordered a 6" inline duct fan, 6" flex tube & also 4" duct tube. I have a small fan for inside the tent, and a nice therm/hygrometer. I am going to be using 5 gallon buckets, with Happy Frog soil w/ a 20% Perlite mix.



Now that that's explained, Do you have any tips? I need a cheapo timer, for my light. and a few other things. What do you guys think of what I have so far, will I get okay results in my area? I've read about bud-rot in high humidity areas which I may be in the clear, as summer is really winding down here. It was a brisk 50 degrees this morning outside. while my grow area is reading: 82 degrees with 29% humidity (highs are in the 80%+ humidity)

Remote ballast is good! High bay shop lights are all I buy and use. The bulbs, however, usually need replacement. Even if they glow blindingly bright to the naked eye they are used and have lowered output. Keep the dome reflector for a CFL for vegging. Winter brings lower humidity. Electric heat in the house means even lower humidity. Gas furnaces raise the humidity. Start those plants in peat cups and gradually increase container size before final transplant into 5 gallon pots.

hotrodharley said:

Remote ballast is good! High bay shop lights are all I buy and use. The bulbs, however, usually need replacement. Even if they glow blindingly bright to the naked eye they are used and have lowered output. Keep the dome reflector for a CFL for vegging. Winter brings lower humidity. Electric heat in the house means even lower humidity. Gas furnaces raise the humidity. Start those plants in peat cups and gradually increase container size before final transplant into 5 gallon pots.

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This lighting equipment was all brand new, came in the boxes and all. Now I do have 2 different bulbs, I don't know if anyone would be able to verify which one would be better for the veg stage or not? I'll upload the pics.

I have 3 of these:


& 1 of:


Thanks for the reply!

Use the bottom one to veg. MH. Can't read the info on the top but guessing if it was presented as both MH/HPS it is a HPS.

Okay I see Lumalux so the top lamp is your HPS lamp. You know what to do! BTW you have obviously separated the ballast from the unit. If possible wire that bitch with 10/3 cable long enough to keep it outside your grow area. If possible. The reduction in heat is amazing. Those old magnetic ballasts run hot.

Not to burst the bubble but you will want to get a much better HPS bulb. I would suggest buying a really good bulb and saving this for an emergency if and when the new one goes out. These are okay but your yield will improve with a better quality bulb.

hotrodharley said:

Not to burst the bubble but you will want to get a much better HPS bulb. I would suggest buying a really good bulb and saving this for an emergency if and when the new one goes out. These are okay but your yield will improve with a better quality bulb.

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That's what I was wondering, thanks for the assistance this far I appreciate it! What do you recommend bulb wise? Also, you mentioned the other bulb is an MH Bulb, I would guess that is still okay to use during veg?

The MH should be fine for veg. I use Hortilux because honestly it's because it's all I can get here. But the difference was noticeable.Others might have better suggestions.

Got my tent!



Also I have a baby (from bag seed) here I've just been playing around with, until my hood gets here I am just monitoring this'n...


Tent is actually really nice quality, I love the window!

Just got home from work, I have more goodies today!




And also my hood came!! Time to finalize the lighting & ventilation

Sweet set up. The ladies look healthy too.

Joe Blows Trees said:

Sweet set up. The ladies look healthy too.

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Thanks! I have it about 85% setup! Going away for the weekend, will have time on Sunday to hopefully finish it up!






I have a water proof sub floor that will cover the bottom, will install that right before the plants go in:

Looks like your well on your way to growing some good buds,I would hang the light from those adjustable hangers it's almost a daily task raising the light.

eddy600 said:

Looks like your well on your way to growing some good buds,I would hang the light from those adjustable hangers it's almost a daily task raising the light.

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Yeah, I am going to be ordering those, I left length in my ventilation duct to compensate. Hopefully my buddy will come through with the clones early next week!