New Grower Getting ready for my 1st grow

[PhxRocker]

Hello,

As I stated in my introduction a few days ago, I am a complete noob at growing marijuana. I plan to start my first grow sometime in January, and right now I am deciding what equipment/materials to purchase.

I know a lot of people on here do the whole "DIY" thing, which is very cool, but since I will have a few bucks to spend ($500-$600), I'd like to get some good equipment so I won't have to replace it and spend more money a few months from now.

As I stated in my previous post, I'll have to grow somewhat stealthy in my bedroom.

I came across this grow tent that would fit perfectly in my room, and it's the perfect dimensions for my situation:

http://www.gothamhydroponics.com/growtents/grow-tent-3x1-7x5-lighthouse-grow-tent.html

I've been reading a lot about lighting on this site, and I've pretty much decided on the Blackstar 240w LED, also from Gotham Hydro at $279.00.
I know it's far more expensive than CFL's or T5's, but if I have the money...why not? The website says this grow light covers a 2' x 3' area...and that's pretty much the dimensions of the grow tent above. Plus, I love the fact that it produces little-to-no heat. Here in AZ in the summer, that is DEFINITELY an issue!
One question: The website says it's a "flowering" LED light, but I've heard that it would be fine for vegging autos as well. Is this true?

I'm thinking about using 3 gal smart pots, and it seems like I could get 4-6 of them in that size grow tent. Does that sound about right?

Also, I have absolutely no ideas as of yet on fans/filters/odor control.
Anyone have any recommendations on those for a 2'x3'x5' grow tent?

My whole plan is to completely grow everything I personally consume, and I estimate that I consume about 8-9 oz's per year.

If I can get an average harvest of about 1 oz per plant, then doing two grows a year with an average harvest of 4-6 oz's should take care of my yearly cannabis needs...at least in theory.

Any comments, advice, or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Muddy]

It looks like you've put a lot of thought and research into your planning. That's always good to see. I can't comment on the tent as I don't use them, but that size and light combo look to be a good match. I've using two of the same Blackstars in a 3 x 4' area with good results. Get the flowering one.

Depending on the strain you're growing, some are bushier than others, you should be able to fit 4-5 plants in there. Four would be a comfortable fit. A point on Smart Pots. They work best when raised up so that the bottom of the pot it also exposed to the air. You're also going to have run off from when you water, so you might think about possibly putting a tray with a rack in it to set the pots on.

For ventilation I'd recommend a 4" inline fan and carbon filter on a variable speed controller. By varying your fan speed you will have more control over the temperature in your tent. The LED will raise the ambient temperature by about 5 degrees. I seldom run mine on full speed, which also reduces the noise. Here's a link where you can find fans and filters: http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/. About $120 for the two.

You should have no trouble meeting your goals and probably exceeding them with good growing techniques. Yields of over 2 ounces per plant are common. LOL, I wouldn't be surprised that once you get the bug you'll end up growing year round.

 

[PhxRocker]

After initially posting this 7 months ago, I decided to try to go the "legal" route and get my medical marijuana card here in AZ so I could eliminate any undue paranoia on my part....and I finally got my card last week...so after an initial delay I am ready to go!

I'm still planning on buying/using the equipment that I described above, but I do have a few more questions.

The tent I'm getting is 3' x 2'.
On Gotham Hydro's website it says that one Blackstar 240w covers that exact area...3' x 2'.
But I saw a thread on AFN recently (can't find it now), where someone was using two Blackstar 240w in that exact same size tent.
Was just wondering if one would be enough for 3' x 2', or if you would need two...and how much better would the yield be with two?
I can definitely afford one right now, but probably not two just yet...money is definitely a concern. Would one be enough for about 4 autos in that size tent?

Also, what soil would you recommend between Sunshine Mix #4 & Promix?
And if Promix, what type of Promix?

And lastly,

I already have seeds from two different strains...Short Stuff Blue Himalaya Diesel auto fem & Short Stuff Russian Rocket Fuel auto fem.
Which strain would you recommend that I start my very first grow with?

Thanks in advance for any advice...

 

[PhxRocker]

Also, I forgot to ask...

What brand of nutes would you recommend?