Indoor would this work?

[littleT]

i want to grow a few auto lowryders during the fall and winter.will this work---a 3x3x2 box---painted with low luster white paint3 or 4 places to put shelf to as they grow--lower plants<not raise light>the light is a 150 watt hps with built in ballast.i want to cut a access hole in top of cabinet so light will sit ontop of box to keep heat dome outside the grow area to keep heat down box i have a plan but it s not nothing proven.seems heat is a problem.if light would sit directly over a special hole so light doesnt excape around top will have 2 premade cabnet doors with a padlock when im gone was gonna add a portable fan inside ----ideas guys will or will not work

 

[AndyBotwin]

I'm finishing up my cabinet grow with CFLs and heat is definitely an issue. A 150w HPS will cause you some problems I think, though having it outside of the box will help. Do you have a source of cold air for the intake vent?

 

[Muddy]

Most of the heat generated is from the bulb, although the ballast will also generate some. Since the light is shining down into your box heat will still be radiated as well. I believe you will still need ventilation for your box in the form of an intake and an exhaust.

 

[Auto-snooch]

You could grow in that space just fine. I have very little personal experience with hps but I would add air intakes and some sort of extractor for additional cooling. It took me a little while to get my temps right although and I am using led and a much smaller box. Remember though, extra fans add noise to your grow box. It's a problem if you are trying to be stealth

You might be better getting the basic box built and set up. then just fine tune it before you start the seeds

Also the doors might need a bit of work if they are to be fully light-proof.
You might be better off making a removable panel for access. You can just make an over-lapping edge on the inside. It will be easier to seal up and you could still have locks.

Hope this helps mate

 

[littleT]

intend to do it in a outside building --fall and winter no heat ---in building also intend to add a couple intake flap vents with a small fan pulling air out rear of building into woods

 

[littleT]

i understand you dont have to veg a auto so is there an afordable light that will do mine small plants justice and keep price and size to a minimum thats better for me than the hps only want to grow the small lowryder plants in the box help please beans on the way

 

[Muddy]

A good HPS bulb, especially one with an expanded blue spectrum, will work fine for growing autos start to finish. For what you are planning to grow you could also use a 2' T5 fixture or an LED panel.

i understand you dont have to veg a auto so is there an afordable light that will do mine small plants justice and keep price and size to a minimum thats better for me than the hps only want to grow the small lowryder plants in the box help please beans on the way

 

[TshirtNinja]

intend to do it in a outside building --fall and winter no heat ---in building also intend to add a couple intake flap vents with a small fan pulling air out rear of building into woods

my only concern is security at this point...... hot air venting from a structure like that is a red flag if your not in a medical state. not saying you WILL have problems with the law just try to mitigate security issues like this early on as overlooking them could result in some stiff repercussions.... just dont want a member here to get snagged for something simple. try venting the air through the floor and have it dissipate that way if it is an option.

 

[littleT]

muddy i think im goin with the t5 2 foot 4 bulb--about right ?or will 2 bulb combo work in my small area shold run alot cooler right less trouble to get rid of heat

 

[littleT]

also

wanted to say that i raise a garden all ,summer,and fall so i was hoping i could set it up and use it for a early start to my tomatoes,mellons,cukes,to name a few in early feb. you know multi -purpose box---the t5 sounds way better for that thanks all still got alot of things to think about---fans---vents----all input is appreciated---just to clearify when march gets here it will be growing in the woods--