New Grower You're opinion is needed. (First Grow)

[N8 the Gr8]

Hello, I'm new to the site name is Nate, I have come here because I'm in the process of finalizing everything that I'm purchasing to start my first grow. And would like everyone's opinion I have been planning and trying to learn as much as I can before start and kinda dragging my feet on what to do. I originally was going to do a hydro indoor led grow but for simplicity I pick soil.

Light
240w Blackstar LED with 2 cfls in each corner
(how does everyone like there blackstars)
Tent (Im really not sure here either spend $150 or $300)

Cheap but good reviews
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VW6IN2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&smid=A2GUMCXR7HBXM2

or
Secret Jarden Darkroom II
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Jardin-Darkroom-Pro-DR120/dp/B004NGIEZU/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1346407039&sr=1-1&keywords=secret+jardin

Thinking about using
Smart Pots
Foxfarm Soil and Nutes
Already got my fan, carbon filter and all the small stuff

So what does everyone think? Thanks

The link isnt for the the exact Secret Jardin i want but close just bigger

 

[Duck Commander]

sounds like a great plan mate youll have a sweet grow there and as for the blackstar leds lots of good reviews on here plenty of grow logs using leds Si

 

[Muddy]

Welcome to AFN. Moved your thread over to the New Growers forum where we can better help you get off to a good start.

Hard to go wrong with the Blackstar 240s. I run 3 of them myself and really like them. However, one light, even with the additional CFLs, won't effectively cover either of those tents. LEDs work best when you grow within their core penetration, which with the BS 240s, is an area about 2' x 3'. In a 4' x 4' tent you would a minimum of three, with 4 being optimum. I was running two in a 3.5' x 3.5' area with fair results so added a 3rd one. To effectively supplement one BS with CFLs you will probably need in the neighborhood of an additional 350 - 400 watts of CFLs.

Regarding the soils, do not use their Ocean Forest for seedlings. It's too hot and can burn young plants. Better to start in Happy Frog and use OF once they are established. Pro Mix or Sunshine #4 would be a better choice IMO.

Also, do you have a pH meter? If not, one is a must have. Most problems new growers experience are pH related and should you run into any issues and require help, one of the first things we'll need to know is the pH of your soil and nutrient feeds.

Smart pots work best when they are raised off the floor so air can circulate underneath them. Recommend you also take that into consideration.

 

[N8 the Gr8]

Thanks Guys

I know the tent is big but I only plan on growing 4-5 plants my first go around and then one day I hope to have 3 blackstars running. I jealous. How much did your electricity bill go up with blackstars? How hot do they get?

I do have a PH tester

 

[N8 the Gr8]

I have a couple of milk crates around the house I will put the smart pots on those thanks for the tip.

Also so under 1 BS 240w you would only grow 4 I was hoping 5 but not a huge deal.

Also I thinking about Buddha Seed Purple Kush
anyone have any experience with it?

https://www.cannabis-seeds-bank.co.uk/buddha-seeds-purple-kush-auto/prod_3535.html

 

[Muddy]

Four plants would be fine under one BS 240, 5 would be a little tight but can be managed. Just keep rotating them around so they all get even light. Those use some 120 degree lenses so tend to work best when you have good reflectivity, so I would suggest setting it up in a corner of the tent, rather than in the middle, so you get more reflected light from the corner walls. I'm running a total of four 240 watt LEDs, plus a 175 watt MH and four 23 watt CFLs for veg and in total they cost me about $30 a month to run. One BS 240 in a large tent isn't going to have much effect on the heat. When you get all three in there I wouldn't expect it to raise the ambient temp more than about 5 degrees.

Thanks Guys

I know the tent is big but I only plan on growing 4-5 plants my first go around and then one day I hope to have 3 blackstars running. I jealous. How much did your electricity bill go up with blackstars? How hot do they get?

I do have a PH tester

 

[Muddy]

Milk crates will work but may be a bit high. Something like an oven rack set on a couple pieces of 2 x 2 would also work. As long as they are an inch or two off the floor you are good to go.

Here's a grow of that strain: https://www.autoflower.org/f5/buddha-purple-kush-syrup-more-9523.html

I have a couple of milk crates around the house I will put the smart pots on those thanks for the tip.

Also so under 1 BS 240w you would only grow 4 I was hoping 5 but not a huge deal.

Also I thinking about Buddha Seed Purple Kush
anyone have any experience with it?

https://www.cannabis-seeds-bank.co.uk/buddha-seeds-purple-kush-auto/prod_3535.html