My First Grow

[Artifice]

So I'm looking to undertake my first grow. I'm looking at a wardrobe DWC Drip system. The Wardrobe i've got is 57cm Deep x 72cm Wide x 107cm High. It has a self contained compartment above that's about 40cm X 72cm X 30 cm that could be used for cloning most likely, it's also got 4 drawers on the bottom.

 

I've got some $$$ to burn so I'm looking at a few pre-made hydro setups on eBay.

 

Here are a few options, let me know what you guys think:

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Big-3-Hydroponic-Drip-5-netcups10-gal-fully-assembled-/260743805760?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb58abb40

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6-Site-Drip-Hydroponic-System-Kit-Fertilizer-grow-/130490167987?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e61d1f2b3

 

This is the one I was interested in (Probably the 4 pot version (select different sizes in the drop down menu above price)):

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Hydroponic-Grow-System-DWC-Drip-Combo-Complete-setup-/160565454171?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item6b1b59bfcc

 

Or you can check out some of the others by the same sellers.

 

I'll be honest, I'm a little bit overwhelmed by all the factors that have to be taken into consideration when growing, but I'm excited about having a new hobby! I was too daunted by all the mixing and levels with soil, so that's my reasoning behind a Drip system.

 

So after that, all I have to sort out is the ventilation and lighting. I should be able to get my hands on either 2x250w HID/MH Ballasts or a 400w & 600w (both via unreliable friends for a somewhat cheaper price than brand new, unless anyone has any they'd like to sell me for a decent price? )

 

I'd love to start a diary once this is all set up.

 

Thanks in advance guys

Edited June 5, 2011 by Artifice

[fingabang]

Hi Mate

 

Looks like a pretty small grow. I think your best bet is to make the system yourself, its just a container with holes in the lid and some net pots. Its one of the easiest and cheapest hydro system to make.

 

It would also be much simpler to forget the drip system and just make it a bubbler. Less hassle less to go wrong

 

I would use your money to get new bulbs for these second hand lights or just buy new lights.

 

Good luck and show us your progress.

 

[merl1n]

I'd have to agree with Finga, make it yourself.

The thing with a setup is you'll always want to make improvements to make things easier or better

If you make it yourself the knowledge is yours and what works for your setup. I'm yet to meet somebody who hasn't made improvements as they progress.

 

Merl1n

[dani]

Hey artifice,

i'm with merl1n and fingabang make your own.. Make the frame the size you want, then panda and tape.. if you want to make changes later, (as a wise man once told me, you'll tweak, and you do ) you just cut and tape... bit more panda and you're sorted.. Can cut new holes for fans, anything you want to do is easy.. just have a good frame to work with..I used a double loft bed frame..But would be simple thing to upend a single frame and pretty much there's a base.. easily take the weight of carbon, filter, exhaust and lights,... single beds are dirt cheap at st vinnies ... Panda is under $10mtr and tape is a few bucks.. you will need heaps of tape though .. I'd put my panda tent up against anything i've seen to buy and it cost me less than a 1/3 of the price.. tweaked today and now i have separate veg and flower tent.. all it took was some time, 2mtrs of panda and tape

 

Edited June 5, 2011 by dani

[Artifice]

Hey guys, thanks for the input

 

I do like the idea of that bed frame. If you guys think a bubble system is the way to go, I'll start researching that. I do need the setup to be somewhat discreet, as to say if someone walked into my back shed they wouldn't know what it was as soon as they saw it

 

Edit: Wow Fingabang, you were right. Bubble systems are absolutely piss easy to build. Thanks! Well that's decided, I'm looking at building my own frame and just creating a grow tent, should be fairly easy.

Edited June 5, 2011 by Artifice

[Artifice]

Oh how big do my net pots need to be? Is it true size doesn't really matter, it's just to put the medium in and keep the plant stable?

[dani]

http://www.cannaversity.com/cannaversity/category.php?id=13 check in here.. if there's anything you don't understand i'm sure someone will be able to help you further along..

check other members diaries and you'll see they provide most of the info you'll need.. start reading

 

[Artifice]

Thanks mate. I have read quiet a few of the guides and diaries, but there's a lot of info; I probably missed something

[fingabang]

Hi

 

Yes, they just the need medium to keep them stable so they don't need to be too big. The roots will grow through the net pots and into the oxygen rich water. Just change water/nutes and clean container every 7 days and yer growing. Get yourself a ppm and ph meter, some ph adjuster and keep them happy.

 

[Artifice]

Ok so i'm working out the ventilation required. My lengthxwidth calculations shows I need a CFM fan rating of about 4? (it's a drobe grow).

 

My drobe is 57x72x107 (cm). Can I just use a 140mm PC fan?