New grow in a 5x5 (1.5 meter by 1.5 meter) tent, all sound good?

[prometheusoz]

Hey Everyone,

 

New member here, but already finding the Australian-focused discussion so great amongst a sea of largely US-based websites. Next week I am beginning my first grow. I have experience growing other flowers, and I am enjoying reading and learning a lot.

 

My plan is to put two 600 Watt LED panels (I am confident in my choice; I understand the HPS system, but it won't work for me in terms of initial cost, upgrading is an option down the road) in a 1.5 x 1.5 x 2.0 tent. From what I can ascertain the panels will cool themselves sufficiently, especially with winter in my area. 4" exhaust fan pulling air through a carbon filter, then venting into the room, which is right next to an open window allowing fresh air, and also optional direct venting through the window if required.

 

I plan to use Canna soil for the grow, mixed in with about 15% perlite. I will use Canna nutrients after they have been transplanted into the grow pots from the cups, which I anticipate will take a few weeks, giving me time to get everything setup and fully understand what I am doing. PH balancing chemicals will be needed, however I am a bit confused about the role of Canna soil when it comes to PH, as I have read mixed things. Seedlings planted into seedling mix, and then raised in that with no added nutrients.

 

I am going to take plants from plastic cups to '5 gallon' (aka 19 litre pots) fabric pots. The 5x5 tent will comfortable fit six of these pots, and I will eventually SCROG them via a net/something similar. I am aiming to have a solid canopy that is exposed to a lot of light via the two panels. Based on some sketches I have drawn I will be able to run the plants in lines of 2, and drain them into storage tubs for water removal. SCROG screen around 25-30 cm above the flowers.

 

Watering plants every 2/3 days (or when the medium is dry to the first or second knuckle), nutrients every other feeding (and straight-watering between nutrients to avoid build-up of nasties). I will only use 1/2 strength nutrients at first, and see how the plant responds once it's around 20 cm tall. Managing the saturation of the medium will be important, as I am aware soil can have troubles with overwatering, but I have typically avoided this with other plants in the past.

 

Does anything stand out as glaringly obvious that I am missing?

 

Edit: Clarified some design notes.

Edited April 5, 2018 by prometheusoz

[Serrated edge]

Canna soil?

Is it canna Terra or canna

coco?

[prometheusoz]

Canna soil?

Is it canna Terra or canna

coco?

 

 

Sorry, to clarify it is Canna Terra soil, not coco coir (although I did consider doing coir, but I think it will require skill outside of mine, at least for this first harvest).

 

Edit: Also worth noting, I will run a passive intake on the tent. With the LED low-heat emissions, and winter, I think I will get away with exhaust venting exclusively through the carbon filter, and using a small fan internally to move fresh air around/mix the air.

Edited April 5, 2018 by prometheusoz

[kyzah]

I'm a new grower like yourself and have the same size tent,I've tried to get away with the 4" exhaust and it just didn't cut it , how many cfm is it ?

 

I think you will find its too small and you would want a 6"or 8" exhaust,preferably ducted out the window.

 

 

 

 

Posted from the OZ Stoners mobile app

[kyzah]

A very knowledgeable member put me onto this calculator.

 

Merl1n the members name is https://cannaversity.com/calculators/lighting.php

 

Posted from the OZ Stoners mobile app

[kyzah]

 

Posted from the OZ Stoners mobile app

[prometheusoz]

I'm a new grower like yourself and have the same size tent,I've tried to get away with the 4" exhaust and it just didn't cut it , how many cfm is it ?

 

I think you will find its too small and you would want a 6"or 8" exhaust,preferably ducted out the window.

 

 

 

 

Posted from the OZ Stoners mobile app

 

 

Did further research and you're right that the fan is on the cusp of not being suitable. I've found a 5" fan that will do 170 CFM. Not really sure which to go for, but I have some ideas. Thanks for sharing that resource above - helps a lot.

 

Mind if I ask how you find it hand watering your farm? I am thinking that it's manageable. I work from home in an unrelated field to horticulture, so I think I will be able to manage it okay.

[kyzah]

I have a hyper fan 8" and phresh carbon filter mate , I have it running at 80% so its not screaming ,not sure it noise is an issue for yourself ?

 

These fans are expensive but claim to be the most energy efficient on the market and does the job well and truly.

 

I'm in house and garden coco and it the second week of flower so I'm watering every second day ,i work alot and away alot for long weekends ect... so I find hand watering is a bit painfull and limiting the time I can leave them unattended.

 

 

But in saying that if your in soil you want have to water as often ,I have a automatic system I'll set up for my next run anf grow in clay balls.

 

Posted from the OZ Stoners mobile app

[prometheusoz]

I have a hyper fan 8" and phresh carbon filter mate , I have it running at 80% so its not screaming ,not sure it noise is an issue for yourself ?

 

These fans are expensive but claim to be the most energy efficient on the market and does the job well and truly.

 

I'm in house and garden coco and it the second week of flower so I'm watering every second day ,i work alot and away alot for long weekends ect... so I find hand watering is a bit painfull and limiting the time I can leave them unattended.

 

 

But in saying that if your in soil you want have to water as often ,I have a automatic system I'll set up for my next run anf grow in clay balls.

 

Posted from the OZ Stoners mobile app

 

 

Noise may be an issue insofar I don't want it to be excessive. My PC often whirls up pretty loud, so I know fans can crank out air and unfortunately with that, sound. The spot I have set aside is somewhat private. I don't have any close neighbours, and the exhaust window is private. I think the thick walls internally will dampen a large amount of sound.

 

Coco's high-intensity management was that deterrent for me, especially in my first grow. I would like to set up a fully managed drip system if I do run Coco. I will keep investigating fan options. Keep me posted on your grow. Looking forward to seeing us both around more.

[billygoat]

How does HPS not compare on initial costs ?

 

Allegedly Decent LED’s will cost you your first born.