Shipping Container Grow Room //

[dtfsux]

sounds like a bad idea. Growing in a container, next to other peoples units?

You would have to go with a refrigerated unit to make it less obvious. Plus that should mask all the noise of pumps, fans etc

I would be suspect of the bill. AC, lights, etc. That is going to add up.

How about water? Where will you get water from?



I mean this nicely, but it doesn't sound like you know how to set this up, and its just a bad idea.

 

[StrictlyGateway]

Ahhh...yes why didnt i think of that, where can i find a CO2 system and a powerful A/C suited for THIS?

they have, appropriately named 'reefer' units that you could start with. not sure what size cooling units they carry, but for a few bucks more than the normal shipping container, you can purchase a refrigerated one.

 

[cody2white]

Water is not that big of a deal. Water takes it shape of its container so anything water tight could be used. Just load up some square containers on a dolly you should be good to go.

 

[dtfsux]

Water is not that big of a deal. Water takes it shape of its container so anything water tight could be used. Just load up some square containers on a dolly you should be good to go.

A container is 20x8 and could support up to 10KW, maybe 7-8 with walking space. You know much water that is? Hundreds and hundreds of gallons. Then you have waste water.

Then you have to open the container in a public place or build a false wall. Then you have harvest time where you will be trimming in there or walking out with 20 garbage bags of weed.

How funny do you think it will for someone to walk into the unit, and lock themselves in for several hours, then come out smelling dank?

This is a HORRIBLE idea.


You might as well grow in a self storage unit


I got some big balls and would never try this. I thing rental houses suck and I would grow in a rental house before I did this.

 

[toohighmf]

Why not use a refrigerated shipping container so you don't have to install an air conditioner?
With lights running in it, it won't get as cold as it normally does.

Ive turned toy haulers and box trailers into grows. I always wanted a 53' refrigerated hauler to try it. Refrige cars are EXPENSIVE, and a lot of space is used on insulating and refrigeration. the only way to go is to bury a regular container or series of, and run CEA where it's 50-60F and build my recycled home from containers above. run some R-Tech insulation board around it and get a big chiller, or mini splits.

Have you guys seen some of the Artistic post modern container homes they build these days? by using containers as the main sructure, the costs of building are ridiculously cheap and they are very forward in design and made of 70% recyclable materials. really cool shit.

 

[clp]

I havent seen this but Id love to see some pics! That sounds really innovative!

 

[kaskar]

bury it or put it on a farm in a barn you cant grow next to other containers.to many things water where you gonna get electricity .wont work .bad idea .

 

[Kush Farmer]

I'm all for jumping in head first. There are so many variables and choices that you aren't going to be able to find an instant answer. And the "pre built" option is overpriced and too generic. I also can't answer everything in one, or several for that matter, post.

To start, you are going to have to factor in everything that is relative to your location. Meaning; environment, security, and how "stealth" you need the setup to be. Remember, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

I know you mentioned that the storage yard you would use has refrigerated units in it. So you know, a cannabis garden has almost zero similarities to a refrigerated cargo container. Noise is the only thing that will hide. You have to get everything in and out of the container as well. Keep in mind that your coming and goings are usually monitored in most storage yards, or at least any decently secured ones are.

Are you a soil grower or hydro? Hydro will be next to impossible unless you have a water supply on site. I vote for CGE (sealed room) for a shipping container. I would also stick to one until you have been a little versed in it. If not your mistakes and/or "cost of learning" will be doubled or tripled.

To start, you need to decide on your budget. $2,000 Sterling or dollar isn't going to fill a container. You can run up to 10,000W in a cargo container and you won't even swing the ballast and bulbs for that. You need to factor roughly $5000 - $10,000 per container depending on your choices. I was able to set up 4000W flower/ 2000W veg. CGE style, 20'x'8'x8' container for about $8500. That was with the container purchase.

The main things to decide before you proceed are:

Soil or hydro?
How many watts?
whats your maximum budget?

I'll be happy to help in any way i can. I wish you luck and hope to see this pan out.

 

[Sandnut]

I'll be running a Soil setup, mainly because the situation makes it harder to go w/o and my experience with hydro is limited.

I have no idea how many watts to run at the top of my head, it all depends on how well i can use the space ( unsure of what container size to go with ..)

About the budget, max $12,000

 

[Sandnut]

I'm all for jumping in head first. There are so many variables and choices that you aren't going to be able to find an instant answer. And the "pre built" option is overpriced and too generic. I also can't answer everything in one, or several for that matter, post.

To start, you are going to have to factor in everything that is relative to your location. Meaning; environment, security, and how "stealth" you need the setup to be. Remember, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

I know you mentioned that the storage yard you would use has refrigerated units in it. So you know, a cannabis garden has almost zero similarities to a refrigerated cargo container. Noise is the only thing that will hide. You have to get everything in and out of the container as well. Keep in mind that your coming and goings are usually monitored in most storage yards, or at least any decently secured ones are.

Are you a soil grower or hydro? Hydro will be next to impossible unless you have a water supply on site. I vote for CGE (sealed room) for a shipping container. I would also stick to one until you have been a little versed in it. If not your mistakes and/or "cost of learning" will be doubled or tripled.

To start, you need to decide on your budget. $2,000 Sterling or dollar isn't going to fill a container. You can run up to 10,000W in a cargo container and you won't even swing the ballast and bulbs for that. You need to factor roughly $5000 - $10,000 per container depending on your choices. I was able to set up 4000W flower/ 2000W veg. CGE style, 20'x'8'x8' container for about $8500. That was with the container purchase.

The main things to decide before you proceed are:

Soil or hydro?
How many watts?
whats your maximum budget?

I'll be happy to help in any way i can. I wish you luck and hope to see this pan out.

I LOVE YOU, feed me with your knowledge, im hungry...

 

[Kush Farmer]

HAHAHAHAH! You're funny Sand. Looks like you're pretty serious about it. I would like to chime in that all the people posting that it is crazy are 100% accurate. Every factor they have mentioned (water, noise, traffic, harvest, etc.) is one more added problem. You will be on your own as to deciding the best security for yourself and your garden. We have a "gut instinct" for a reason. USE IT! That being said, I can help with the instruction on setup of the interior, but security, location, and camouflage are your decisions to make.

Unfortunately the partners I set up my containers with were not the "picture type." I was even denied harvest pics.

You need to figure out your water supply first off. If you will be storing water you need to account for the space it will take. You can feasibly store enough water in the container to last the entire grow. Preventing the water from going stagnant would be difficult and costly. Consisting of chillers, aerators, and circulation pumps. Plus container cost. So the most cost effective way is to have a fresh water supply. That will be difficult if you are setting it in a yard. That means you will need to figure out transporting water. I suppose you could find a large container that fits into a box and use hand trucks to move it. If you are consistent in what you move in and out (i.e.; boxes only, all with the same markings) you should be able to come and go as you please. Remember these are storage units in which people store stuff. Try to monitor the yards and find a high traffic one. If your not the only one coming and going your are less likely to be noticed.

I'll post more later but I must go to my own garden and dinner with my lady. Give me some feed back about what your thinking for water.

 

[Sandnut]

HAHAHAHAH! You're funny Sand. Looks like you're pretty serious about it. I would like to chime in that all the people posting that it is crazy are 100% accurate. Every factor they have mentioned (water, noise, traffic, harvest, etc.) is one more added problem. You will be on your own as to deciding the best security for yourself and your garden. We have a "gut instinct" for a reason. USE IT! That being said, I can help with the instruction on setup of the interior, but security, location, and camouflage are your decisions to make.

Unfortunately the partners I set up my containers with were not the "picture type." I was even denied harvest pics.

You need to figure out your water supply first off. If you will be storing water you need to account for the space it will take. You can feasibly store enough water in the container to last the entire grow. Preventing the water from going stagnant would be difficult and costly. Consisting of chillers, aerators, and circulation pumps. Plus container cost. So the most cost effective way is to have a fresh water supply. That will be difficult if you are setting it in a yard. That means you will need to figure out transporting water. I suppose you could find a large container that fits into a box and use hand trucks to move it. If you are consistent in what you move in and out (i.e.; boxes only, all with the same markings) you should be able to come and go as you please. Remember these are storage units in which people store stuff. Try to monitor the yards and find a high traffic one. If your not the only one coming and going your are less likely to be noticed.

I'll post more later but I must go to my own garden and dinner with my lady. Give me some feed back about what your thinking for water.

Hehe, you made me laugh man... yes im dead serious !

Ok so regarding the Security measures, I will find a yard suited for this kind of operation, where people have access to their storing containers 24/7, preferably there should be alot of freezer containers around, they make noise + fairly high energy bills depending on size ect, i shouldnt break the pattern..

I'll carry everything in boxes with food brands on, coca-cola boxes whatever just to seem normal on the outside, and try to do this kind of work during low traffic hours.

Water is the real issue, worst case scenario would be to have to carry boxes containing water containers to and from the grow op, there should be a close water source tho.

But then again the real issue is how I can design this grow Container the best way, the rest ill take care of. Or I'll ask you later,

Toobad you couldnt show any pics of your grow's, it would have been awesome but I also assumed it would be that way, its good, stealth is the way to go.. even tho u want to take a picture of the whole crop and tattoo it on your forhead so everyone can see lol.

I really don't see Security as a problem once the grow container is rolling, in a closed enviroment or whatever will be best.. i got plenty of plans and options for that, everything is doable in a safe way.. It's not the biggest problem, Im a good looking guy with no record, i dress properly and I allways make sure Safety is #1, going to try this but also wanting to make this to work on the long run. Eventually buy myself a yard out in the country for storing these wonderful containers... muhaha


Have nice dinner with ur lady and come back when u can bro

 

[tokinafaty420]

Good thing is, since ill be getting my electricity from there, bill can be fairly large, since there are huge containers over there with fridges built in them, who knows how much they run for,imagine in a hot day, to keep the cold in there..sun is heating those metal walls.

Insulation will be your friend. It'll keep the warm air out and the cool air in. I'd also build an air lock too. So that when you open the door to your storage unit the CO2, light, and smell don't come rushing out. Also b/c you use CO2 does not mean you don't want to refresh the air from time to time. I would still prepare ventilation though even with a sealed room. What happens if your AC takes a crap on you? You'll want the option to air cool the room in that case.

 

[Numboard]

Why not use a refrigerated shipping container so you don't have to install an air conditioner?
With lights running in it, it won't get as cold as it normally does.

Refrigeration systems aren't designed to deal with a constant heat load.
They are designed to get a bunch of stuff cold (slowly I might add) and keep it there. No heat load from a frozen bag of veggies. An air conditioner would be a must. Or one of those fancy water cooled grows with a big water chiller that takes care of cooling the entire grow. Take a look at this guys youtube vids for more info on the water cooling. http://www.youtube.com/user/sbkeen If you build the container yourself I would custom fit a industrial water chiller into a standard refrigerated container unit and make it a sealed water cooled grow. When you open the door to the container it should look exactly like a typical container full of boxes or whatever. Making this false front will be essential to keep prying eyes at bay. Carrying water in boxes into your container is ridiculous. You are going to need lots of water. Maybe some kind of rain collection/treatment? Maybe some yards will offer a water hookup to your shit? Doing this in a rented storage lot is batshit insane if you ask me. Good luck, god speed.

 

[Sandnut]

Refrigeration systems aren't designed to deal with a constant heat load.
They are designed to get a bunch of stuff cold (slowly I might add) and keep it there. No heat load from a frozen bag of veggies. An air conditioner would be a must. Or one of those fancy water cooled grows with a big water chiller that takes care of cooling the entire grow. Take a look at this guys youtube vids for more info on the water cooling. http://www.youtube.com/user/sbkeen If you build the container yourself I would custom fit a industrial water chiller into a standard refrigerated container unit and make it a sealed water cooled grow. When you open the door to the container it should look exactly like a typical container full of boxes or whatever. Making this false front will be essential to keep prying eyes at bay. Carrying water in boxes into your container is ridiculous. You are going to need lots of water. Maybe some kind of rain collection/treatment? Maybe some yards will offer a water hookup to your shit? Doing this in a rented storage lot is batshit insane if you ask me. Good luck, god speed.

Good point. I'll take a look at your vid, ty for posting

 

[Kush Farmer]

Hehe, you made me laugh man... yes im dead serious !

Ok so regarding the Security measures, I will find a yard suited for this kind of operation, where people have access to their storing containers 24/7, preferably there should be alot of freezer containers around, they make noise + fairly high energy bills depending on size ect, i shouldnt break the pattern..

Your thinking the right way. I still have to repete this is lunacy!! I think it can be done if you are cautious though. People have pulled off far crazier. I've seen a 100 plant garden in a high rise apt in D.C. so......

Water is the real issue, worst case scenario would be to have to carry boxes containing water containers to and from the grow op, there should be a close water source tho.

Just be careful that you aren't the only asshole at the yard filling up 100 gallons a week. The water issue is on you and you can figure it out as it becomes applicable. I just wanted you to realize how much of an issue it will be.

But then again the real issue is how I can design this grow Container the best way, the rest ill take care of. Or I'll ask you later,

There is still much to decide before the first design is laid out.

Toobad you couldnt show any pics of your grow's, it would have been awesome but I also assumed it would be that way, its good, stealth is the way to go.. even tho u want to take a picture of the whole crop and tattoo it on your forhead so everyone can see lol.

Mine was a bit different because the owner of a construction company was the partner. I had a yard at my disposal with 20 or so other containers and zero worries about security. As well as everything to build out at cost. Everything was branded with the company name so pics just couldn't happen.

Another factor I haven't even touched on is your power supply. That I am leaving 100% up to you and would be hard pressed to advise on. Just keep in mind it is one of the most major factors you are going to have to deal with. Start researching the types of cooling units the refrigerated ones use and the power they draw.

You need to decide if you are going to try and fit a veg and flower room inside. If it were me I wouldn't worry about making a single container perpetual. It would be cramming too much in if you are planning to have multiple containers at some point. The goal is to reap as close to the initial investment as possible.

Let's say you are going to flower only. I would say about 6000W would be your max to keep it reasonable. With that you can easily be within a ten pound harvest range if you are not a newbie grower. Your first step is going to be framing the inside with lumber and insulating the everliving shit out of the container. I would use sheeting and fiber insulation combo. Deck the floor with plywood but use insulated sheeting for the wall board and ceiling instead. Your budget probably doesn't have the room for it but you may want to think about infrared blocking materials if FLIR is a common enforcement tool in your area. The "floorplan" will need to consist of three separate rooms.

1) The main entrance which will only be a few feet deep. This will serve as your 'airlock' for lack of better term. This will be the buffer to the outside world so make it look good and stealthy.

2)The utility room. A small room between the airlock and flower room to house all your power, pumps, water, A/C, Propane tanks (for Co2 burner), etc.

3) the flower room. If you need a definition of that then i suggest you give up now LOL.

Cooling is going to be a pain but you can use a portable unit like THIS ONE. Then you only need to have exterior ventilation in the "utility room." With two supply lines, one can be used for lights and one for the room.

I'm not sure where to go from here. It's so hard to do this not "hands on."

 

[real ting]

This seems more feasible if the place you are keeping the container is in on it, it would be real hard to pull that off in a public storage facility. You'd probably have to haul it somewhere else to do the construction. Wouldn't it arouse suspicion that the non refrigerated grow can was as loud or louder than a fully refrigerated one across the lot?

And I think 3000 is really low for the cost to build out something like that. It would be hard to plan the costs out without having done it before, so I'm not gonna try.

Isn't there a company that sells trailers already fully fitted out for growing for like $100,000? I think they were using E&F tables and a long row of air cooled hoods.

 

[ITryToGrow]

You got balls the size of a Belgian blue bull if you follow thru!

 

[Kush Farmer]

This seems more feasible if the place you are keeping the container is in on it, it would be real hard to pull that off in a public storage facility. You'd probably have to haul it somewhere else to do the construction. Wouldn't it arouse suspicion that the non refrigerated grow can was as loud or louder than a fully refrigerated one across the lot?

And I think 3000 is really low for the cost to build out something like that. It would be hard to plan the costs out without having done it before, so I'm not gonna try.

Isn't there a company that sells trailers already fully fitted out for growing for like $100,000? I think they were using E&F tables and a long row of air cooled hoods.

His budget has grown quite a bit. The construction will have to be done before dropping it in the storage yard. Finding a storage yard to be in on it will be hard enough let alone the fact that you have to pay for something like that.

 

[Sandnut]

You got balls the size of a Belgian blue bull if you follow thru!

Hehe, there's allways two scenarios, either you got big balls to do something or you got a brain with the size of a peanut, i hope its numero uno !