Basement Growing

[The_Core]

What issues does anyone see growing in a basement. My understanding is that the temperatures are more stable most of the time, But humidity is a bigger issue right? Let me know what you think about growing in the basement in a Grow tent! Thanks

 

[hempluvr]

I would search the basement for leaks and molds. Make sure there are none of either. I would also look into the type of pvc piping that might be down there. Some of that pvc can off gas and cause plants issues....even death. But leaks,those are not uncommon,especially in older basements that are not finished and have the cement walls. Also clean it real good and then bomb..sometimes basements can harbor unwanted pests

 

[The_Core]

I would search the basement for leaks and molds. Make sure there are none of either. I would also look into the type of pvc piping that might be down there. Some of that pvc can off gas and cause plants issues....even death. But leaks,those are not uncommon,especially in older basements that are not finished and have the cement walls. Also clean it real good and then bomb..sometimes basements can harbor unwanted pests

Ok so clean up the basement real good disinfecting and bombing the place to get rid of mold and insects. Check the pipes to see if they off gas. Do basements have issues with higher humidity levels?

 

[hempluvr]

Ok so clean up the basement real good disinfecting and bombing the place to get rid of mold and insects. Check the pipes to see if they off gas. Do basements have issues with higher humidity levels?

Yes and No. A nice,dry finished basement should have no issues. You may even have to bring in a humidifier to moisten up the air a bit. However the older basements can bring high humidity if there is already a moisture build up. I grow in soil and on days I water or feed my humidity is higher due to more moisture being present. If you have leaks in pipes or holes that let water in then I would fix those. By doing so you will avoid any unwanted trouble later on....really really check every nook and corner. A hidden leak will also produce mold over time. Then mold spores in the air and here comes PM and mites and...you
know the deal.

 

[Wonderon]

I was having mold issues in my basement and my basement is only 5yrs old. Little specs appeared on the surface of my coco. Seems to be airborne because no surface mold is present. Rh is kept at 35-40 with my dehumidifier. Looking into affording a whole house air purifier which hopefully filters enough crap from the air.

 

[Raw_Dog]

The answer is "no". Basements are great solutions for grow rooms. Try to grow using the rooms instead of tents. Tents are for your mental security. Place a double key lock on the basement door going into the house. Control the smell. Basements have a problem if you have a smell and the backyard isn't fenced. This gives someone more of an opportunity to see the back of your home. Humidity levels vary with each basement, use a hygrometer to see what your humidity levels are. You can change or adjust your humidity with dehumidifiers and humidifiers. The question is, do you live in the house?

Sublease the basement to a friend.

 

[The_Core]

I was just approved for a home loan and the house I want has a basement, its an unfinished basement, I guess I could set up another meeting with the owner and try to use a Hygrometer in the basement on the downlow. It might seem weird if I pull out a Hygrometer in the basement while going through the showing. Thanks for all the feedback. Gives me more to think about. I didnt know mold would be airborne in the basement and would cause issues.

 

[hempluvr]

35-40%..u should raise that up a tad bit. 45-50% is nice

 

[Wonderon]

I dropped it to 35% in hopes that it would eliminate the issues. Along with leaving the windows open a lot while it was warmer to air it out. Gonna try again down there soon.

 

[overbudjet]

I dropped it to 35% in hopes that it would eliminate the issues. Along with leaving the windows open a lot while it was warmer to air it out. Gonna try again down there soon.

If you wan to kill mold spore (airborn)use a UV light(same kind they use in hot air furnace duct)you can also use ozonator like uvonairJR caution ozone can be harmful at high dose.

 

[The_Core]

I am buying a 240 volt European portable AC unit, i will post the model after i pick it up later. I know these units pull humidity out of the Air, just how much humidity do these systems pull out of the air? Growing in the basement i doubt i will have to run it very often, but i am just curious.

 

[overbudjet]

I use 1 ton A/C(12.000Btu)in a 10x8 room at 60%r/h and 82-84F.
It pull between 10 and 12 liter a day.Dehu pull around the same at night.

 

[Wonderon]

If you wan to kill mold spore (airborn)use a UV light(same kind they use in hot air furnace duct)you can also use ozonator like uvonairJR caution ozone can be harmful at high dose.

I'm thinking of buying this for my whole house. Uv, and better then hepa filter all for $950 installed. Just gotta save the funds.
http://www.lennox.com/products/indoor-air-quality-systems/PureAir/

 

[The_Core]

I will upload the model as soon as i get it. You guys have me super worried about mold in the basement now, HAHA!

 

[Wonderon]

I don't think you'll have an issue as long as its a dry basement. When I first moved in I had about 10 aquariums running in the basement and my old dehumidifier died on me and I didn't notice till I started seeing mold on some of our stored belongings. I have since cleaned it out fully and got rid of the tanks. No visible mold and got a bad ass dehumidifier. I wiped all the walls with bleach and water. But when I attempted a grow a few months back I saw spores on the surface of my coco. It was definently mold and not salt build up.

 

[The_Core]

Ill have to get about 20 cans of lysol and spray the air after i bleach everything lol

 

[overbudjet]

If you have acces to PHYSAN 20 spray it on wall/ceiling/floor very good in this kind of app.

 

[The_Core]

If you have acces to PHYSAN 20 spray it on wall/ceiling/floor very good in this kind of app.

Thanks i will have to check out PHYSAN 20

 

[CasioCalculator]

My show is setup in a unfinished basement. Yes, it can work but it is far from ideal. As most everyone else has said a clean work environment is essential. And then its the small things, the floor may seem level when you're just looking at it but trust me its not. Also, just because the basement appears to be dry when you are down there does not mean that when a big storm rolls through, there wont be some runoff that makes its way down there. Trust me, it gets scary when you go to check on your ladies and your tent has 1+ inch of water in it. Thankfully I plan on moving into a house with a finished basement. Good luck and

 

[SeaMaiden]

The answer is "no". Basements are great solutions for grow rooms. Try to grow using the rooms instead of tents. Tents are for your mental security. Place a double key lock on the basement door going into the house. Control the smell. Basements have a problem if you have a smell and the backyard isn't fenced. This gives someone more of an opportunity to see the back of your home. Humidity levels vary with each basement, use a hygrometer to see what your humidity levels are. You can change or adjust your humidity with dehumidifiers and humidifiers. The question is, do you live in the house?

Sublease the basement to a friend.

Agreed except for the subleasing bit. If you've got your own basement, keep it to yourself.

I need to get my basement grow room going again, maybe. I'm torn. Do I want to have a life during winter, or do I want to be tied to another grow? I'm leaning strongly towards life.

My biggest problem with basement growing has been keeping things warm enough. It's open and unfinished, so it's a lot like simply being outside except it's always cooler. Mold hasn't been the problem, it's been the cold.