help a vert-noob, how to safely hang my barebulb and other ?'s

[Born Loser]

just get a 400 to see how it goes. if all goes well, you should have a few tip$ to buy a 600 or 1000. I have a pile of 1000s, just have to wait for cooler weather as my air handler is sketchin out. I have a 400w vert setup now for fun, scrubber on the floor, fan drops on that, cooltube drops on that. Duct to ceiling. Easy peasy.
Shut off your brain and just buy a light and do it! LOL .
I overthink it all too. Always have. Thinking doesn't produce though.
I run AC thru my cooltube, The plants can pretty much grow against it, runs cool as shit. Its a CMH setup, seems to be a good deal. First time Ive run it on weed. I always run 1000s ( got a deal on as many as I could fit in my truck for 300 bucks from a GH that shut down).
Line the walls, plug it in, drop seed, water, wait, cut, puff.

 

[soursmoker]

Why would quantums only drive 1kw lamps? They work just like any other digital ballast. That said, galaxy is good too.

because the it dims to 75% or 50% INSTEAD of dimming to 600w or 400w...

I don't know of any 500w bulbs... and I think only Lumatek makes 750w...

I thought the same as you first... Big Difference between "Dimmable" and "Selectable" lol hence why they are called "Select-A-Watt"

 

[soursmoker]

So who think it's possible to run a 400w barebulb in a 28.5"x25.5" x 4' high area... planning on tacking up some trellis net behind them and tie em back to the walls... and maybe put some in front too if I have too... I will have a 6" inline to deal with environment... and a little desk fan under the bulb of course...

 

[Born Loser]

So who think it's possible to run a 400w barebulb in a 28.5"x25.5" x 4' high area... planning on tacking up some trellis net behind them and tie em back to the walls... and maybe put some in front too if I have too... I will have a 6" inline to deal with environment... and a little desk fan under the bulb of course...

That's pretty much what I have now. Threw it all in the bathtub so it's a lazy-ass-mofo drain-to-waste.
Works great. I do have a cool tube, but just because my ac sucks and I want to finish this grow before replacing it. My plants are right around 40 inches.
I could see a pound yield happen this way if all the cards were played right... But in my not so perfect world...Maybe 1/2 that. Lol

Best of luck. I can snap some pics tonight when I get in there..

 

[Big John]

just regular single bare bulb vert donut...

lol idk the proper name... prob 12 plants or less around the bulb... not stacked, no racks, no Vert SOG... just some plants on the ground around the bulb?

don't need a precise measurement but just a good idea...

keep in mind no mattter what ballast I get 600w or 1000w i am running it at 50% power... maybe 75% if I get the 600... but I really don't feel comfotable running even 500w plus what I am running know on a SHARED bedroom circuit...

this is the reason I thinking 600w on 50% dimmed for 300watts plus a 150w HPS plus 110w PL-L Plus say 200w in random shit (fans, pumps, etc) still leaves me with around 700watts of safety for computer/phone chargers, tv, video games, and window A/C.

toughts on this tent?

http://www.amazon.com/Grow-Hydropon...-Mylar/dp/B00725XBMK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

or do I need to go bigger?

how do you find out the whole watts per sq ft thing for vert? is it a different formula from horizontal? you have to take the height into consideration too right?

Be careful man, a window a/c alone could take that 700 watts. A tower computer could have a 500-600w power supply or more. You might have less power available than you think you do. I wouldn't try running all that off one circuit.

 

[soursmoker]

That's pretty much what I have now. Threw it all in the bathtub so it's a lazy-ass-mofo drain-to-waste.
Works great. I do have a cool tube, but just because my ac sucks and I want to finish this grow before replacing it. My plants are right around 40 inches.
I could see a pound yield happen this way if all the cards were played right... But in my not so perfect world...Maybe 1/2 that. Lol

Best of luck. I can snap some pics tonight when I get in there..

Thanks for stopping by man... What are your exact dimensions?

I would love to see some pics!

Be careful man, a window a/c alone could take that 700 watts. A tower computer could have a 500-600w power supply or more. You might have less power available than you think you do. I wouldn't try running all that off one circuit.

The good thing is my flower room (the 400w) is run at night... when nothing else is really on... besides maybe the A/C if it is hot...

Thanks for you concern but I think I am OK.
It is a laptop but the battery is dead so I have to leave it constantly plugged in if I want to use it... I checked the power supply and it only uses 1.5A... So not that bad...

Idk how much exactly the A/C uses but that would really be the only thing on besides the light and fans...

I would never try running it during the day while I have Tv and computer on...

Once again thanks for the concern but I think I will be ok since I will be running lights at night...

Does anyone know what is a compatible speed controller for Vortex fans? I have read mixed reviews about "speedster" speed controllers...

What speed controller do you guys use on your vortex's and does it work well?

 

[Born Loser]

I will snap some pics here in a few and get some general dimensions for ya.
Theres a couple pics in my gallery before I pullrd the plants back and went vert.
Is this going to be an attic grow?? If you are up there, you could pull some wire easily if you know what you are doing. But it might not be needed..
Ill be back shortly.

 

[Greenheart]

"Dial-a-temp" brand controller for Vortex. I called the factory and recieved that information. They said it had to be a "solid state" type controller. When pressed for a brand name that is what they gave me. It made a small difference on my 10" fan you might have more success on the 6". I decided not to use it.

 

[Born Loser]

well, my lil girl has hidden my camera AND tape measure. Go figure. You can see the filter on a spacer to keep it out of runoff, then a short section of duct, fan, cooltube. Light needs to be raised I know..
Then on both sides of the filter/light is a 12 gallon tub with 3 plants. I only put the bulb vert a few days ago, so training was a bitch with the fat stems. Its about 2x3 feet footprint, and tallest plants are 40". I will find the camera and get some decent pics. but its very simple. Having the filter/exhaust low isn't the best idea, but I like the cool air flowing thru the tube so the plants can get close w/o burning them.
Im setting up a new 2400w room the right way. This was just for fun.

 

[soursmoker]

I will snap some pics here in a few and get some general dimensions for ya.
Theres a couple pics in my gallery before I pullrd the plants back and went vert.
Is this going to be an attic grow?? If you are up there, you could pull some wire easily if you know what you are doing. But it might not be needed..
Ill be back shortly.

yes it is an attic. and pulling wire is easy but it is a rental and I don't even know if there is any breaker space... I think I will be ok. Only going 400w.. and I might lay my 150w to rest... not that it makes a huge difference.

"Dial-a-temp" brand controller for Vortex. I called the factory and recieved that information. They said it had to be a "solid state" type controller. When pressed for a brand name that is what they gave me. It made a small difference on my 10" fan you might have more success on the 6". I decided not to use it.

thanks I will try it out... hopefully it works a little better than it did for you...

well, my lil girl has hidden my camera AND tape measure. Go figure. You can see the filter on a spacer to keep it out of runoff, then a short section of duct, fan, cooltube. Light needs to be raised I know..
Then on both sides of the filter/light is a 12 gallon tub with 3 plants. I only put the bulb vert a few days ago, so training was a bitch with the fat stems. Its about 2x3 feet footprint, and tallest plants are 40". I will find the camera and get some decent pics. but its very simple. Having the filter/exhaust low isn't the best idea, but I like the cool air flowing thru the tube so the plants can get close w/o burning them.
Im setting up a new 2400w room the right way. This was just for fun.
View Image

ahh forgot you had a cool tube... shit I might have some problems in my tiny space without a cool tube.

looks very nice man.

 

[Born Loser]

No problem without a cool tube. Just create a column of airflow with fans. Run a cage of fence around the bulb if you are lazy like me to help keep your plants out of it.
You could use the sloped ceiling to your advantage...
Anything is possible! Make it happen bro!

 

[Big John]

Thanks for stopping by man... What are your exact dimensions?

I would love to see some pics!



The good thing is my flower room (the 400w) is run at night... when nothing else is really on... besides maybe the A/C if it is hot...

Thanks for you concern but I think I am OK.
It is a laptop but the battery is dead so I have to leave it constantly plugged in if I want to use it... I checked the power supply and it only uses 1.5A... So not that bad...

Idk how much exactly the A/C uses but that would really be the only thing on besides the light and fans...

I would never try running it during the day while I have Tv and computer on...

Once again thanks for the concern but I think I will be ok since I will be running lights at night...

Does anyone know what is a compatible speed controller for Vortex fans? I have read mixed reviews about "speedster" speed controllers...

What speed controller do you guys use on your vortex's and does it work well?

Right on man, just wanted to make sure you stay safe and don't have any unwanted power interruptions. Sounds like you're learning fast, it'll be cool to watch your show unfold.

 

[soursmoker]

No problem without a cool tube. Just create a column of airflow with fans. Run a cage of fence around the bulb if you are lazy like me to help keep your plants out of it.
You could use the sloped ceiling to your advantage...
Anything is possible! Make it happen bro!

True, yeah I was planning on having a desk fan under the bulb pushing the hot air up towards the exhaust...
I went overboard as hell and got a 6" exhaust for 20 Cubic Feet. I need to figure out how I can slow down my fan without burning up the motor... I have been doing a lot of research and apparently all the common speed controllers are HORRIBLE for your fan's motor and kills them!

I plan on putting up some Trellis netting behind them similar to Marlo... and tying them up back to the walls... If I need to I can put some netting infront of them as well... I just always imagined that holding them back from behind was more effective then putting a "wall" in front of them.. because they can still grow through it...

Right on man, just wanted to make sure you stay safe and don't have any unwanted power interruptions. Sounds like you're learning fast, it'll be cool to watch your show unfold.

thanks man I appreciate the concerns... I think I will be ok... I am a quick learner but that doesn't guarantee anything.. Thanks for the help and interest!

 

[DHF]

Hey Bro.....I ran the cheapass "router speed controllers" from harborfreight.com for yrs and yrs and NEVER burned up any of my vortex inlines , but.....

If yas wanna spend the extra bucks for true "voltage reduction" go google "variac controllers" that actually downplay the current draw rather than dialin down motor rpm`s with the cheap controllers......

Hydro whore stores sell the "speedster" for waaay more than double whatchas can get the router speed controller for from harbor freight , and it`s the exact same unit with a different label.....anyways....

God luck and holler if I can help......

Peace....DHF.........

 

[soursmoker]

Hey Bro.....I ran the cheapass "router speed controllers" from harborfreight.com for yrs and yrs and NEVER burned up any of my vortex inlines , but.....

If yas wanna spend the extra bucks for true "voltage reduction" go google "variac controllers" that actually downplay the current draw rather than dialin down motor rpm`s with the cheap controllers......

Hydro whore stores sell the "speedster" for waaay more than double whatchas can get the router speed controller for from harbor freight , and it`s the exact same unit with a different label.....anyways....

God luck and holler if I can help......

Peace....DHF.........

Hey man not trying to challenge your experience or say that they didn't work fine for you but you never noticed your fan's making a weird humming noise?

check this out... this is from a member on here who is an electrician and knows his shit...

Quote:
Originally Posted by rives
A dimmer (rheostat) should never be used with an AC motor. They insert resistance into the line, which works fine to dim an incandescent light bulb but doesn't work with a motor at all and is potentially destructive to both components.

The best way to do speed control of a motor is with a frequency drive. Unfortunately, there appears to still only be one manufacturer for single-phase fractional horsepower motors, and they are very expensive and difficult to source.

The triac-based speed controllers work by switching on & off very quickly, so that the motor is fed power for segments of the wave form rather than the whole thing. This is what makes the characteristic humming sound from motors controlled this way. They are probably the cheapest and most effective method of fan speed control, but some motors simply do not work with them.

Variac's are variable transformers, which change the voltage output rather than the frequency. This works, but is not recommended for motor control because as the voltage drops, the amperage rises proportionately. Inline fans can get away with their use better than most motors because they are cooled by the air flow going over them, but the amount that you can turn them down is limited. They create the worst situation for motor longevity - increased heat from the current going up, combined with restricted cooling. Variacs are the only choice for some motors, which is why CanFan stipulates them for certain models.

Like I said not trying to challenge you and say that you didn't run them for years without them burning out but I have been reading a lot and people all over saying that these models are making the fans sound like shit...

idk I will prob still give it a shot... lol

 

[DHF]

Yeah...There was some hummin noise , but ALL my vortex`s had a limited lifetime warranty and STILL never took a shit and died , but I have noticed they went to 5 yr warranties in the last few yrs , but again .....vortex worked for me.......

Variac`s are true voltage reducing controllers , but sound didn't matter to me in insulated areas down under the house behind walls in the basements , and I bought the controllers by the case for like 18 bucks a piece , and 1 variac`s on up there in cost....

Peace....DHF........

 

[soursmoker]

They actually have a 10 year warranty according the PLH... but I am not trying to make that warranty void with a non-compatible speed controller...

I feel you, your situation had no noise concerns but I do... I thought it would be smarter to dial down a 6" instead of run a 4" on full speed but now I feel stupid...

I am not considering a Variac because only Can suggests those... They are not made for Vortex...

I am going to try to contact PLH and see if they know which speed controller is compatible or if they can get me in contact with Vortex so I can ask them.

Thanks bro... like I said if I don't get a solid answer I'll still try the router speed controller lol

EDIT: I am starting to feel a little less worried as far as noise goes... but I still might end up with a windtunnel if i can't find some way to dial the 6" down

So I am using these shitty $15 50 CFM bathroom fans right now to exhaust my cabs... I just checked and they are rated at 4 Sones... The 6" Vortex is rated at 49 dba.. So what the fuck does that mean?? ... you are asking...

well I converted Sones to dba and supposedly 4 sones = 50.92 dba

So wtf, I am going to have a muffler and carbon filter to quiet it down as well... now I am just worried about dealing with a windtunnel...

 

[Greenheart]

The first controller I bought had "humming" and or odd sound occur on the fan. It is why I called the company. The Dial-a-Temp had no sound occur on the fan. In the end I just reasoned that the overkill on exhaust and loud whooshing sound of the fan on full blast wasn't reduced by enough to justify the use of a controller and perhaps shorten the life of my equipment. I am quite happy with my vortex and glad I purchased with future upgrade capability as an option. Again I am running a 10" 790cfm you may have better luck on a 6".

 

[soursmoker]

The first controller I bought had "humming" and or odd sound occur on the fan. It is why I called the company. The Dial-a-Temp had no sound occur on the fan. In the end I just reasoned that the overkill on exhaust and loud whooshing sound of the fan on full blast wasn't reduced by enough to justify the use of a controller and perhaps shorten the life of my equipment. I am quite happy with my vortex and glad I purchased with future upgrade capability as an option. Again I am running a 10" 790cfm you may have better luck on a 6".

thanks yeah I e-mailed them... not that I didn't trust you, I just like to hear it from the horse's mouth... or whatever that saying is... lol

they reccomended anything from KB electronics.. either the dial a temp for plug and play or vari speed for a hard wired option...

I ordered the dial a temp... hopefully I have slightly better results with it on my 6" then your 10" but who knows...

how loud is your 10" and have you done anything to reduce the noise?

I ordered a 6x18" duct muffler and a 6x24" Carbon filter... so those should quiet it down quite a bit I would think...

What is the preferred way to run the ventilation setup?

I was thinking something like this

INSIDE | OUTSIDE
muffler> ducting > fan > ducting > carbon filter

duct lengths would be minimal... less than 5' combined... probably less than 2' honestly...

any problems with that? if there is a better way I'm willing to take it into consideration but the reason I designed it that way with the muffler inside instead of the carbon filter is because it takes up less space than the carbon filter...

 

[Mister_D]

Just a thought sour, but if you use the next size up from your fan, insulated duct, it will quiet things down quite a bit (i.e attach 8" insulated duct to your 6" fan via reducers). The larger duct area and insulation helps reduce the whoosh sound considerably.