Topsy Turvy Fridge Grow/Clone Box

[Fishywater]

Hello everyone.
I have been lurking here a while and just getting started on my first REAL grow.
I wanted to find a non working fridge with the freezer on the bottom, but I couldn't find any so I picked this one up from a dealer for $20.

 

[Fishywater]

So I gutted the compressor and all the fins from the bottom, which is why that hump is behind the crisper drawers.
That also makes for a small footprint on the bottom of the veg/bloom box.
And I also wanted the freezer on the bottom to use for a cloning area and for my nutrient reservoir.
So I had a set of legs in the shed that I bolted to the top of the fridge and flipped it over and mounted the light shroud for the 400w MH/LPS light.

 

[Fishywater]

I have an AeroGarden I am planning to use for my germinating/cloning.
I broke one of the bulbs so I ordered the latest version, the flat CFL's.
Also to the left is my Res, which I have since painted black on the outside, of course.

 

[Fishywater]

So I got a couple 6" elbows today from the hardware store and Laid out where to cut the hole to vent out to the fan & filter.
Because of the thickness of the insulation and case, I had to angle the hole upwards a little.
Made a cardboard template to trace on inside & out.
Cut the inside with a RotoZip and the back with a thin sharp chisel.
I started to do the back metal with the RZ but broke my last bit so…

 

[Fishywater]

I will be using a Blauberg 6" Inline Mixed Flow fan @ 440 CFM
pulling air in from the bottom, up through my SCROG and right past the light and out to the DIY carbon scrubber.

 

[Fishywater]

For the filter you need a 4"(approx) pencil cage from Target or Wally World, a Cricket bucket, a little over 6", and a 6" tabbed ducting flange.
Oh yea, and a pair of black knee high hose.

 

[Fishywater]

there are 2 holes already on top of the cricket cage, put 2 speed nut on them, you will drill 2 matching holes through the flattened tabs on the flange and attach it there later.
The small cage is a little deeper so th bottom of the big cage needs to be cut out to allow it to pass thru slightly.
By carefully pulling all the way around slowly, remove bottom of cage.
center & race the bottom of small cage on the cr-cage bottom and remove with a dremmel.
Go a little small at first with the circle then clean it up on the 2nd pass and keep a nice fit but not too tight.
Cover the small cage from bottom up with one of the hoses and insert it thru the top of the bucket.
fill the almost 1" gap ALMOST full with activated carbon from smartpet , leaving JUST enough room to put the cage bottom on.
Now the bottoms are nearly flush.

 

[Fishywater]

Now attach the flange with a couple sheet metal screws with flat washers to the bucket, it will pinch the already covered pencil cage in between.
Seal that connection with a piece of foil duct tape.
Slide the other stocking up over the top of the flange and inward.
Reach in and pull up the inside stocking and pull it up over the flange outward.

There you have it !

 

[Fishywater]

More soon, going on a much needed Holiday!

 

[Fishywater]

 

[rangergord]

Always wanted to try a fridge mod. Looking good, please continue as you wish! The aerogarden should work well. I have a couple myself.

 

[Fishywater]

Always wanted to try a fridge mod. Looking good, please continue as you wish! The aerogarden should work well. I have a couple myself.

Thanks man !
I should have received my exhaust fan while I was gone… need to call the distributor Mon.

 

[Fishywater]

There is the space, waiting on the fan.
I also mounted the ballast for the HID light.

 

[Fishywater]

I did receive a few items while out of town.
New style grow lights for my AeroGarden, 2 digital timers from Hydrofarm, mini fan for inside cabinet, a PH up - down kit, and also a couple one way valves for my bubbler air lines.

 

[Fishywater]

I have also decided to only have 4 plants under my scrog screen.

 

[Fishywater]

I will probably start germination today choosing 4 from these.
3 AK-47, 3AMnesia Haze, and one seed (the big one in the right bag) that I found recently in a bud I called "Stanky Dank".
That stuff was SO stank that it would permeate a couple rooms by just opening the glass jar !
Will have to watch that one closely, hoping for a female.?

 

[budelight]

Hey Fishywater, welcome to ICMag, I really like your build

I am also growing in a space of that size and enjoyed reading which parts your buying and your building skills.

Is noise a problem where your growing?

Honestly can't wait till you have this filled with lush plants was going to suggest that for your first run you just try two plants to get started

Interested on your opinion of the new Aerogarden bulbs, I've been holding out on switching but it's time to buy backups

Cheers,
Budelight

 

[Fishywater]

Hey,
Thanks Budelight !
Noise is not too much of a problem but quieter is always better.
I am germinating 5 seeds right now, the 4 purchased ones are supposed to be fem… but who knows???
The other (stanky dank)… who knows?

The Aerogarden bulbs are the same bulb, same wattage, just laid out flat instead of the original.

Hey Fishywater, welcome to ICMag, I really like your build

I am also growing in a space of that size and enjoyed reading which parts your buying and your building skills.

Is noise a problem where your growing?

Honestly can't wait till you have this filled with lush plants was going to suggest that for your first run you just try two plants to get started

Interested on your opinion of the new Aerogarden bulbs, I've been holding out on switching but it's time to buy backups

Cheers,
Budelight

 

[Fishywater]

Thanks man !
I should have received my exhaust fan while I was gone… need to call the distributor Mon.

Canceled the fan order from the "not in stock" guys and got it from another and got to choose where it shipped from, CA, CO, or PA !
PA was the closest, so it should be here soon.
Only a few bucks more from these guys.
Gotta get some internal wiring done next.

 

[Fishywater]

Well… the grow has officially started !