[Darkgan]

Hello folks, I thought I'd pop in and share the setup I'll be using in the next few days (As soon as the bean pops...)

I'd like to say, before I start, that I grow for MEDICAL PURPOSES, and I would never consider selling. I was recently diagnosed with a couple of 'conditions', and suffice to say the herb is the only thing getting me through the day. I do ask that you not ask me about my conditions, as it's personal, and I already have to deal with it every damn day.

Now. On to the setup.

The lights are (1) 63w Penetrator from HGL, and (1) 90w Chinese standard Red/Blue/White knockoff UFO. Please note that the comparison between the two lights is not meant to be very scientific! It's a comparison for myself, but I'm sure the end result will help show the importance (Or lack of importance) of a good LED light with the right wavelengths.


First and foremost: This system, once dialed in, will use ONE 63w unit to flower two separate trash cans, and ONE 90w UFO to flower another two separate cans. The light-switch between cans will occur every twelve hours, and will be MANUAL. Yeah, it may be a bit more annoying, but I manually turn my lights on anyways, so it's no big deal. The process of moving the light from one can to the other will be as simple as picking the lid up and switching it with the 'false' lid (The lid without a light).

For the first few weeks I'll be using only two cans (One for the 63w unit, and one for the 90w unit). This is due to funds, and more importantly, lack in the ability to produce clones.

The strains run will be RP's Cole Train in the 90w can, and DNA's Sharksbreath in the 63w can. Once I get the second trash cans for each light up and running, clones will be taken from both the Sharksbreath and the Cole Train, and put in the opposite lights growcan. This way I'll be able to get a more distinct impression as to how each light performs. Again, it's certainly not all that scientific, but it isn't meant to be.

Now, a look at the trashcans. The 63w Penetrator will be using a 23 gallon Rubbermaid Slim Jim container (Dimensions: 30" H x 22.25" L x 11.5" W) This can fits the light VERY snugly, and should provide fantastic coverage for the plant. I realize that this won't leave much room for branching, but hey, that's why it'll be a test grow.

The 90w UFO will be using a cylindrical rubbermaid 32 gallon brute container. Now, here again is one of those reasons why this grow is not scientific. The 90w UFO light won't be in nearly as snug an area. The light won't be quite as intense, and the plants will be allowed more room for growth. To help with some of these issues, the scrog screen won't be quite as big as the container.

Both cans are painted white on the inside. I'll be starting with a passive intake, with the fans on the light acting as an outtake. If this proves to be too little airflow, I'll add a small PC fan.

A large square hole will be cut into the side of the slimjim. This will let me deal with the lower branches, and the screen, without much effort. When I'm not fiddling around inside the slimjim, a piece of panda film will be placed over the hole, attached to the can by Velcro.

The Slimjim will be filled with ~7" of dirt (Roughly 5 gallons).

The screens are made of plastic poultry fencing, attached to a PVC support system. The screen will be 10-12" above the dirt. There will be roughly 6" between the screen and the light.

I plan to veg until roughly 40% of the grow space is taken, upon which I'll switch to 12/12.

Any thoughts? I'll get some pictures here in the coming days (Or weeks, depending on how long it takes for things to get interesting)

[yesum]

sounds bitchin. I have some indicas under cfls and will switch to 2 63 watt hgl LEDs in a week in a dr60 tent.

I'm on board! You're gonna love the 63w. I promise.

[Darkgan]

Well folks, unfortunately the trash-can idea had to go for the 63w unit. The grow, however, is still commencing. The micro environment will now be a micro cab, built out of PVC.

It's almost finished, so I should have some pictures here, shortly.

[Darkgan]

So, good news. The can I had in mind didn't work out. However, I decided to try and fit my 63w in the trashcan meant for my 90w unit: Turns out it fits unbelievably perfect.

I'll have to make use of less height, as I currently only have about 10" from the plant to the light. I'll probably remedy this by using the trashcan as a pot itself, taking roughly 2-4" out of equation.

Here are some teaser pics of the setup.

The light doesn't actually "hang" from the lid; it sits on the inside ridge of the upper part of the can. I drilled the holes simply as a protection measure, should the plastic expand or anything.

Two holes are cut, fitting the two vents spanning the width of the units. Air is drawn from outside the can, via the top hole, then pushed out the side vents. The only real issue with this setup is that the can doesn't perfectly fit side vents for the length of the unit. I don't think it'll be much of an issue, as the 63w unit produces so little heat. However, should the heat be an issue, I'll create some makeshift ducting.

Freaking ingenious! I cannot wait to see this grow proceed!