[devo6786]

Hi guys, totally new to this forum, although I have browsed it in the past. I never attempted to grow before because of the legality. Now, since its legal in California, and a friend randomly gifted me three plants, I've decided to give it a shot for fun, with no expectation.

He gave me three plants a couple weeks ago. I just threw them on my balcony in the soil he gave me and watered them and called it a day. Like I said, I have no expectation. The plants aren't looking to good, Im pretty sure its because its cooled down quite a bit about a week ago. So, I decided to build a cheap and small grow box and bring them inside.

This is whats happening so far, advice would be great.

The box itself:
-The box I got in the Ikea As-is section for $10
-I got a door for it, with hinges for $5
-I will be putting my own top on once I get the lighting in the mail on Monday.
-I will also be adding mylar or something, although the box is white so -Im not to worried about that right away.
-Have timers on the way
-Have thermometer on the way.

Lighting:
Im going to go the CFL route, bulbs and splitters, etc are in the mail and will be at my door on Monday or Tuesday.

Soil:
Foxfarms soil

The plants themselves are tall, but do not have a lot of leaves, Im assuming its lack of efficient light?

Im still deciding what to do for a carbon filter to use. Any advice here? I dont live with my parents lol, but my condo shares walls with neighbors and I want to keep them happy. I have some time because I plan to veg for awhile to get these guys healthy again.

Anyway, just for shits and giggles, heres a couple photos of right when I got the box home. Still a lot to do, will update as this thing comes together in the upcoming week.

[MJPassion]

Nice. I hope you enjoy your first grow & continue producing your own.

Those white walls are perfect. No need for Mylar as the reflections will create hot spots (bright points of light) where white walls will help the light be more uniform across the whole canopy.

[Athos]

Most of us are using LED bulbs instead of CFL, with much better results. You should check Blynx thread.

[devo6786]

Ok, no mylar, was still up in the air about it, so thats good to hear.

Thanks! Ill check out the thread. Im only using CFLs for cost. If this all goes well this run I will definitely look into LEDs, trying to keep this first time as cost effective as possible.

Ordered some netting and started to tie these guys down to try to keep size in control.

[Kaskadian]

Originally Posted by devo6786

Ok, no mylar, was still up in the air about it, so thats good to hear.

Thanks! Ill check out the thread. Im only using CFLs for cost. If this all goes well this run I will definitely look into LEDs, trying to keep this first time as cost effective as possible.

Ordered some netting and started to tie these guys down to try to keep size in control.

I think you'll be fine with CFLs, lots of people here use them with great efficiency. I wouldn't worry about going onto LEDs/HIDs just yet unless you really want too.

You've got some good soil; I've used FF Ocean Forest/Happy Frog for a lot of years with good results. Keep in mind that soil already has nutrients in it. Have you decided what nutrients you'd like to use? When you get into nutrients go with the mentality of "less is more" and start at a lower dose. It's always easier to add more later instead of adding to much and causing yourself problems. Don't overwater/overfeed, give them light, and you should have a fun little grow to enjoy!

[devo6786]

I haven't been using an nutrients yet, I was told to wait a few weeks.

I also haven't even begun to research what I should use since I have a bit of time. Im definitely open to suggestions.

My next thing to figure out is what carbon filter and fan/exhaust to use. Ive been looking at the can-705 but am not sure if that is big enough for my grow space which id 21"X20"X9"

[devo6786]

that should be 20"X21"x29"

[HuffnPufferfish]

forget clf go led

[Athos]

Originally Posted by Kaskadian

I think you'll be fine with CFLs, lots of people here use them with great efficiency. I wouldn't worry about going onto LEDs/HIDs just yet unless you really want too.

There seems to be a misunderstanding, we are referring to LED BULBS not led panels.

[MrBungle]

If you have a small desk fan or something, it wouldn't hurt to start circulating some air in the box. it will strengthen up the stem, and help with temps, among other things