First Time PC Grow - Micro Grows - International Cannagraphic Magazine Forums

Mayes · 09-22-2006, 03:52 AM

In a few weeks I will be starting my first ever grow, but for now I am merely in the preparation stage. I plan on growing 6 Lowryder plants from seed (so hopefully 2 or 3 females) in two computer cases more or less stuck together. I've been researching and reading up a lot on the growing aspect of this but I'm essentially clueless about the electrics end of things. Any help with wiring, lights, fans and especially carbon filter (odour is a big issue here) would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a rough paint diagram of what I intend:

Quick note: I will probably be only using one light, specifically one of these ones. Has anyone used them/got any feedback on them?

Also, I already have a few PC fans hanging around and it would be peachy if I could use these, although I gotta check how loud they are when running. I also have two PSUs, one is a 200w DELL and the other is a 300w Codegen unit. Can I use these?

That's all for now but I'm sure I'll have more questions soon.

Scrog Dog · 09-22-2006, 06:03 AM

What are the inside dimensions on your computers?

Saabotage · 09-22-2006, 08:05 AM

You can hook a a computer power supply to run all the fans on if you take the big set of wires and take a green and black wire and splice them together. You could probably do the same with the lights though I don't know how.

stickyickyicky · 09-22-2006, 09:37 AM

laptop to pc fan here

take a peek at MY GROW and see my setup. not computer cases but a small grow tub grow also see RED GREENERY's thread on the same type of setup as mine...i am following in his foot steps. its better to ask for help in a THREAD that is already going and has tons of peeps looking on. get more answers and faster responses.

Mayes · 09-22-2006, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrog Dog

What are the inside dimensions on your computers?

17" long, 16.5" high and 12" wide (when together).

Thanks for the laptop PC fan link stickyickyicky, i've already read your grow and RedGreenery's but i'm going back through them and taking notes.

Another quick question: Since lowryder plants don't really have a vegging period per se, and go almost directly into flowering stage, do I need to get a blue fluoro light or will a red do?

edit: Found a CFM Calculator on Google. According to it I need about a 20CFM fan to vent a container of those dimensions ^^^ once a minute. Is once a minute enough? I think i've heard someone say about 4 times a minute and another say once or twice is enough.

2nd edit: The fan I have that was already in the computer I'm using is rated for 40CFM.

bounty29 · 09-22-2006, 09:11 PM

They do have a vegging period, they just flower whenever the hell they feel like it. I think using blue light before they do go into flowering might reduce the stretch. Either way it couldn't hurt.

Mr_Micro · 09-23-2006, 07:59 AM

I hate to say it Mayes (and I've been wrong before) but I just don't think that 16" cases are tall enough to grow ganja in. I'm just barely getting by in my 20" case. After you factor in the depth of your planters or hydro units and your lights you looking at losing at least 9" or 10" of growing space. I figure 5" for your planter or hydro tub and 4" for your lights, leaving you with 6" or maybe 7" of growing height.

Even if you 12/12 straight from seed and LST your plants will still probably be around 6 or 7" tall by the time they actually begin flowering. After that you'll need at least 3 or 4 more inches of height for the buds themselves.
Altogether I'd say invest the extra cash in a big PC case that is 20" to 26" tall and go from there.

Also, for the CFM of your fans heres the basic requirement... 1 cfm per watt of HID lighting (HPS or MH) and 1/3 cfm per watt of CFL lighting, generally speaking. I'm using a 50 watt HPS and a 42 watt CFL, meaning that I should be using around 64 cfm. At the moment I'm getting by with 50cfm exhaust in one of my PC cases and my temps stay anywhere from 3* to 10* above ambient room temp.

But the general rule of thumb is 1 cfm per watt of HID lighting and 1/3 cfm per watt of CFL lighting. Also, you should shoot for around 50 watts per square foot with HID lights or 100 to 150 watts per square foot with CFLs to get good growth.

Just my two cents.

09-22-2006, 03:52 AM	#1
Mayes New Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 3	First Time PC Grow In a few weeks I will be starting my first ever grow, but for now I am merely in the preparation stage. I plan on growing 6 Lowryder plants from seed (so hopefully 2 or 3 females) in two computer cases more or less stuck together. I've been researching and reading up a lot on the growing aspect of this but I'm essentially clueless about the electrics end of things. Any help with wiring, lights, fans and especially carbon filter (odour is a big issue here) would be greatly appreciated. Here is a rough paint diagram of what I intend: Quick note: I will probably be only using one light, specifically one of these ones. Has anyone used them/got any feedback on them? Also, I already have a few PC fans hanging around and it would be peachy if I could use these, although I gotta check how loud they are when running. I also have two PSUs, one is a 200w DELL and the other is a 300w Codegen unit. Can I use these? That's all for now but I'm sure I'll have more questions soon.
	Quote

09-22-2006, 08:05 AM	#3
Saabotage Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 68	You can hook a a computer power supply to run all the fans on if you take the big set of wires and take a green and black wire and splice them together. You could probably do the same with the lights though I don't know how. __________________
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09-22-2006, 09:37 AM	#4
stickyickyicky This is WEED college... Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 343	laptop to pc fan here take a peek at MY GROW and see my setup. not computer cases but a small grow tub grow also see RED GREENERY's thread on the same type of setup as mine...i am following in his foot steps. its better to ask for help in a THREAD that is already going and has tons of peeps looking on. get more answers and faster responses. __________________ Sticky's Micro GROW PC FAN - 19volt laptop converter Sticky's Stealth dresser and hidden clonecab Sticky murders clones *(M.U.R.D.A.)MEMBER*
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09-22-2006, 06:03 AM	#2
Scrog Dog New Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 12	What are the inside dimensions on your computers?
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09-22-2006, 09:11 PM	#6
bounty29 Custom User Title Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,252	They do have a vegging period, they just flower whenever the hell they feel like it. I think using blue light before they do go into flowering might reduce the stretch. Either way it couldn't hurt.
	Quote

09-23-2006, 07:59 AM	#7
Mr_Micro Orbital Jellyfish for the Flying Saucer Men Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 353	I hate to say it Mayes (and I've been wrong before) but I just don't think that 16" cases are tall enough to grow ganja in. I'm just barely getting by in my 20" case. After you factor in the depth of your planters or hydro units and your lights you looking at losing at least 9" or 10" of growing space. I figure 5" for your planter or hydro tub and 4" for your lights, leaving you with 6" or maybe 7" of growing height. Even if you 12/12 straight from seed and LST your plants will still probably be around 6 or 7" tall by the time they actually begin flowering. After that you'll need at least 3 or 4 more inches of height for the buds themselves. Altogether I'd say invest the extra cash in a big PC case that is 20" to 26" tall and go from there. Also, for the CFM of your fans heres the basic requirement... 1 cfm per watt of HID lighting (HPS or MH) and 1/3 cfm per watt of CFL lighting, generally speaking. I'm using a 50 watt HPS and a 42 watt CFL, meaning that I should be using around 64 cfm. At the moment I'm getting by with 50cfm exhaust in one of my PC cases and my temps stay anywhere from 3* to 10* above ambient room temp. But the general rule of thumb is 1 cfm per watt of HID lighting and 1/3 cfm per watt of CFL lighting. Also, you should shoot for around 50 watts per square foot with HID lights or 100 to 150 watts per square foot with CFLs to get good growth. Just my two cents.
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