So. Lately been getting pummeled by rain. Doesn't help I've shot myself in the foot by cramming a bunch of plants in a small space. Causing Humidity to be through the roof. So went and looked at dehumidifiers. And forgot both how expensive they are and how much energy they consume. I Typically don't have these issues. So after my trip to home depot I decided on just getting some damp rid, but were out... So made a mixture of broken down charcoal briquettes and rock salt. Mixed that and placed in an open lid bucket. Surprising humidity has gone from 82% to 45% in about 2-3hr. So if you run a small space and just need a temporary solution for a little bit due to elements outside of your control you if suggest you try it out other than paying ~$200 for a decent dehumidifier and adding ~$50 to your electricity bill. I'll see how long it maintains but I'm thinking only small scale temporary fix to get you through a hard couple of weeks maybe couple of months. First time trying this so we shall see.
What size is your grow space and what size bucket did you use? Also what ratio salt to charcoal, and did you use real charcoal or Kingsford type briquettes? Cool man. I'm a little surprised it worked so well! But glad it did. Maybe on to somthing.....I'm headed into wet season. Another downside to dehumidifiers is they produce heat. This is nice in the winter, but in the summer not so much. However a small AC unit will draw only a little more juice than a dehumidifier and will keep the room cool as well as dry. Just a thought...
Thanks Skunky, I would assume you could keep a bucket mixed up and just seal it up with a lid when it's not needed. Like FF said my ac units control the humidity in the summer but the dehumidifiers work the cooler months. The AC and the dehumidifiers work on the same principle. Be Cool, CG
I just heard a piece on NPR about harvesting potable water from the air. Right now the military and other government and NGOs are using evaporators in arid places, and though it's still too expensive for large scale water production it's pretty cool that it can be done (remember star wars? Luke was raised on a water farm where they captured water from the air). The principle is similar - using salts to extract water from the air.
4x4 tent. 7 feet tall. It's a 2 or 3 gal bucket. Picked it up from the paint section at Wal-Mart. Only thing they had other than 5 gal. Ratio isn't exact. But yes just kingsford briquettes. The ones with no fuel. Loosely filed the bucket to the fill line or the molding below the lid with charcoal then poured it into a bag and broke it up. Poured it back in then mixed in the ice cream rock salt until back to that same level. Mixed thoroughly. Oh and almost used an ice pick to make a bunch of small puncture holes around the sides. Today it's still fluctuating around 55%. About 50 lights on and 60 out.
Really wasn't much thought in preparation just did it on a whim to see and surprisingly holding me at bay. Like I hinted at if this is a normal problem I wouldn't rely on it. But if in a pinch and just need some temporary relief for a month or so this may be a viable option. Still on going. We'll see.
And yeah if this doesn't prove to be substantial I have an LG portable ac. Though I'd have to vent it out also. So figured I'd try this first.
Today lights on humidity is 56% still. Not the best but much better than 72-82%. Not bad for a solution that cost a little over $10. Though still have to see how long this will last. Glad to see it wasn't just a one day type of thing though.
So whats a good % for indoor humity? I got my new system set at 55%, its been 53%. Is this good/average?
I feel all around ~48% is the best but not easy to maintain in a flower room. 35-55 is acceptable. 40-45% is great. 45-50% is no biggie for the most part. 50-55 is about borderline for most strains. 55-60% check regularly. 60-65%+ Watch out. Things can go south real quick. The baskets though were able to maintain a 54%-60% humidity day and night. With intake air being 70-95%. Now that the weather as calmed staying 40-55%. So basically a bag of charcoal and some rock salt saved me a sizable chunk for sure. :coolbounce:
