OK - first post. Thought I would twinkle the toes in the water before jumping in. First, I want to say thank you to the GK community - everyone has provided a lot of great information/education to get me started on my first grow. Been reading the forums for over 6 months, sometimes for hours when I really should be working. But. I'm the boss, so I can get away with it. Through this education, I've built a 4x6x8 grow room - wired with a dedicated 20amp circuit, 600watt HPS and all the goodies. I would think that 600 watts is good enough for 24 square feet. Ya, I spend more than I should have, but that's the way I do things - the Grateful Dead business model. If you love something - throw money at it, within reason of course. Initial costs were not much of a concern as I look at this for the long term, and the saving along pay for the first year. Of course, with everything in place, and with the knowledge I gained from all you guys/gals - I hope to hell I did not screw it up and overlook something. One mistake I did make already buying pots that are a little bigger than I should have gone with for the room - got the inspiration from Arjan from Greenhouse seeds and growing in larger pots. As I read, there is never a bad way or right way, but the way that works for you that is the best. Quantity never really concerns me much, but quality does. Will be growing some Arjan's Haze #3, Bob Marley's Best and the Afgani Mafia(those were some freebies thrown in - not much of an Indica guy, but what the heck, never tried this strain before). Grow medium is Fox Farm Ocean Forest - extra perlite added to lighten it up a little as it can get a little heavy. Probably using the FoxFarms line of nutes as well - seems like they are good and pretty straight forward. Will be vegging under a 4', 4 bulb T5 on a rack in another area - also growing lettuce and spinach for the fam. Too damn expensive at the store and who knows what pissed on them before they got to the store. With all this said, I really got get back to work, but will be posting pics of the room soon so I can get your comments if I am missing anything before setting of on this adventure. I think I've got it all under control - though finding myself trying to pack more stuff in there than I thought I would. Then once under way, will document the grow - maybe it will be of benefit to someone like me in the future. Thanks again for everyone posting their comments on this board - it is a God send for us just getting started and have questions. Cheers from the Rocky Mountains. ~Phat Kojak
Let me start out by saying WELCOME TO GK!!! I look forward to getting to know ya, and will be wacthing your grow in progress. If there are any questions I can help you with, just PM me. Later
Phat! to GK, we're glad to have you. I can't wait to see pics of your setup and your grows! This site is chock full of very experienced and knowledgeable people (if you hadn't noticed already) who are happy to help or pass on advice. Feel free to PM anytime if you ever feel the need. Best of luck. Peace! dooob
to G.K. Phat I think you'll be happy with that 600 watt hps most people get their investment back and then some the first grow. Good luck can't wait to see some pictures.-Bud
Thanks for the warm greetings Thanx guys - I appreciate the warm welcome. I have a busy weekend ahead with work - couple of projects pending that need to launch next week, so need to keep focused on the business. In the next couple of days, I will upload images of my grow room so I can get your feedback - hope to start some of my seeds early next week. Can't stand having them sitting here staring at me continually asking - "When am I going to grow up daddy?" Soon grasshopper, very soon. Thank you for your offers to lend your expertise, I will no doubt take you up on your offers. I am very comfortable with growing all the veggies and too many houseplants. To many in some people's opinions, but not mine. I'd be buried in green if I could. Anyway - back to work I go. Will be updating you all soon with my first grow. I am looking forward to breaking free from this college town shwag. No - I'm not in college... graduated nearly 20 years ago. Cheers! ~Phat
Wellcome phatkojak,, Nice to see another Dead fan,, Cant wait to see the pics of your new set up,, Good Luck
welcome to the club, phatkojak! looking forward to seeing your grow in action. otleaf:otleaf: Hey, who luvs ya baby!!
hey dude man happy to have you here kojak looking forward to the grow show about the growroom...are you going to use the whole 24 square feet to grow, or do you plan on sectioning the room off? :idea1: I was just thinking...that with the 600W light in that big of a space, you'd get 25Watts per square foot. If you split the room in half, it'd be at the optimum of 50W per sqf. just a thought
feeling the love... Damn your eyes Link420 - you confirmed what I have been pondering for the past few weeks. I stand in the room, lights on to ascertain the lighting and keep asking myself, is this enough at the sides of the room? Did a little research and calcluations and indeed, I am running on the low side with respect to the amount of lumens available. So, order placed today: 1) Lumatek 600 watt ballast 1) Hydrofarm Radiant 6" AC Reflector 1) Hortilux HPS Damn - that hurt, but... it will provide the optimum growing environment that I have been seeking. And indeed - "Who loves ya baby".
The grow has started... I finally have things under way. Documenting the grow here: http://www.growkind.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30894 I know it's a little over the top, but there will be off times when I'll continue my tomatoes inside. I must admit - I hate what they jack up our foods with these days - I would rather have 100% control of it myself. Enjoy!
