X Marks the Spot - XLR8's Big Bang Auto Hydro Grow 2011

[OldMedMan]

You did warn me, Nap, and I should have listened better I think. Thank you for being the voice of reason - if only I was smart enough to listen!

I'm not sure I want to get a new fan, but maybe. Do you think that would fix it, or should I go the route you did...? Temps weren't an issue with the MH for some reason (most run cooler - didn't even realize that I guess!). I can't stand having my environment out of wack. I'm in full agreement with Docbud and others that a good environment is almost everything. My big questions:

*What makes the most difference in bringing heat down - bigger fan or air-cooled hoods?

*If I go with 6" fan, is it noisier?

I've been tweaking things and tent's been around 81f last day or so now - but not sure if it'll stay, get better/worse...

My setup is a tent approx 3'x5', 7' tall. 400w adjust a wing, 200cfm 4" fan. I want to add a second 400w, but I have to make this work better first!

Hi xrl8.

Needless to say I am reading this with interest. I am running 2 - 6" fans and 2 4" fans now. I can't really hear them over the noise of the the AC makes.
The most effect on my set up is the AC. Turn it down and tent temps go down. When I get my other light going. I will be putting in 2 more 6" fans for cooling the lights. I have the closed hoods with air cooling. It will be interesting to see the effect they have on keeping them cool. DocBud has the right idea...good environment = good plants. Good luck Buddy.

 

[naphtali5725]

You did warn me, Nap, and I should have listened better I think. Thank you for being the voice of reason - if only I was smart enough to listen!

I'm not sure I want to get a new fan, but maybe. Do you think that would fix it, or should I go the route you did...? Temps weren't an issue with the MH for some reason (most run cooler - didn't even realize that I guess!). I can't stand having my environment out of wack. I'm in full agreement with Docbud and others that a good environment is almost everything. My big questions:

*What makes the most difference in bringing heat down - bigger fan or air-cooled hoods?

*If I go with 6" fan, is it noisier?

I've been tweaking things and tent's been around 81f last day or so now - but not sure if it'll stay, get better/worse...

My setup is a tent approx 3'x5', 7' tall. 400w adjust a wing, 200cfm 4" fan. I want to add a second 400w, but I have to make this work better first!

XL,

My tent is 36" deep, 56" wide, 84" tall.

I have one 400 HPS, with a air cooled reflector, and a 200cfm 4 inch vortex inline fan. This setup keeps my tent at the proper temps no problem whatsoever.

Your fan should be fine with two 400's with air cooled reflectors connected inline with ducting...
What is the temp inside the room where the tent is located?
I just got a 1000HPS and i'll tell you how hot that runs in a day or two.

kind regards,

 

[Xlr8]

Hey XL,

If it was me... I would go with air cooled reflectors with glass panels so the heat from the bulbs is contained within the reflector, that way all the heat from the bulbs can be evacuated before it ever gets a chance to heat up, plus i believe i read somewhere it helps extend the life of the bulb...
i can put my hand on top of my reflector with my 400HPS and can leave it there, that's how cool it keeps the hood with my 4 inch vortex inline fan.
you can have the inlet side connected to a carbon filter located within the tent and this will remove the heat from the tent at the same time, and also pulls cool air in from the bottom of the tent, while scrubbing the air of odor in the tent. and you could place your resevoir near where the airflow is coming in from the bottom of the tent and that will help keep the resevoir temp down a bit as well.

I have a controller on my inline fan so i can adjust the speed up or down so i can dial in the temp, if it gets hotter outside, i speed up the fan, cooler outside, i can lower the speed.

this is how i set mine up, and it works great! if you want to keep those adjusta wings, i think you'll need massive airflow from a 6 inch inline fan.

i know this may sound expensive, but maybe not... give me a layout of your room/tent and what lamps, ballast etc. you have in there ok?

let me now if you have any more questions and i'll help you figure it out
kind regards,

XL,

My tent is 36" deep, 56" wide, 84" tall.

I have one 400 HPS, with a air cooled reflector, and a 200cfm 4 inch vortex inline fan. This setup keeps my tent at the proper temps no problem whatsoever.

Your fan should be fine with two 400's with air cooled reflectors connected inline with ducting...
What is the temp inside the room where the tent is located?
I just got a 1000HPS and i'll tell you how hot that runs in a day or two.

kind regards,

Nap, thank you for the thought and time you put into this. Should be really helpful.

I'm not sure yet when I'll have the time (and money) to make changes, but I'm thinking of a couple of ways to do it. My first thought is to ideally give the lights their own fan and ducting in addition to carbon filter/fan. I realize that would be the best way to go in some respects, but a pricy one.

Alternatively I might try to configure it the way suggested in your first post with filter>ducting>light>ducting>light>ducting out. I just worry about CFM loss that way by pulling through the filter and lights with one 200cfm fan. And, yeah - I'll be using air cooled reflectors. I'm done experimenting - going to go more the "tried and true" route. I was trying to think outside the box a little and was convinced this could work - but not if I'm going to do 2 of them. Blah.

again for your help/insight, Nap!

 

[Xlr8]

Nothing but love an support here bro Well my outside temps are around 75-85 but this beach breeze helps me out alot an not including my house is downhill so maybe thats a plus on my side but ethier way its all good

It's all good brother! I know you've got love and support on your mind, or you wouldn't spend the time to be here contributing to my journal so frequently (and I appreciate that you do).

We've had a lot of 90-100f temps here lately. I'm remembering, too, why I don't usually grow anything in the summer!

I like your temps better.

 

[Xlr8]

Hi xrl8.

Needless to say I am reading this with interest. I am running 2 - 6" fans and 2 4" fans now. I can't really hear them over the noise of the the AC makes.
The most effect on my set up is the AC. Turn it down and tent temps go down. When I get my other light going. I will be putting in 2 more 6" fans for cooling the lights. I have the closed hoods with air cooling. It will be interesting to see the effect they have on keeping them cool. DocBud has the right idea...good environment = good plants. Good luck Buddy.

Thanks OMM - that's a lot of fans you have going on there, but I guess there's a reason we call it the Matterhorn! I'll be interested to see yours once you have it all in it's final configuration. I agree, environment is everything. I know what I need to do at this point, but I'm running out of dough. Doh!

I'll get it figured out when I can - not much else I can do!

 

[Thew1sest]

It's all good brother! I know you've got love and support on your mind, or you wouldn't spend the time to be here contributing to my journal so frequently (and I appreciate that you do).

We've had a lot of 90-100f temps here lately. I'm remembering, too, why I don't usually grow anything in the summer!

I like your temps better.

Ahh shit.. 90 - 100F, someones getting tan.

Whats the inside temp lookin at with that?? Get some frozen water bottles in case you need to chill the bucket res, or your face for that matter!

 

[Thew1sest]

O P.S. I'm cutting some clones tmrw, and tossin them in some grow cubes at my buddies fantastic garden. For my next single run whatd you think OG Earth planetary strain, Herrijuana, LA confidential, or Jilly bean!?

 

[Xlr8]

Ahh shit.. 90 - 100F, someones getting tan.

Whats the inside temp lookin at with that?? Get some frozen water bottles in case you need to chill the bucket res, or your face for that matter!

Hi w1sest! Actually the inside temps are not too bad. It's about 70f outside of the tent (inside the house). A little cooler at night - 67. Still gets up to 81 or so in tent. Damnit.

I've been throwing ice packs in the bucket, and I think it helps some.

The plant looks great and is the picture of health at the moment. Root growth has exploded, and roots are nice and white. I'm in a good spot with this grow, but want to add a 400w when I get a little more money, and can't do it at risk of even greater temps in the tent.

I've been spending a lot of time in un-air conditioned environments the last few days, and I think my brain melted.

 

[Xlr8]

O P.S. I'm cutting some clones tmrw, and tossin them in some grow cubes at my buddies fantastic garden. For my next single run whatd you think OG Earth planetary strain, Herrijuana, LA confidential, or Jilly bean!?

The only 2 I'm very familiar with are LA confidential and Jilly bean. But, I love them! Just had some killer LA confidential, and had a bag of Jilly bean when I was visiting friends not long ago. I LOVE Jilly Bean. Some of my favorite bud in a long long time. In fact, I'm glad you brought it up because I need to add that to my "wish list". Definitely do Jilly Bean when you can. That's my 2 cents. You can't go wrong with LA confidential either, that's some strong indica there - knock you back on the couch bigtime. I like less couchlock than that usually, though.

Good luck with the clones!

 

[Thew1sest]

The only 2 I'm very familiar with are LA confidential and Jilly bean. But, I love them! Just had some killer LA confidential, and had a bag of Jilly bean when I was visiting friends not long ago. I LOVE Jilly Bean. Some of my favorite bud in a long long time. In fact, I'm glad you brought it up because I need to add that to my "wish list". Definitely do Jilly Bean when you can. That's my 2 cents. You can't go wrong with LA confidential either, that's some strong indica there - knock you back on the couch bigtime. I like less couchlock than that usually, though.

Good luck with the clones!

Yeah Jilly Bean is looking good as of now. The planetary strains just seem awesome though, could be my geeky nerd side. Shit as long as it makes me forget where I put my keys its all gravvy.

 

[Crower619]

It's all good brother! I know you've got love and support on your mind, or you wouldn't spend the time to be here contributing to my journal so frequently (and I appreciate that you do).

We've had a lot of 90-100f temps here lately. I'm remembering, too, why I don't usually grow anything in the summer!

I like your temps better.

Lol no doubt XL hopefully you take the route of going with the induct fan an what not damn 90-100 move out of there an come to sunny san diego lol wont regret it bro...Hey do you know what happen to inda or ------- ? worried about them two

 

[Xlr8]

Yeah Jilly Bean is looking good as of now. The planetary strains just seem awesome though, could be my geeky nerd side. Shit as long as it makes me forget where I put my keys its all gravvy.

Yeah, I visited some friends in So Cal, and stayed 4-5 days (mentioned it in my last journal I think) - twas when I consumed brownies for my flight. Had my buddy pick me up a 1/4 for while we were there, and he picked me up "Jilly Bean". It was such a great high. Whoever grew it knew what they were doing, too. Greaaaaaat stuff. Was like the Cuban cigar of pot for me, really. I'm really excited to try some TGA subcool strains after that. Not to mention, a lot of good growers are swearing by the quality of his genetics and growing some beautiful plants. Doc Bud has grown some nice TGA subcool strains.

Those planetary strains do seem cool. I keep wanting to track down and grow a good OG. Too many I want to grow! I can't wait to get things rolling more with my new hydro set-up. It's killing me! Gonna probably wait til July to start something new or whenever the Big Bang is done, more like it. Too many strangers in the house during the summer to do much, and I still have to figure out my heat a bit better.

Time for one of these!

 

[Thew1sest]

Yeah, I visited some friends in So Cal, and stayed 4-5 days (mentioned it in my last journal I think) - twas when I consumed brownies for my flight. Had my buddy pick me up a 1/4 for while we were there, and he picked me up "Jilly Bean". It was such a great high. Whoever grew it knew what they were doing, too. Greaaaaaat stuff. Was like the Cuban cigar of pot for me, really. I'm really excited to try some TGA subcool strains after that. Not to mention, a lot of good growers are swearing by the quality of his genetics and growing some beautiful plants. Doc Bud has grown some nice TGA subcool strains.

Those planetary strains do seem cool. I keep wanting to track down and grow a good OG. Too many I want to grow! I can't wait to get things rolling more with my new hydro set-up. It's killing me! Gonna probably wait til July to start something new or whenever the Big Bang is done, more like it. Too many strangers in the house during the summer to do much, and I still have to figure out my heat a bit better.

Time for one of these!

Yeah looking at the bright side of not growing too much right now, while there is busy foot traffic, you can fine tune and get those heat issues taken care of, you thought about an ac unit for your growarea or just inline fan it?

Shit I'll join ya, Hello kief hit from the grinder to the Facccceee

 

[Xlr8]

Argh - I planned on popping into more peoples journals tonight, but I'm typed out and needing to spend time with my lovely wife. Been a bit busier lately, so I'm a bit behind on journals - It's tough to keep up sometimes!

 

[NorCaliwood]

Well thought I'd shoot a kite out there and look up what ya got going on with your trip here. I got a freebie BB Auto abit ago. Just broke dirt today so sure like to see what ya got going, what you are doing with your's. I haven't I must confess, read alot going on lately, but I'm fixxing to flip back and update on what's up. My Lady's growing this one. I'm planning on putting it out in direct sun and flower out. Maybe a 2.7 gallon pot? Well I hope yours is off and running. Keep em Green and I'm scrolling back............

 

[420GodsTrichome]

Well thought I'd shoot a kite out there and look up what ya got going on with your trip here. I got a freebie BB Auto abit ago. Just broke dirt today so sure like to see what ya got going, what you are doing with your's. I haven't I must confess, read alot going on lately, but I'm fixxing to flip back and update on what's up. My Lady's growing this one. I'm planning on putting it out in direct sun and flower out. Maybe a 2.7 gallon pot? Well I hope yours is off and running. Keep em Green and I'm scrolling back............

I would definately suggest the outdoors for an Auto BB. They are touchy.

 

[NorCaliwood]

Verrrry intresting. I went back a grow a lookied at your product and it was a repectable yield from a mothership? Or did ya have something else? But I also seen your 30 day pic grown with a great lite setup. Lets see what a Outsider does now? If this wet cold weather ever leaves. I figgure to cap on the hottest time of the year. Be intrested in seeing what ya get otta your's. Best Luck and Keepem Green +++ inffin I can..

 

[RVgrower]

DUDE! you got like 530 likes on just 23 pages.....Is that some kind of record or something??? And your lil' auto-flower is looking AWESOME! Congratulations my friend! And for the award this month too, you're a great grower and I am honored to have your valuable input and help anytime! I got on here to post my own journal update and post my newest pics from this am of a few of my girls in full and gorgeous flower, but I saw your latest post, realized I was behind on your journal, (Sorry bout the flood too!) and got lost and have spent the last 3 hours getting caught up to the end here. And can you believe I ended up with 7 girls outta those last 10 bag seeds I sprouted???!!! Yeppers! Now I am FREAKING OUT because I have to build a drying box or figure out how exactly I am going to do it and I am TERRIFIED!!! I AM SO SCARED I AM GOING TO FLUB IT UP AND LOSE MY WHOLE 7 PLANT CROP! ALL BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER EVER DRIED ANYTHING MORE THAN FAN LEAVES! AND I'VE NEVER CURED ANYTHING! Okay, I think I am back to my senses now.....Sorry I lost it a little in my post to you!

Okay, now that I am back in my right mind,,or is it my left.....hmmm????? anyways, I mean, I will do what I know I have to do, go READ! and READ some more, and some MORE, and some MORE!!! Until I GET IT!!! but your grow, even tho it's small, it's looking righteous!

 

[Aaron Quix]

O P.S. I'm cutting some clones tmrw, and tossin them in some grow cubes at my buddies fantastic garden. For my next single run whatd you think OG Earth planetary strain, Herrijuana, LA confidential, or Jilly bean!?

JILLY BEEEEEEAAAAAANNNNNN!!!!.....Sorry to yell everyone....LOVE me some Jillz!! I dont know if you've had it or not, but its pretty much my favorite strain bro...Very smooth, slightly sweet. Great mello high, leaning toward indica without the couchlock, with the clarity of a sativa. Nice and comfortable, while still functional....

 

[Xlr8]

Yeah looking at the bright side of not growing too much right now, while there is busy foot traffic, you can fine tune and get those heat issues taken care of, you thought about an ac unit for your growarea or just inline fan it?

Shit I'll join ya, Hello kief hit from the grinder to the Facccceee

Exactly how I'm thinking right now w1sest - I'm gonna try to avoid an ac. I think I'll be fine if I get the right reflector/fan set up going. The room I'm puling air from is usually only 67-70f, and I'm exhausting into a separate room. I feel like I should be able to keep it below 80f if I do it right... but yup, fine tune is the plan while I grow out the auto for now - then BAM, I'm going to break out the new setup and pop a couple of seeds I've been dying to germinate since I got them.

Some of the next strains I'm thinking are Skywalker, Lucy, and Soma Lavender, but I have a couple of weeks to change my mind.