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Updating the Grow Rack...Any Suggestions?

V

Vbkid

Getting There...
So I'm taking a trip to Lowe's today to get some much needed supplies for my grow rack.
Before I discuss anything, here is my current setup:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hugh-jass/6551098561/in/photostream

My main addition will be a hygrometer that will regulate a fan/Ultrasonic Humidifier...any suggestions on what I should be looking for in one of these? And I am wanting to be able to zip up the grow rack all the time, should I just leave the fan on and only regulate the humidifier?

Also, I am running out of room on my shelf and need to expand to a second, which means more lights! Currently I have just been using 2 bulb 2 ft fluorescent ballasts from Lowes...should I continue the trend? Also, which bulbs, for people out there who have used them before, are best? Should I get those grow bulbs? (I mainly purchase sunshine and cool whites).

Any other suggestions on what I can do to make my plants happier would be awesome!
Thanks,
Kyle
 
Bumpity
 
Go digital. I use the exact same thermometer/hygrometer as you. Wishing I had batteries for my digital ones.
And get the pots into a tray. Live trays look cool. LFS growing up through the pots.
 
Looks like a good start.
Can you rig some kind of reflector for those lights? You are loosing quite a bit of light there.
 
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A followup question:
How should I position a PC fan in my grow rack? If I zip everything up, should I have it in the bottom blowing in? Blowing out? At the top blowing down?
Also, it is probably like a 3.5" fan, I feel like it will create enough air flow that I can safely zip up the grow rack without the conditions becoming too stagnant, am I correct in this?
 
VB, glad to hear you're considering expanding to a new shelf. I was unsure where to begin considering your current shelves. You should try to go for something that is around 48'' because of the cost and ease at which you'll be able to find quality fixtures that are the same size. As Rocketcadaver said, you're losing a lot of light without a reflector. This is the fixture I use http://www.contractorlighting.com/high-bay-fluorescent-4lmp-t5ho-120277-p-152.html and it works great. You'll just need someone to help you wire it if you decide to go down that route. Otherwise, any T5 high output fixture with a quality reflector will be ideal. You will need to find the bulbs at hydroponic or aquarium stores, though (the latter being more expensive IMO), or online.
It will also be a good idea to consider fitting the sides of the rack with reflective panels. I picked up something like this http://www.homedepot.com/buy/buildi...6-in-x-25-ft-staple-tab-insulation-20960.html at Home Depot and it works very well. I've seen major improvements in my plants since I began using it.
Also, you will want your humidifier out of the grow rack if you're going to seal it. I see the tent you have around your current rack is the kind that seals - you may run into major mold issues if you go down this route, considering the small space of the rack. You can see examples of how mine works in my picture thread. The humidifier is on the outside and is blown in under two fans. This not only spreads the mist, but ensures it isn't stagnant at any one point. I don't have exhaust fans because my rack is clearly not sealed, but if you plan to seal yours, you'll need them.


Anyway, I'm sure I've left out a lot, but those are just a few things that come to mind.


Good luck on the set-up and keep growing great plants.
 
I hadn't considered a reflector before...would it be sufficient to just put some mylar or tin foil on the underside of them all? Should I put some foil covered board on the sides of the rack itself?
 
Tin foil really isn't a great reflector. Reflective mylar is better if you can find it.
 
Upon Mato's advice, I have rigged up some tubing and a fan to blow in the moisture from my humidifier:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hugh-jass/6762982051/
My next question, how often and for how long should I run it? I have a timer ready to go for it.
My next task will be a quick run to walmart tonight for Mylar!
 
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And after a lot of cutting, gluing, and taping, I have made some modifications that were suggested.
I have installed homemade reflective panels on the sides of the grow rack, and some reflectors on the fluorescent ballast as well!
I have also got the humidifier working as I would like it, and now only need to install the fan to help disperse it a little better!
Here is the new setup, thanks for all the help, and as always, suggestions are welcome!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hugh-jass/6787231467/
 
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