8k Sealed Room Build!!

[Reebs]

Hello Farmers!

So it's been a blast using a 4x8 tent and a 10x10 tent for the past 4 months but...... The construction of my Sealed room is almost at a finish.

Here is a run down on the room-

-8 1K HPS
-8 Agrotech NON-air cooled Reflectors
-4 3x6 flood trays
-12k + 24K BTU Mini-Split Units (Price is cheaper to split it up like this for me)
-4ft Carbon Filter with 10"MaxFan for Scrubbing
-C02 Bottled System
-6 20w Speakers playing reggae on a timer for Daytime play only, lol


the room is 14 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 7 3/4, and had to be completely built. This space is in my basement and it was just dirt when i started.

First i had to put in a subfloor using quickcrete tubes as support instead of leveling out the dirt and puring concrete.

Next step was laying 6 mil vapor retard plastic over the floor, and then plywood, then the walls construction.

After i got all the walls built i put another layer of 6 mil plastic up, then some panda paper i had laying around for the perimiter. as you can see i also built a few tables for the flood trays, and i put a tray/res/ 2 reflectors in for placement and sizing purposes.

last but not least, veg... this area is 10 x 6 1/2 and you have to walk threw it to get to the bloom room. 2 2x4's sharing 1 25 gal res, 4ft 8 Bulb T5 for newly transplanted babies, then moved to the second tray under 400w HPS to MH conversion bulb before bloom, 2 weeks under each light.

Next step is getting these mini- split AC units installed. they should be delivered sometime this week and before i set them up i'm gonna have to run a 120 sub panel from upstairs in the house to the basement so i can get all my outlets in with no problems, plus each AC calls for it's own DEDICATED power line so without overloading my upstairs panel, this is my only option! what fun huh? i will also be building a new light controller "Box" if you will, right now im using a CAP 8 light controller box w/ timer but the relays in this thing suck! it maxes out at 6k watts when it's setup for 8. more on that to come.

hoping to be up and running in about 2 wks if all goes well. i will document only the construction and the way i went about building this room, there will be another thread in the diaries section for the growing part. please direct your "Growing" questions to that thread in the coming wks!

thanks!

-Reebs

 

[Mr_GreenGenes]

Nice bro...looks very well thought out and designed. Just got done doin an upgrade myself...hope yours goes smoother than mine....fuckin Murphy! Just curious what veg bulb youre usin with the 400....thinkin of usin one for a late veg light after hittin em with a HO T5 setup that sounds identical to yours. Good luck with it all Ill def be watchin to see how it turns out for ya. MGG

 

[Reebs]

Just curious what veg bulb youre usin with the 400....thinkin of usin one for a late veg light after hittin em with a HO T5 setup that sounds identical to yours.

i had this old hydrofarm 400watt HPS ballast sittin around and i wanted to utilize it so i got this PlantMax HPS to MH conversion bulb, was $40 w/tax.

honestly i got the bulb cuz i wanted to utilize the old 400 watt ballast i had sittin around, but it wasn't till after i had it for a couple cycles that someone told me these conversion bulbs have a really good spectrum, something like really close to the sun??? im not sure, but i DO know that my experience is that this bulb really sets the plants up nice for flower.

here.. i look at it like this.

T5- Good for that initial stretch/veg, not to intense but enough to pull that baby towards the light.
MH- In some cases, vegging under MH makes the plant stocky but not much stretch.
HPS- Besides the obvious that this is typically a bloom light, some soil gardeners i know preffer to use a smaller HPS lamp for veg to get as much "Stretch" as possible, reason being? no clue....
HPS-MH- For ME, it seems to be a happy medium, i get a lil stretch but at the same time my babies are stackin like crazy. i've also noticed that plants vegged under the conversion bulbs as opposed to any other, once in flower they fill out and produce better because of that. i guess what i mean is, once in flower the plants seem to stretch more but adding bud sites along the stretch's at the same time.

lol, this could all be total BS... but i just know what i've experienced.

-Reebs

 

[Mr_GreenGenes]

Good info bro...thanks. Sounds like what Im lookin for as this light will be what they get leading directly to flower. Il look for em at my local store next time I go in. MGG

 

[sixstring]

Nice build man , look forward to seeing it finished and pumpin out the dank.im curious to see how the 24k a/c works out with 8k in open hoods.will you be using any fans to remove heat? I know your building for sealed, just wondering how your setting it all up for air exchanges if any.peace.

 

[ttystikk]

You will kick yourself for putting the veg area at the door to your bloom room. How you gonna get in there in the dark cycle?

Pull your tables back from the wall a bit, and minimize your walkspace in between. The plants will- with your help- make a virtual wall to wall canopy, and that's always good for the pocketbook!

That room is money- can't wait to see what you guys pull outta there!

 

[Warrioreuel]

I am looking forward to your experience with the split AC units. I currently use a window unit but its not cutting it. My main complaint with it is when all the lights are out there is a serious light leak coming through the unit. I put a black cardboard barrier if you will to keep the light off the plants. With such a large leak to the outside I am sure its not doing my CO2 any good either. So, I am have been researching the ductless AC units for the ultimate solution. Let me know how your install goes. I am leaning towards Carrier simply because they have lots of printed info and charts etc. on running long lines. My lines will be about 50 feet. You can see the light leak in the picture below coming right through the vent area of the AC unit.

 

[Natural]

Great space...nice build out porn!
What's up with the CAP controller...is it really 50 amp unit.or did ya end up with the 40?
Good luck with the mini-splits..hope you post up the project. All the hvac guys round here get a confused look on their faces when I start talking about non-integrated mini-splits..I always end up saying "ya know like the condos in FL have"..pfffft. Gonna go with pre-charged lines when I get there.
Some peeps have been down on OSB lately..getting sick plants from off-gassing of fresh OSB with the extra heat and humidity. Shit makes me sneeze fierce when I cut a bunch. I'd paint it..if it isn't "aged".
Look forward to your progress..all the best.

 

[fishwhistle]

With the dimensions of your room you may be better off running a mini on each end vs. one big one on one end anyways reebs,looks good.Why not run some 240 while your pulling wire and run a/c and lights off that and cut your amp draw in half if powers an issue?things will run cooler and more efficiently that way.

 

[vaporedout]

I am looking forward to your experience with the split AC units. I currently use a window unit but its not cutting it. My main complaint with it is when all the lights are out there is a serious light leak coming through the unit. I put a black cardboard barrier if you will to keep the light off the plants. With such a large leak to the outside I am sure its not doing my CO2 any good either. So, I am have been researching the ductless AC units for the ultimate solution. Let me know how your install goes. I am leaning towards Carrier simply because they have lots of printed info and charts etc. on running long lines. My lines will be about 50 feet. You can see the light leak in the picture below coming right through the vent area of the AC unit.View attachment 323550View attachment 323551View attachment 323552View attachment 323553

i had similar probs with the window ac so i made a para scope type application. i built a little box to cover the ac then had ducting coming out of that. made a few turns and the light was gone. pain in the ass though

 

[Reebs]

\will you be using any fans to remove heat? I know your building for sealed, just wondering how your setting it all up for air exchanges if any.peace.

this is my first attempt at a sealed room, and from my plan, there will be no exhaust or intake at this time. i the 24K and 12K AC don't do the job then i'll investigate a dual head 36k+ . the thing about this sealed room from what i've gathered, needs C02 for it's "Fresh air" and then a large carbon scrubber sitting in the corner moving and cleaning air.

You will kick yourself for putting the veg area at the door to your bloom room. How you gonna get in there in the dark cycle?
!

Actually, this is how i have another house setup and it works great if you put panda paper over the door with one of those annoying zippers on it.

. Let me know how your install goes. I am leaning towards Carrier simply because they have lots of printed info and charts etc. on running long lines. My lines will be about 50 feet. .

for sure, next major post will be of me installing the AC and the compressor outside with electrical and then the head unit. the thing that confused me about AC was that the portable AC units and some window units only use NEW air and eats up all your C02. although these mini splits are exspensive, you get good ones like i just did and they Heat, Cool, and dehumid.
rule of thumb with them is 3K BTU per 1K air cooled hood, and 4K BTU per non air cooled.

only other thing i can think to fix that leak is on the outside of that window or wall, construct a $15 wood roof and backing for it. seen that a few times

Great space...nice build out porn!
What's up with the CAP controller...is it really 50 amp unit.or did ya end up with the 40?
Some peeps have been down on OSB lately..getting sick plants from off-gassing of fresh OSB with the extra heat and humidity. Shit makes me sneeze fierce when I cut a bunch. I'd paint it..if it isn't "aged".

ok so the thing with the cap controller, the relays inside arent the best. there are better controllers out there but i decided to work with my electrician and construct a new controller from scratch. it runs a 40amp, but running 6K off it on that makes everything decently warm and i don't like that at all. makes me nervous. gonna run a 120 sub panel down there and move my 240 line over to the new box/controller and then wire in the AC and pumps or w/e from that panel.

As for the OSB,i'm actually thinking about some diferent flooring options. i honestly hate to walk into a grow room thats just killz'ed every where. hard to keep clean. so i'm thinking either linolium i have sittin around or some other "Shop" like floor instead of just painted plywood. i will killzz first, but i won't leave it like this, for the sake of still workin IN the room i haven't taken and steps like that yet.

With the dimensions of your room you may be better off running a mini on each end vs. one big one on one end anyways reebs,looks good.Why not run some 240 while your pulling wire and run a/c and lights off that and cut your amp draw in half if powers an issue?things will run cooler and more efficiently that way.

ya this is what i'm talking about doing, if i did 1 big unit, i'd need a 36000BTU + and to get a SEER rating of 17 or more like i wanted, the cheapest way or me was to get a 12K first and then the 24K, depending on wall room with the tables, i'll do one on each side but i might end up placing them side by side just due to space limitation.

my lights are already on 240, it's just pulling so much power causes wear because of heat on electrical components like this so i need to figure something more "Heavy Duty"
AC's also call for there own dedicated power line, so with the above mentioned 120 sub panel, i'll be able to do w/e i need. my house has a HUGE power service! Mountain life!



thanks for all the replies!

-Reebs

 

[Reebs]

Good News!!

I talked to the freight company thats delivering my mini-split A/C and it's on the truck for delivery today. i'm going to have to figure out where to put the compressor in hopes to not have to get a line extrension set. the unit comes with a 15ft. line set and then you can buy 15-25ft extensions, so basically i can only put the air handler 15 ft give or take away from the compressor.

i'm also trying to figure out the best way to attach the trellis on each tray. i'm thinking maybe a PVC structure that attachs to the wooden table that the tray sits on maybe? i've seen some crazy supports attached to tables like mine for trellis's but i want to maximize room around the tray's so that nobody can run into the supports and possibly harm a plant.

any ideas? i've seen some cool trellis/scrog structure type things, but nothing on the build or how they went about sizing everything..

thanks-

PS Pics of the A/C install in the next few days or so.

 

[Reebs]

Finally after about 2 months, the room is coming to an end.

the last thing i need done is this mini-split vaccumed to spec and wired in. i talked to a guy who will do it but the earliest is 10-11am and lights turn off at 8 so i just realized i'm gonna have to figure something else out.

anyways here is the good stuff. i actually posted this twice on accident.


sub-panel i wired in from main box up stairs, i setup 10 240v outlets on 2 relays wired into this box now. as well as all the wall outlets downstairs.

12K BTU window AC. i decided to grab this cuz the mini split was only half or less than half of the BTU's i need and also i was tired of waiting on the AC dude.

i picked up 4 of these so far, and i like them enough to just get 4 more to compleate the room, they run so cool and also they are tiny!

Carbon Scrubber and Mini-Split shot next to table 4. entry door to the right.

Tray 1 is in! couldn't be happier bout that. so far so good, i was having a lil RH problem on night 1 but i since have put a 70 pint dehumidy in there until the mini split is hooked up.

i also decided to start this tray and the one to the left of it first since this is the area of the room that will have the most trouble cooling and ventilating. still need to mount these 2 other wall fans aswell.

Pics Cont.

my next 2 major tasks are the mini split ac and also since i didn't Killz the floor in time and now there is plants in here, i'm considering just going to home depot and getting a roll of vinyl flooring and lay that down.

my issue at this point is the vapors obviously but also it smells like glue kinda in there right now. any suggestions on other flooring options at this point? its not gonna be that hard to move stuff around in the room but removing will be a problem due to lack of space now that this room is built.

thanks!

 

[Reebs]

Decided to go with the self stick 12''x12'' vinyl squares as my flooring option. i got everything covered except for the part under the one res in there, seems to have knocked out that weird smell of the plywood and also since it's white tile, it's way brighter.

got the Mini split setup too, working great!

My only other big concern is CO2. i don't want to be refillig these small tanks every like 2 days and the double tall tanks wont it in my car, so i'm going to try out the small bottles, if it doesn't work well i might look into a small high altitude CO2 burner from auto pilot. the propane comes into my house almost directly behind my room so hook up would be easy.

i actually have a question about Co2 burners, even the smallest one is a little big so mounting it for me might be a task, usually they go right in the center of the room up high right?

 

[vino]

i quickly read through the thread. everything seems pretty legit.

you want the c02 burner in center of room up high so the heavier c02 falls around plants and have fans blowing it about.
I would definately recommend a 20lb tank. unless your on a bike, you can carry those around. they fit in smart cars, so i doubt you should have a problem loading a tank. and a c02 burner in a 8k sealed room with 36k of AC def wont work. your temps will never set right. id think your maxing that ac out already.

only other thing id say is never spill water on your floor. that OSB will rot/mold quick as days.

 

[vino]

and from your photos you have alot of empty space to place a tank. tanks up less than a sqft.

one great rule of thumb...

if your going try and save a few dollars, count on a lot of headaches. It sucks to rebuy shit that only costs $5 more at time of purchase.

 

[Reebs]

i quickly read through the thread. everything seems pretty legit.

you want the c02 burner in center of room up high so the heavier c02 falls around plants and have fans blowing it about.
I would definately recommend a 20lb tank. unless your on a bike, you can carry those around. they fit in smart cars, so i doubt you should have a problem loading a tank. and a c02 burner in a 8k sealed room with 36k of AC def wont work. your temps will never set right. id think your maxing that ac out already.

only other thing id say is never spill water on your floor. that OSB will rot/mold quick as days.

a few things here, i am using a Tank system at the moment. it's a 20Lbs. i use them in all my places, thing is in a big room like this i mind aswell buy 3 more tanks so i have 4 since they run out every day at my 1200PPM off that little tank. i do have 2 50Lbs tanks but my partner lugs those around in his truck. thats what i was reffereing too. they are about 4ft tall and weigh maybe 150lbs when full and lasts for a good 4 days. those tanks dont fit in my car.

next is the burner and AC, ya 8K of light vented calls for 36KBTU of AC. If i were to get the burner i would add another 4K-8K of AC. No offense but i'm aware of the PROPER placement of a burner, but i' was curious if it CAN be put in a corner so it's somewhat out of the way? it is a sealed room so the CO2 i feel like would eventually blow around.

Flooring/Rot/Mold - I'm not sure if thats %100 accurate. the room has only been up and running for 10 days and the first couple days i was still figuring out the vinyl tile floor and spilt a lil water a few times. not to mention my veg has a OSB floor, havent had a problem in either room yet with it molding or rotting. i'm just gonna have to keep my eyes open and periodically check the floor.

honestly not to worried though, over the years i've become the king of "Making it work" the tricky thing about these sealed rooms is, they are exspensive and like anyone else i'm on a budget too. i would have liked to killz everything then lay the tile floor but i ran out of time and what i ended up doing seems to work for now.

thanks

 

[legaleyes13]

How are you liking the agrotechs? I'm thinking of picking up the agroteech magnums. Are there any hot spots?

 

[Mitygrows]

How much is ur pge if you dont mind me asking. Cuz iv been on cair running 6 1000 and thay sent me a letter telling me to cut down

 

[Reebs]

How are you liking the agrotechs? I'm thinking of picking up the agroteech magnums. Are there any hot spots?

so far they are pretty good, they spread light good and the hot spots are not too bad, i'm able to place plants in the tray to work around the hot spots as much as possible.

the hot spots might be the only down fall to them, and just to clarify i don't have the magnums, same thing but actually the reflective surface inside the hood is a lil different. i just have the medium sized ones.

How much is ur pge if you dont mind me asking. Cuz iv been on cair running 6 1000 and thay sent me a letter telling me to cut down

i'm not Exactly sure what your asking but i think your talking about my electric bill?