the systel u describe is a little lower tech than what this one is
from the pics you cant tell but this is automated
has built in weather control for humidity and temp
built in gauge for ph levels
automatically turns the lights on and off, as well as is equipped with a co2 system
and furthermore it has 3 fans and a carbon filter for smell
I do not think you could get all of those things for anything close to 500 dollars myself
I am sure that someone doing it themselves would save, but i dont want to do that
I am just wondering if anyone has any ideas on what yields can be in a space this big
He's really just trying to save you some money man thats all. Because this "Automated" cabinet is really nothing more then a utility cabinet with a rubbermaid container and some cheap gadgets in it put together and priced for a 1000% profit.
1. The built in weather control for temp and humidity, I hope your not talking about that thing on the front door (doesn't having a thermostat on the door totally diminish any "stealthness" your trying to achieve anyways) Reguardless you can pick up something like that for $5 at home depot.
2. PH test strips cost like nothing.
3. You mean a light timer? Another sub-$5 home depot doodad. I don't think a single setup lacks one of these.... are people really going into there grow rooms and turning the lights on and off themselves every 12 hours?
4. Co2 is the only costly thing you've mentioned but considering hes charging $2900 and seems to have gone with a $5 pos climate controller then one that is actually going to run and regulate your Co2 levels as well which would cost maybe $100, I'm going to guess its merely a hookup and a line which you could put in for like $10.
5. 3 little computer fans wont cost you anything, and there is a bunch of easy to make DIY carbon filters on here which I'm guessing if you purchased that cabinet you would find some version of one of them inside rather then an actual manufactured carbon filter.
6. It seems as though there is just T5s in there, not that fluoros are bad but you would be better off with HID.
There is seriously dozens of prefabricated growing cabinets out there, it seems they all fit into 1 of 3 categories.
Affordable but pieces of crap.
Well put together but outrageously priced.
Outrageously priced pieces of crap.
I'd have to say this particular one fits into the 3rd category. I highly recommend just putting something together yourself, it really isn't that hard, but if you are set on spending oodlez of money on something premade I would aim for something in the 2nd category. Look into things like the Omega Garden and such.
and i plan on using bc god as my seeds