New To This Site

Hello all! I am new to this site, although I have been lurking for a couple of weeks trying to gather information. I intend on trying my hand at cultivation for the first time here soon. I am in the process of getting all of my supplies together before I start, that way I hopefully will not be caught unprepared.

I have decided to go with a DWC bubbler set up, the Hydrohut mini, a 600 watt HPS, and a home made carbon filtration system to stump any prying noses. I am considering going with General Hydroponics nutes, or perhaps Fox Farms, I haven't decided which yet. I've read good things about both though

As soon as I get my equipment all gathered together, which should be in the next couple of weeks, I will begin a grow journal with pictures so everyone can follow along. I've decided to with Northern Lights since this is my first time, and I understand it is a good strain for newbies to practice with. I haven't determined where to order the seeds from yet. Living in the United Socialist States of America, one has to be careful of such things. I would be happy to have input in this area if others knowledgeable in that department would like to help.

This seems like a strong community built around helping those in need. Like I always say, there is no such thing as too much information I look forward to sharing my progress with all of you very soon!

Welcome to the forum. We look forward to seeing that journal. Maybe you could share the rest of your plan as well, like space ,ventilation etc.
As far as ordering seeds is concerned you can get as paranoid as you want, personally when I ordered seeds last year, I had already decided there isn't anyway the post office could take the time to check every package, so I just ordered them using my credit card. The seeds arrived within 2 weeks. And no one had opened the cd case they were in. It may be the first time you have ordered seeds, its probably not the first time the seed company has received an order from someone in the US. They know what to do. VV

I ordered from Nirvana, I did and had seeds within 2 weeks without any problems. As for the nutes, I used General Hydorponics stuff called Flora Nova and/or Floralicious grow and bloom. I used them both.
Good luck, can't wait to see your journal.

Thanks guys!

To get a little more detailed, I plan on using 2 rubbermaid tubs in my setup, with 2 of the large airstones in each to oxygenate the roots with. Using 4 inch net pots with hydroton and rockwool cubes, I hope to be able to fit 6 to 8 plants per tub. Obviously, having so many plants in such a small space would require me to use the SOG method eventually.

As far as airflow goes, I'm looking at a 250cfm duct fan attached to the charcoal air filter. My light is one of those cooltube designs which will definitely help keep the temps down. I figure this way I can create a passive airflow system utilizing the built in vents in the Hydrohut. Accounting for the restriction caused by the filter, the fan should be able to replace the air 3 times per minute. I will also have at least one, probably two fans going inside the unit to strengthen those stalks up a bit. No need for wimpy plants.

The entire outfit will be going inside a closet so as to keep it out of the way. I'll be giving up some storage space, but that's nothing some shelves and a portable clothes hanger unit can't fix. Ambient temps won't be a problem, since the Hydrohut is light-tight. If things get a little warm inside, I can just open the closet to compensate, although I don't think temps will be an issue as I keep it pretty cool in my house.

The light is ordered and on its way here. I'll be ordering the Hydrohut tomorrow. I already have the tubs, so really I still have to get the hydroton, rockwool, nutes, a digital thermometer, a tds meter and a ph meter, air pumps and stones, as well as order my seeds.

In case you were wondering, the HPS bulb is one of those expanded spectrum bulbs, which is supposed to contain 30% more blue spectrum, but my guess is that is a subjective number.

I wanted to get all the big stuff out of the way, and get everything arranged and in place before I order the seeds, which will be the last thing I do. I've read that some people start off with bagseed, but I'm not a fan of that idea as I really have no way of knowing what I'll end up with. I don't want to be surprised by some freak sativa dominant plant shooting up and scorching itself on my light

Things have been dry around here lately, and to be honest, I'm tired of having to pay for my smoke. I'd rather be totally in control of what goes into my plants, and thus know exactly what I'm getting. Plus, smoking schwag is really getting old. I miss the days of abundant nugs, which will soon be upon me I'm also doing this as kind of a hobby thing, to get closer to nature.

Sorry to be so long winded here. Hopefully this gives you guys an idea of what I'm aiming for

Well I received my light, ballast and timer today! I'll order my Hydro Hut at the end of the week, and it should be here by next week