Newbie in need of help

This is my first time and I'm looking for some help. I've done alot of reading but I want to do this right and be successful. First of all, I have about a 3x4x1.5 space in which to put a box. Roughly how many plants can I grow in there and how many actual watts of cfl lights will I need to be successful. I already have 3-75 watt cfl (6500K) and two 100watt cfl (6500k). Should I just buy an empty bathroom or kitchen cabinet or build one? I am on a budget but I want to do it right above all. Also how much ventilation will I need for that amount of space? Thought of some more questions. I have an entire closet to use but then I have the issue of ventilaiton which is why I thought of using a box. My idea was to start with bag seed to hone my skills but so far no luck. I have germinated seeds in solo cups with organic soil 100 watt cfl hanging about an inch over plant but after roughly one week plant isn't growing much or fast. I've grown taller under lamp in dorm room. I don't know if its the bag seed ventilation or what. Someone please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No replies yet, I'm posting pics of what I tried tomorrow. Laugh all you want just help pleasssssssssssssssse

ok. am I correct in understanding that your grow space is 1.5 feet high? How many plants you can fit in that area is up to you. when you say 75 watt and 100 watt, are you saying equivalent or actual watts? you will want to place as many CFL's in your area as you can fit and keep the area no more than 85 degrees. You should probably do some more research and continue experimenting. Just out of curiosity, were there drainage holes in the bottom of your solo cup?

Check this guys grow out. I found tons of info here

https://www.rollitup.org/grow-room-design-setup/210449-building-single-plant-growbox-i.html

Well don't count out the closet just yet. I'm growing in my closet and it's working great. There are pros and cons but ventilation isn't as hard as you think. I haven't figured mine out 100% but you can see my thread for ideas. https://www.rollitup.org/cfl-growing/347173-dollar-store-grow.html
If you really want a box setup there are plenty on this site. Look at the PC grows because that sounds a lot like what you're talking about.

For ventilation I have a small fan in there. It has some kind of ionizing (?) setting which seems to work well for the smell. We also have an a/c in the room of the closet, so I turn that on and leave the closet door open from time to time. Things could change but it's working for now. If the fan hadn't worked for odor I was going to try ona gel. Ed Rosenthal has a great book, Closet Cultivator, with tons of ideas.

As for lighting, I had 4 23 or 27 watt "daylight" CFLs for veg. Probably could have used a couple more but that will give you an idea. I have 8 23 watt "soft white" CFLs for flowering. Not all are in yet but I'm sure that's plenty. Many people throw in a couple cools with warms and vice versa.

How many lights you need and how many plants you have depends a lot on the space. Since you're using bag seeds (which is great for a first grow), just germ them all and see how it goes. You may lose a couple to not germing, then you may lose a plant or two, then you cut the males, then if you somehow wind up with too many females you can cut them or give them away. Better to have too many than too few.

As for germing, what worked for me can be seen in my thread. Started by soaking the seeds in a shot glass of water in a dark cabinet til they cracked. Then put seeds that cracked between wet paper towels, put it on something so it can drain, keep it on top the fridge and keep it moist but not drowning. I got this method from the High Times grow guide, lol. It worked great. Then when they sprout the white roots you put them in pots with soil.

Hope that helps. Got pics yet?

Here are the pics of what Im currently doing. Its not working well. I had 5 germinated seeds 3 of which are now seedlings. They are not growing as fast as they should i don't think. ARe the lights too close do I need mylar lining? I think a major issue is the lack of fresh air circulation. I would like to use the entire closet for this but i cant think of or don't have a way to pump fresh air in and old air out. The closet is about 6ft wide x 6ft tall x 18 inches deep. Any suggestions? I'm eager to learn and improve.

By the way thanks everyone for your help.

Yeah I cut drainage holes in the cups. I'm using jungle grow organic soil with a 20-12-12 ratio. The watts are equivalent watts not actual watts.

need more soil in those cups...roots have nowhere to go.

Thanks alot. Any more suggestions? After looking at other grows i just raised the lights and left the door open to circulate some air.

Water around the plant to encourage it to stretch its roots

113 Views no help or suggestions. At least recommend a good starter book or something plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz