This is the third year I've used the same grow box to start my pepper plants, but the first year I've attempted to start more than 10 plants. I'm attempting to start 24 in little bathroom cups, the max I can fit in the box, and so far 15 have sprouted. It's almost time to pot up the bigger guys and the bin is about to run out of room! My project for this weekend is going to be building a second box.
I can fit a dozen larger cups in the bin, so my basic instinct is to just replicate the exact same box I'm using now (if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?), but before I invest the time and money to build this second box I wanted to run the design by the forum and get opinions on what I might improve or get some ideas on how to save money.
Here's the current design:
It consists of:
- Five F8T5 light fixtures (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EEQ58I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage) attached to basic frame, height adjustable
- Three 6500K bulbs, two 4100K bulbs, alternating
- Reflective coating on the interior using mercury glass spray paint
The lights are on a timer and there's a fan blowing on the whole setup. With the fan on, the soil temperature stays at around 80 degrees F.
Here are my thoughts on the matter:
- It's only 40W of light, could be better, but it has proven sufficient for the 2-3 months they spend in the box before going outside
- I can replicate the setup for around $80, but if I can do it cheaper that would be ideal
- Thinking maybe I could save money while increasing wattage by going with CFLs, but it might be more difficult to rig up an adjustable frame for them like the one in my current box
- I want to stick to the same size bin so they can be stacked where they currently are, not a lot of room
- Have to be able to get the parts quickly so I can complete it this weekend
Any ideas on how to improve this setup and stay under my $80 budget would be appreciated, thanks!
I can fit a dozen larger cups in the bin, so my basic instinct is to just replicate the exact same box I'm using now (if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?), but before I invest the time and money to build this second box I wanted to run the design by the forum and get opinions on what I might improve or get some ideas on how to save money.
Here's the current design:
It consists of:
- Five F8T5 light fixtures (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EEQ58I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage) attached to basic frame, height adjustable
- Three 6500K bulbs, two 4100K bulbs, alternating
- Reflective coating on the interior using mercury glass spray paint
The lights are on a timer and there's a fan blowing on the whole setup. With the fan on, the soil temperature stays at around 80 degrees F.
Here are my thoughts on the matter:
- It's only 40W of light, could be better, but it has proven sufficient for the 2-3 months they spend in the box before going outside
- I can replicate the setup for around $80, but if I can do it cheaper that would be ideal
- Thinking maybe I could save money while increasing wattage by going with CFLs, but it might be more difficult to rig up an adjustable frame for them like the one in my current box
- I want to stick to the same size bin so they can be stacked where they currently are, not a lot of room
- Have to be able to get the parts quickly so I can complete it this weekend
Any ideas on how to improve this setup and stay under my $80 budget would be appreciated, thanks!