My journey - Day 0

[Orb]

So maybe yesterday was day zero but just placed order for the seeds - fingers crossed.

In the meantime figure I need to get prepared, while I’ve read through lots of posts, there are some things that are going way over my head like lighting. And grow tents.

So sorry to cut to the chase but what’s the view on grow kits on places like Amazon sub $400 for 2*2*5 with wee fan, 600w led etc.

Waste of money or wise investment?

And if they’re good idea, how much do I really need to spend if I’m just toking 2oz/month for personal use?

 

[Porky]

So maybe yesterday was day zero but just placed order for the seeds - fingers crossed.

In the meantime figure I need to get prepared, while I’ve read through lots of posts, there are some things that are going way over my head like lighting. And grow tents.

So sorry to cut to the chase but what’s the view on grow kits on places like Amazon sub $400 for 2*2*5 with wee fan, 600w led etc.

Waste of money or wise investment?

And if they’re good idea, how much do I really need to spend if I’m just toking 2oz/month for personal use?

There garbage!

 

[Orb]

Thanks Porky, that makes it a bit easier

 

[benn0]

Porbs gunna need a bigger tent, try find a tent with big zippers and not flimsy little metal zippers they tear out hardcore and get jammed.
Dunno what board is paired along with these kits but thats something I wouldn't cheap out on, wanting maximum mol per wattage
is 2*2*5 in feet or meters?

 

[Pikey]

With a yearly consumption of ~24 ounces (1 1/2 lb) with say 3 grows per year, means you'll need to be pulling 8oz (1/2 lb) per grow minimum. While it's more than possible, if you're just starting out, it may be a little ambitious in a 2x2. Depending on your gardening skills/knowledge of course

If you're able, I'd recommend getting a 2x4 or 3x3 just to give you a bit of extra space for another plant of two incase one goes the way of the buffalo. Can save you the weeks of starting over, if something craps out

What seeds /strains did you go with and what media will you be using?

 

[Orb]

Porbs gunna need a bigger tent, try find a tent with big zippers and not flimsy little metal zippers they tear out hardcore and get jammed.
Dunno what board is paired along with these kits but thats something I wouldn't cheap out on, wanting maximum mol per wattage
is 2*2*5 in feet or meters?

Thanks benn0. i have no idea about boards and I’ve been reading some of the lighting posts but not really sure where to start.

the tent would be feet.

Maybe easier question might be how much should I invest in a setup where there are no kid nor neighbour risks - are we talking hundreds or thousands?

While I live in a unit, I have a wee bit of space but reckon I’ll only need to grow few times a year cause smoked under 2 Oz/month

 

[Orb]

With a yearly consumption of ~24 ounces (1 1/2 lb) with say 3 grows per year, means you'll need to be pulling 8oz (1/2 lb) per grow minimum. While it's more than possible, if you're just starting out, it may be a little ambitious in a 2x2. Depending on your gardening skills/knowledge of course

If you're able, I'd recommend getting a 2x4 or 3x3 just to give you a bit of extra space for another plant of two incase one goes the way of the buffalo. Can save you the weeks of starting over, if something craps out

What seeds /strains did you go with and what media will you be using?

Went with gorilla glue #4 and great question. Haven’t gone through all forum sections yet - started with lights but keen for all hindsight advice for a new starter!

 

[Orb]

Fuck me, just read first time growers post from T&D - seriously?!?! First time!?! Is that what I’m up against to produce some of the pics here? I’m proper fucked

 

[Pikey]

As for lights HLG are superb in both output and quality, if you can afford one then you won't go wrong with a HLG.

Understandably though, they aren't an option for everyone and I've had some success with cheaper brand LEDs, the caveat being that they are of a lower build quality and come with a questionable warranty at best. Always give them a once over before plugging them in and leaving them unattended.

The real pitfall with the cheaper LEDs is their consistancy of quality control, or complete lack of as the case seems.
Personally I've been lucky with most of the cheaper LEDs I've purchased, but the shit fight I had over a higher end mars-spider-hydro-farmer light was enough to turn me off any more purchases from the cheap end of town for now

If needs be that you have to go that route, then I can speak for the viparspectra QB lights. While they're still just another rebrand coming out of the mars-spider-hydro-farmer factory. They make their saving cuts by using the older components like LM281B+ diodes rather than cutting costs on everything else. IIRC, unless they've changed recently, they are still using a meanwell driver also. Don't get me wrong they're still not fantastic, but I haven't had any problems with them so far ...touch wood .

Likewise I've found mars tents to be alright, again only let down by the lack of quality control. I've had some near perfect, some with light leakage on stitching though fabric and zips are generally pretty good ...luck of the draw it would seem. But yeah, don't count on them jumping to honour their warranty should you get a dud

 

[Orb]

As for lights HLG are superb in both output and quality, if you can afford one then you won't go wrong with a HLG.

Understandably though, they aren't an option for everyone and I've had some success with cheaper brand LEDs, the caveat being that they are of a lower build quality and come with a questionable warranty at best. Always give them a once over before plugging them in and leaving them unattended.

The real pitfall with the cheaper LEDs is their consistancy of quality control, or complete lack of as the case seems.
Personally I've been lucky with most of the cheaper LEDs I've purchased, but the shit fight I had over a higher end mars-spider-hydro-farmer light was enough to turn me off any more purchases from the cheap end of town for now

If needs be that you have to go that route, then I can speak for the viparspectra QB lights. While they're still just another rebrand coming out of the mars-spider-hydro-farmer factory. They make their saving cuts by using the older components like LM281B+ diodes rather than cutting costs on everything else. IIRC, unless they've changed recently, they are still using a meanwell driver also. Don't get me wrong they're still not fantastic, but I haven't had any problems with them so far ...touch wood .

Likewise I've found mars tents to be alright, again only let down by the lack of quality control. I've had some near perfect, some with light leakage on stitching though fabric and zips are generally pretty good ...luck of the draw it would seem. But yeah, don't count on them jumping to honour their warranty should you get a dud

Thanks Pikey - I’ll have a search tomorrow!

 

[Love to grow]

Id say if your on a budget go the old school metal halide hps combo 4x4 tent extraction fan little oscillating fan 4 pots coco perlite and your away with L.E.D you really get what u pay for so without dropping 2k on a lumatek or hlg id suggest a Gavita 750 pro de beast of a light not your average hps heat is the only issue I’ve found also dimmable and I picked mine up for 600each on sale mind you good luck mate

 

[Aye Shroomer]

If you don’t need to worry about others you could probably get away with a cheaper tent. Otherwise good quality tent will be needed for discrete growing.

But I would put more money into a good light first. (Wish I had done that when I started)

You’ll end up upgrading gear as we all do.

Also in-line fan and carbon filter. Lots of people here using the AC infinity fans. Quality and warranty.
I grabbed a carbon filter off eBay though.

Grow medium and style will also come into costs. Look into how hands on you what to be in your grow.

 

[Orb]

I can see myself getting a bit OCD with it all but keen to start fairly simple - if I go all hog on things and it’s a disaster, it will only put me off

 

[Stackr]

It would be nice to, but you may not achieve 100% on your first attempt. Just keep trying.

 

[Dotts]

Fuck me, just read first time growers post from T&D - seriously?!?! First time!?! Is that what I’m up against to produce some of the pics here? I’m proper fucked

Yes...

but you want be buying anythings else for years to come...

your 1st harvest will more then cover the cost of your equipment, if ya go by street value weed..

 

[Orb]

Yes...

but you want be buying anythings else for years to come...

your 1st harvest will more then cover the cost of your equipment, if ya go by street value weed..

Thanks all!

So after a few hours reading here and googling I reckon I have couple of options in the $800 to $1000 range. And cause I’m lazy and don’t have a car, the kits are appealing!

I’m tempted to go with something closer to $800 but keen for any views/experience with these and in particular on the lights cause I’m still trying to understand the lingo!

1. Spiderfarmer kit for $840 with ROLLITUP code

Spider Farmer SF2000 LED+60x120x200cm Indoor Grow Tent Kits.

Spider Farmer SF2000+60x120cm grow tent kits with 6 Inch Duct Fan Carbon Filter Combo Kit with Temperature Humidity Controller Grow Tent Ventilation System.

spiderfarmer.com.au

2. green fingers kit for $814

Hydroponic LED Grow Light Kit - 280X140X200cm + 6" Ventilation

Looking to take your indoor gardening to the next level? The Green Fingers LED Grow Light is the perfect solution for all your plant growth needs. With its advanced design, this grow light is specifically designed to stimulate plant growth by emitting a light spectrum that is ideal for...

thehippiehouse.com.au

3. homegrown Mars kit for $1,032

Mars Hydro TSL 2000 LED Grow Light + 2'x4' Indoor Tent Kits Combo Carbon Filter

Mars Hydro LED full spectrum light and indoor 4x4 grow tent kits, best for indoor plants & vegetables. Review complete hydroponic systems for sale Australia 2021. $844.99 Great with any Indoor hydroponics system. Some examples of indoor hydroponics systems are Ebb & Flow, Drip Irrigation and...

homegrow.com.au

 

[Porky]

Thanks all!

So after a few hours reading here and googling I reckon I have couple of options in the $800 to $1000 range. And cause I’m lazy and don’t have a car, the kits are appealing!

I’m tempted to go with something closer to $800 but keen for any views/experience with these and in particular on the lights cause I’m still trying to understand the lingo!

1. Spiderfarmer kit for $840 with ROLLITUP code

Spider Farmer SF2000 LED+60x120x200cm Indoor Grow Tent Kits.

Spider Farmer SF2000+60x120cm grow tent kits with 6 Inch Duct Fan Carbon Filter Combo Kit with Temperature Humidity Controller Grow Tent Ventilation System.

spiderfarmer.com.au

2. green fingers kit for $814

Hydroponic LED Grow Light Kit - 280X140X200cm + 6" Ventilation

Looking to take your indoor gardening to the next level? The Green Fingers LED Grow Light is the perfect solution for all your plant growth needs. With its advanced design, this grow light is specifically designed to stimulate plant growth by emitting a light spectrum that is ideal for...

thehippiehouse.com.au

3. homegrown Mars kit for $1,032

Mars Hydro TSL 2000 LED Grow Light + 2'x4' Indoor Tent Kits Combo Carbon Filter

Mars Hydro LED full spectrum light and indoor 4x4 grow tent kits, best for indoor plants & vegetables. Review complete hydroponic systems for sale Australia 2021. $844.99 Great with any Indoor hydroponics system. Some examples of indoor hydroponics systems are Ebb & Flow, Drip Irrigation and...

homegrow.com.au

All utter garbage!
Have you looked at any other threads on this forum?
Few on SF alone!

 

[Dotts]

All utter garbage!
Have you looked at any other threads on this forum?
Few on SF alone!

+1

 

[Orb]

ok thanks gents

I have read some the posts on SF2000 but clearly not enough of them - it was recommendations (eg Pikey in 2022 on a newbie post) that I was looking at but I’m guessing I’ll find something negative about most kits if I search long enough

So ye wouldn’t recommend any kits for under a grand?

+1

 

[Pikey]

ok thanks gents

I have read some the posts on SF2000 but clearly not enough of them - it was recommendations (eg Pikey in 2022 on a newbie post) that I was looking at but I’m guessing I’ll find something negative about most kits if I search long enough

So ye wouldn’t recommend any kits for under a grand?

Yeah, I'd ignore that recommendation (that Pikey guy is off his head )

I really regret having anything positive to say about that brand

Unfortunately, pretty much all the gear at that price point is in the same boat. It could be fine, or it could start a structure fire .

It comes down to their quality control... which is sorely lacking

EDIT : I've got two of their lights, an original version SF2000 and the "new" SE5000 both sitting on the shelf unused as I just don't trust them after seeing some of the faults posted by members here. Waste of money & in the case of the SE5000, a lot of time