growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Including growing tips and questions.
robert__
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growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by robert__ »

I'm curious how successful CBD Skunk Haze might be for an indoor grow without the specialized lamps. I'm in the netherlands, and growing for yourself is "tolerated" but using the lamps makes you a "professional producer", or something like that! I'd like to avoid the hassle of explaining the electricity bill to my landlord and/or cops, so how good of a grow could I expect? Any tips and tricks? I'm new to this.


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Uncle Ron
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by Uncle Ron »

Hello robert___
Your subject line is somewhat misleading given that what you really want is info on lighting other than High Intensity Discharge. Ok either way... :)
If growing indoors without electricity, you would need to keep the plant in the window or sun porch cause it needs at least 10 hours of light. :wink: :lol:

So then, where to start? First off, I would like to dispel your obvious misinformed opinion regarding the electricity bill. Here's why...
Look at your electric bill, it is yours correct and not Mum/Dad/Gran? If so, go away kid. :twisted: Ok, let's continue...
Find the amount charged per kilowatt hour, it should be between 0.10-0.20 per. Next, I'll use a 600w lamp as an example.
Vegetation: (18/6 light cycle) The formula to use is... [(0.600w x 18hrs) x 0.15 cent] x 20 days (arbitrary) = 32.40 (1.62 per day)
Flowering: (12/12 light cycle) The formula to use is... [(0.6 x 12) x 0.15] x 60 = 64.80 (1.08)
Total cost to run a 600w HID lighting system for 20 days of vegetation and 60 days of flowering is 97.20.
There are secondary costs to consider such as circulation and exhaust fans, and if using hydro, the pump. The cost estimate can be figured out as well but using the same formulas above, inputting the correct wattage, hours, cost per watt, and number of days.
If 97.20 spread out over three months is a problem, maybe you should reconsider your decision to grow. Just saying...

Next...
If you wanted to use a CFL or similar, think about something like this...
For veg - http://www.head-nature.com/tree/4065/CF ... l.-2-x-75W
For flowering - http://www.head-nature.com/tree/4065/CF ... l.-2-x-75W

Lastly, you might also want to reconsider growing a haze under CFL's. Haze are sativas and are notorious for stretching, and a CFL won't do you any good. You will most likely end up with wispy popcorn sized buds, maybe not even that big, maybe mini fur balls. :shock: :wink: :lol:
There are numerous grow reports you can find on the web, check out ICMag and RollItUp, they both have extensive grow sections.
Good luck and happy farming...
... :mrgreen:
robert__
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by robert__ »

hmmmmmmmm.. I'll think on it.. thx! :)
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ed the head
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by ed the head »

I agree with Ron, high electric consumption is a myth when a small number of plants are involved
He who tries to shine dims his own light
Kermit
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by Kermit »

Electric is high in the u.k, I know I have had the bills, even from a 600w, 2 extractors, night heat, and circulation fan, the occasional 8hr hotbox run then add it to your usual consumption for daily washing,eating,lighting, shower, heat, fridge, tv, computers and kids them bills get mental.

U.k electric costs suck.
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Uncle Ron
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by Uncle Ron »

Kermit wrote:Electric is high in the u.k, I know I have had the bills, even from a 600w, 2 extractors, night heat, and circulation fan, the occasional 8hr hotbox run then add it to your usual consumption for daily washing,eating,lighting, shower, heat, fridge, tv, computers and kids them bills get mental.

U.k electric costs suck.
Your example is for when NOT to grow... :lol:
I bet I could give you some helpful advice that would see your electric bill halved without disrupting basic human necessities.
Want a real shocker? Look at the power supply of the computers in your home. Most probably have 450w power supply, or higher. If you or someone in your house has a gaming rig, probably pushing a 1200w or 1500w power supply. That rig alone is burning enough electricity per hour to run 2x600w or 3x400w lamps.
How about the appliances with the standby power? Look at the power consumption when on standby. That's wasted $$$$$$. Turn them off, not standby, saves big $$ annually.
Electric clocks, why? There are quality made clocks that operate on solar power. Does everyone in the house have a watch? Cell phone? Computer? Ok, again why have an electric clock?
Does your electric company offer peak and off peak rates? If not, change to a provider that does.
Next, do all of the chores that require heavy electric usage during the non peak rate hours, ex.. washing clothes, vacuuming, some cooking...
If you have one or more children, the you don't need to use the electric dishwasher, THEY are the dishwasher. :lol: Save big $$$ annually.
If one is willing to take a serious look at their living environment and habits, there are many changes that can be made that saves money and natural resources.
Most however can't or won't be bothered to change because of the convenience of modern living, at least until it's not.
... :mrgreen:
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gixxer
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by gixxer »

Kermit wrote:Electric is high in the u.k, I know I have had the bills, even from a 600w, 2 extractors, night heat, and circulation fan, the occasional 8hr hotbox run then add it to your usual consumption for daily washing,eating,lighting, shower, heat, fridge, tv, computers and kids them bills get mental.

U.k electric costs suck.
i know what u mean kermit,,,,,costs me £30-35 per week :evil:
RIP Lee Rigby

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Kermit
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by Kermit »

Uncle Ron wrote:
Kermit wrote:Electric is high in the u.k, I know I have had the bills, even from a 600w, 2 extractors, night heat, and circulation fan, the occasional 8hr hotbox run then add it to your usual consumption for daily washing,eating,lighting, shower, heat, fridge, tv, computers and kids them bills get mental.

U.k electric costs suck.
Your example is for when NOT to grow... :lol:
I bet I could give you some helpful advice that would see your electric bill halved without disrupting basic human necessities.
Want a real shocker? Look at the power supply of the computers in your home. Most probably have 450w power supply, or higher. If you or someone in your house has a gaming rig, probably pushing a 1200w or 1500w power supply. That rig alone is burning enough electricity per hour to run 2x600w or 3x400w lamps.
How about the appliances with the standby power? Look at the power consumption when on standby. That's wasted $$$$$$. Turn them off, not standby, saves big $$ annually.
Electric clocks, why? There are quality made clocks that operate on solar power. Does everyone in the house have a watch? Cell phone? Computer? Ok, again why have an electric clock?
Does your electric company offer peak and off peak rates? If not, change to a provider that does.
Next, do all of the chores that require heavy electric usage during the non peak rate hours, ex.. washing clothes, vacuuming, some cooking...
If you have one or more children, the you don't need to use the electric dishwasher, THEY are the dishwasher. :lol: Save big $$$ annually.
If one is willing to take a serious look at their living environment and habits, there are many changes that can be made that saves money and natural resources.
Most however cant or won't be bothered to change because of the convenience of modern living, at least until it's not.
... :mrgreen:
Dam all them years at college and 20 years in the trade and I am being told by someone how to cut my electric bill, Roflmao, na m8 you can't save me anymore than I already save, everything that's power hungry is A+ energy, every bulb is Eco, nothing on standby, trust me you can't save anymore than I already do, but thanks for the offer :wink:

And fucked if I ain't cleaning, I got 2 kids and all the pets that go with em :lol:
Kermit
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by Kermit »

gixxer wrote:
Kermit wrote:Electric is high in the u.k, I know I have had the bills, even from a 600w, 2 extractors, night heat, and circulation fan, the occasional 8hr hotbox run then add it to your usual consumption for daily washing,eating,lighting, shower, heat, fridge, tv, computers and kids them bills get mental.

U.k electric costs suck.
i know what u mean kermit,,,,,costs me £30-35 per week :evil:
Yeah I hear ya, can add a bit more to that for mine, and I was up at the 75 region last summer running a crop, its crazy.
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billyriz
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by billyriz »

i got a 600w adds 3 quid a day to my bill, :x sucks balls :x
ZBeebs
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by ZBeebs »

When I started growing, the first thing I did was change all the lightbulbs in the house to CFLs. Changing a 100 watt bulb to a 23 watt bulb makes a big difference right there. I also bought a "kill a watt" from Radio Shack, which lets you plug things in and see exactly how much power they are using. Things like your stereo and home entertainment center actually use power when they are "off", so I've added power strips with their own on/off switch... cutting those to off keeps things like TV's and stereos from sipping power all day. Leaving your cell phone chargers plugged in also pulls a tiny bit of power... Run your electric dryer at night only when rates are a bit cheaper... things like that will minimize the impact of your grow. Make minor adjustments to the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer. Chances are it's colder than necessary and a slight adjustment wont affect your food but save some money on your electric bills... If you're using electric heaters, turn them down or off if you can, they use a lot of electricity. I have one rated at 1500 watts, the electric meter spins faster turning that on than my grow lights...
Why drink and drive when you can smoke and fly?
robert__
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by robert__ »

hey all
sorry for the late response and thanks for your feedback. its appreciated. I've thought about it some more and I think I'm going to grow "CBD outdoor mix", from CBD Crew (I'm growing for medical purposes, but I do like getting high recreationally as well, this grow is mostly for CBD though). I wonder if natural light(during morning/day) and with the help of a 200/300W light what kinda yield could I have? I'm slow to jump up to 600W because that's like 6 light bulbs on for 12 hours a day :/ I think 300W, with my current electricity usage, is manageable though.

I'm not looking to setup a professional grow room because this really is for personal use. a yield of 20g would make me very happy. I also think growing cannabis could be a cool hobby, give me something to look after, so there's that reason as well.

Thoughts guys?
robert__
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by robert__ »

P.S: I'm a total newbie when it comes to growing. Please feel free to offer advice on a personal grow room, and what I need beyond lights. I'd like to keep lights as the only requirement, and do watering etc outside where I can drain safely. or even just a simple piece of equipment to collect the water. Cheers guys.
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Uncle Ron
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by Uncle Ron »

robert__ wrote:hey all
sorry for the late response and thanks for your feedback. its appreciated. I've thought about it some more and I think I'm going to grow "CBD outdoor mix", from CBD Crew (I'm growing for medical purposes, but I do like getting high recreationally as well, this grow is mostly for CBD though). I wonder if natural light(during morning/day) and with the help of a 200/300W light what kinda yield could I have? I'm slow to jump up to 600W because that's like 6 light bulbs on for 12 hours a day :/ I think 300W, with my current electricity usage, is manageable though.
I'm not looking to setup a professional grow room because this really is for personal use. a yield of 20g would make me very happy. I also think growing cannabis could be a cool hobby, give me something to look after, so there's that reason as well.
Thoughts guys?
So, slightly reading into your response, you've decided to go with CFL. Prepare yourself to be disappointed... just saying.
Question - what materials have you read regarding the cultivation of cannabis? Read more... Next...
Not looking for a Professional grow setup? All information provided is for a personal grow. You should defo read more, lots more. Next...
If a yield of 20g would make you very happy, then I have the perfect solution that would save you money and time - autoflower. Also answers your question about natural light - place the auto in a window sill and water daily. Too easy...
If 20g is all that would make you happy, why waste the time, resources, and energies, when a local connect can hook you up?
robert__ wrote:P.S: I'm a total newbie when it comes to growing. Please feel free to offer advice on a personal grow room, and what I need beyond lights. I'd like to keep lights as the only requirement, and do watering etc outside where I can drain safely. or even just a simple piece of equipment to collect the water. Cheers guys.
For 20 grams, save yourself the money and hassle, find a solid connect. :idea: :idea: :idea:
See, here's the thing when asking for advice and receiving a reply, smart money goes to those who apply the advice given. Food for thought, now go read...
... :mrgreen:
Late Edit...
I think I was a bit dickish, my bad... :oops:
The unnecessary BS aside, if you only want 20ish grams, go with auto flower. Natural light, no artificial needed.
Happy Farming... :mrgreen:
Last edited by Uncle Ron on Fri 29th Mar 2013 09:13 am, edited 1 time in total.
steveierfc1872
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Re: growing indoors w/o the electric lights

Post by steveierfc1872 »

i gave someone i knew who was an electrician an ounce to rig the upstairs of my house where my grow tent is and i only pay for the electric i use downstairs, makes growing that wee bit more enjoyable :mrgreen:
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