In another life I was a cannabis forum moderator. Then the time came to cut back so I did…for a very long time. It seems the laws want to change, but change can come oh so slowly and I’m not getting any younger. So with ILGM’s help and apparent trustworthiness, I have some Autos coming and a 2X4 Gorilla tent also on the way. In the old days I used mostly rockwool and hydroton, but dang those little balls got everywhere especially when the burglars got into them. Maybe Growrocks this time…Glad LED’s were invented—think I looked into those HID’s one too many times. Here I learned not to try LED’s for propagation. So then flouros ARE good for something after all. My ancient heat mat tried to burn down the house, but the circuit breaker saved it. Yesterday I had the carpet cleaned and all the ventilation ducts blown out and disinfected, trying for a healthy environment for the CannaStars coming in for a landing. Thanks ALL for your many tips and suggestions helping this old timer regain his form.
Welcome to the forum! I’m glad your breaker worked…scary stuff! Good luck on your grow, and don’t hesitate to ask any question. Everyone is very willing to help, and chill, laid back. 
Welcome to ILGM! Happy growing
Welcome to the show…
Welcome to the forum!
Welcome to the forum mate. This place is a wealth of knowledge.
Welcome! Also don’t discount LED technology! The new Quantum Boards & strip lights are amazing. Just don’t fall for the blurple lights for cheap all over.
Thanks for the tip on the boards and strips. LED’s will definitely be a part of my new approach. Any suggestions about smaller systems like the Mars 96 or 144? What about CO2 for 2-4 plants?
I’m not sure the Mars leds and co2 belong in the same conversation. You’re probably at a point of making a decision on whether to have a mini professional type grow setup, or to just have a tent you grow some weed in. At the end of the day, it’s still just 8 square feet. Usually doesn’t justify running co2 until you hit a ppfd average of 1000 umols/s or higher. Lighting to do that is going to set you back a few bucks. If you’re going to spend that kind of cash on lights, then you may as well supplement co2 that you can monitor and control. Suggested co2 levels there are usually about 1000-1500ppm. If you’re gonna do that, then you have to be able to keep the co2 in the space and still manage temps and rh.
There has to be some point where all of the stuff to do that costs beyond what a 2x4 would reasonably produce. A suitable alternative would be to shoot for a ppfd average of 700-800 umols/s, which is about the point of diminishing returns on ambient co2. All you really have to do there is maintain a reasonable air exchange, and your temps will be much easier to manage that way too. From there, if you want to put a DIY co2 system or something like an exhale bag in, it’s not that big of a deal with or without.
Thanks for the help. I admit my head is swimming with all the new ideas, but I think you saved me some money on the Mars or is it Blurple? This locale limits my number of plants to 4 total in order to remain only a misdemeanor offense, so my plan is to flower only 2 at a time and bring along 2 more for a frequent harvest using Autos. I do however want the best of everything for them so your expertise may be vital to my success while I do still try to comply with the spirit of the law. Five plants would be a class D felony here, so I have to keep things small. Now it looks like I would have made a big mistake tomorrow buying those Mars lights. I do appreciate your attention to my rusty and outdated situation. It’s experts like you that help us all avoid mistakes.
Blurples will work in a small tent, but there are better options. I just harvested an autoflower I germinated before finding this forum. Six plants in a 3 x 3 with a blurple before I knew what I was doing. I got a QB LED half way through. I don’t think I would do more than two at a time now, just way too crowded.
2 plants in a tent that size is perfect. Four might get a little crowded
Hlg, or horticulture lighting group makes some great QB lights. You could also try the diy thing and use bridgelux strips. Many of us have done it. Its easy and cost effective. A simple search here will give more info.
Because of the good advice out here, today I purchased an HLG 360 for my little tent. Think I went the right direction with that. Thanks again ALL!
Great choice on the hlg 360 you will love the results
Nice choice!
I think there is something primal on our response to white/day light versus our response to the blurple lights. They might be the right spectrum for plants but they aren’t for humans. Having a cool ass white light in your tent just makes you want to spend more time in it. 
I had some apprehension about amassing a system before I had any reputable seeds to plant, but my fears were put to rest with the arrival of my Auto Mixpack 2.0 with Bubblegum (an old favorite), Jack Herer, (hope someone names one after me), and OG Kush which burst out of the paper towels first at 48 hours in a 320 ppm solution at 6.0 ph. Friends escorted me to the Hydro shop still around after doing business for 31 years where I shopped literally like a kid in a candy store. Looks like DWC for me keeping a smaller tent for early growth. The big light is on the way without delay, and once again I do appreciate being steered in the right direction avoiding the many pitfalls along the way. Nothing beats good advice.
Welcome to the forum
For sure, I was lucky enough to stumble upon the forum after I bought seeds. I was kinda lost and was about to buy an Amazon light. Ended up spending a little more and got all the light I’ll need.
Saved cash on purchases of stuff I thought I would need, especially nutrients. There’s a ton of information out there and without being too harsh a lot of bad information. But everyone here is amazing and respond quickly especially if your having trouble
Hi Hogmaster–Admins and Moderators are my heroes.
How you doing @Beanster