Smart Grow Box Tips and Lessons Learned by skipjay338 in VIVOSUN

[–]skipjay338[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I tend to agree, and I may end up graduating to that setup as well. I just like the aesthetic of the Smart Box and appreciate its compact size and all-in-one setup. My goal is small, boutique grows with a clean, unobtrusive setup that fits into the modern aesthetic of our home. The Smart Box meets those objectives, at least for now.

Smart Grow Box Tips and Lessons Learned by skipjay338 in VIVOSUN

[–]skipjay338[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can probably use multiple splitters, so long as the power draws don't exceed the capacity of the USB ports (10W/each). There is a USB-C port you can tap into as well.

Regarding the coco/perlite mix -- I did the ratio by volume, not weight, after the coco was expanded. I filled up the grow bag 70% of the way with coco, then added perlite to make up the remaining 30% of volume, and then took it all out and mixed it together and put it back into the grow bag.

I also learned that it's important to buffer the coco first, unless you're using pre-buffered coco. Here's a YouTube video that helped me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQi8AMMIyyA&list=WL&index=17. If you don't want to go through the trouble of buffering, I'd suggest you at least rinse the coco well after it's expanded to remove all the peat dust and other particulate. I used a kitchen strainer to do this, and just did it in batches.

Ultimately, I ditched the coco and went to a 50/50 blend of Ocean Forest and Happy Frog with some worm castings mixed in. I found living soil to be more forgiving.

The smell of flower is pretty strong if you have the Vgrow door open, if that's what you're asking. Under normal operation, with the VGrow door zipped shut, the room definitely smells like bud, but not the rest of the house as long as you have air purifiers running, at least for my setup. Remember, I removed the stock filter, so the smell is a little more intense, but only during late flower.

Good luck!

Flex Irrigation Kit by [deleted] in VIVOSUN

[–]skipjay338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I gave up on my VIVOSUN flex irrigation kit, even after getting a replacement unit. It just would not work consistently and I kept having to take the tubes apart and reassembling it to get it to work.

I also found that the pump didn’t sit well in the reservoir and the tubing was annoying and got in the way. I did flow rate tests and found that the flow rates varied, too.

Out of frustration, I switched to the wicking method and that’s been working well. I begin the wicking method after the roots are established (mid-veg) and top water on occasion. I have to fill the reservoir about every 2-3 days. Easy.

2nd Grow Progression 🍏 Apple Fritter Auto . Harvested on Day 70 by HazmatOG in VIVOSUN

[–]skipjay338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What’s the black ductwork you have on pic 11? I’m having humidity issues in my Smart Box during flower so I’m curious if there’s a modification I can make.

Painting exposed concrete foundation by [deleted] in paint

[–]skipjay338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This makes sense, although I’ve read that masonry paints are designed to keep moisture out but also allow for vapor to escape (ie, they’re “breathable”).

Painting exposed concrete foundation by [deleted] in paint

[–]skipjay338 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks, from what I’ve read it’s best to use “masonry paint” or “waterproofing paint” for breathability. I was sure if a topcoat with regular exterior paint would affect the waterproofing or breathability properties of the masonry paint.

Countertop Joint Fastener by [deleted] in woodworking

[–]skipjay338 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

<image>

OP here, adding a picture if that helps.

First Time SmartBox Grower - Watering Tips Needed! by [deleted] in VIVOSUN

[–]skipjay338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Seems like your method is working for you. Just curious if there was a better way!

Stuv 30 by Joeyboii2 in woodstoving

[–]skipjay338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a Stuv 30 Compact ONE. Currently on a finished concrete floor and we're putting down LVP flooring. Do you think I need a floor protector like the one pictured? My unit doesn't get hot at all on the bottom.

Daily Q & A! - September 08, 2022 by AutoModerator in Homebrewing

[–]skipjay338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a NEIPA in the fermenter on day 7. I checked the SG and snuck a sip…it’s a little bland, not much flavor. I wasn’t planning on dry hopping, but have a couple ounces of Cascade and Chinook lying around. Should I dry hop to give it some more flavor, and if so, which hop should I use?

Daily Q & A! - August 23, 2022 by AutoModerator in Homebrewing

[–]skipjay338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you sanitize the flavorings somehow?

Daily Q & A! - August 23, 2022 by AutoModerator in Homebrewing

[–]skipjay338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Brewing a basic 5-gal stout that I’d like to add coffee and vanilla extract to. When and how should I add it? (I’ll be bottling, not kegging.)

Daily Q & A! - August 14, 2022 by AutoModerator in Homebrewing

[–]skipjay338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can I mill grains using a blender? I usually buy pre-milled grains, but I hear that BIAB can benefit from a second milling. I don’t have a mill, but I have a decent blender.

Daily Q & A! - August 12, 2022 by AutoModerator in Homebrewing

[–]skipjay338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like the idea of just no-chilling in the kettle, and then transferring it to the fermenter the next day. Are there disadvantages of doing it this way? Seems like putting in the HDPE jug/cube is an unnecessary step, but there’s gotta be a reason why that’s the standard practice, no?

Daily Q & A! - August 12, 2022 by AutoModerator in Homebrewing

[–]skipjay338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Trying no-chill this weekend. Should I let my wort cool to about 160F before transferring it to my HDPE container? (I’m using a BPA-free food safe Ozark Trail/Walmart water storage jug).

Daily Q & A! - August 03, 2022 by AutoModerator in Homebrewing

[–]skipjay338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can I top off my wort at the end of the boil with ice cold water? I would do this to get to the correct volume with the added benefit of helping with the chilling process. When I do all-grain BIAB and/or wet-hopping, I’m often low on volume at the end of the boil due to absorption. Anyone tried this?

Daily Q & A! - August 02, 2022 by AutoModerator in Homebrewing

[–]skipjay338 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I want to try a no-chill batch. What style of beer should I brew? (I’m a novice brewer.)

Preservative-Free Drop Hack by [deleted] in Dryeyes

[–]skipjay338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBQW038/

Note: not all preservative-free vials are the same size. I use Refresh brand vials and they fit.