A system set up in a cellar?

[peterfc]

Hi Guys

I joined a little while ago and i have just finished my move from Liverpool UK to Gois in Central Portugal so here goes.

First if i have posted photos in the wrong way for the Forum i am sorry and i am sure that when told i will post according to the way of the Forum.

i have no usable land at my house and what i have is across from the lane from where my house is. The land is south facing and in temperatures of up to 40c the land is like concrete.

My only option is to use a room in the cellar of my house, the temp is constant so that's where i want to start. The two photos show what will be a bank of 12 black containers with 2 IBC containers for the fish. I hope to be using LED lighting. i will be using 5 watt LED lights and they give about 50 watt of light could anybody help me. I will use as many as i need to.

If i have posted this in the wrong place then i am sure that the site Admin or Mods will move it to where it should be put

Also what type of plants could i expect to grow under LED lighting?

Thanks guys

Peter



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[Wendy in BC]

Hello peter, welcome to the forum. A rule of thumb generally is that the volume of growbeds are at least equal to the volume of fish tank(s). I can't tell how large your containers are, but 2 IBCs is 2000 litres.

What type of fish do you plan to raise?

In terms of LED, my understanding is that they are ok for raising seedlings and not much after that, unless the technology has improved dramatically in the last year or so.

[triggs]

Hey ya mate. You should check out some of the 130w and 250w CFL's they sell now. You can find them on eBay if you search "130w CFL grow light". A 130w version covering only lettuce you'd get away with one every 1 meter x 1 meter. But for something that fruits/flowers you'd need a 250w every 1m x 1m.

This is an example of the CFL 130w/250w Lights:

Or better yet! Check out the "T5 CFL tube" lights. They are PERFECT for lettuce and cover a large area per watt. This is an example of a T5 Lighting system:

You will also have to look at bringing air into the room. You'd be suprised how quick the co2 will drop in a room full of vegetation. a "Passive" intake system may work. But i'm thinking you might need a decent sized fan to force air into the room.

[Mr. Mik]

I think there might be problems with getting the moisture out, too. Your cellar might end up getting mouldy.

Are you certain the black containers are food grade quality? I have seen similar looking ones with labels saying something like:"Recycled material. Do not use for foodstuff."