Noob needs advice

[donny42o]

growing for the 1st time, going with a 2x2x5 tent, my main concerns/focus is no smell/ low noise. i been going back n forth on basically everything from the light to my grow medium so any advice would be amazing. heres what i have in my carts so far after all the research

Horticulture Lighting Group HLG 100
AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S4
AC Infinity Air Carbon Filter 4"
Bubble Gum Autoflowering Marijuana Seed (not 100 on strain yet)

Not sure if i should use soil or coco coir w perlite? is one better then the other?
is it better to go with 1-2 plants or a bunch of smaller plants? what would be the ideal pot size for a 2x2?

 

[TOKABIGONE]

Welcome @donny420 , you are off to a great start just by being here on this forum! There are a host of friendly helpful folk that will listen and offer their experience if you ask. It sounds like you have been doing your homework by studying and reading about growing which is the best way to begin. The main GWE site offers a wealth of information and Nebula's tutorials are second to none. I'm also new to indoor growing, in my 3rd week of flowering now and my ladies are doing very well because I read everything on the site and then joined the forum and read here before I started.

You're right on track by starting your plan with strain, medium and lighting. Your basic food groups if you will, lol. I started with photo period as they are much more forgiving of the mistakes you will make as you go and trust me, you will make some. Usually nothing fatal if you're careful and thoughtful. I decided on coco with 30% perlite in cloth bags as I felt I could have more control over nutrients and watering and it has paid off so far for me. Lighting will be your biggest expense and most important factor in your grow. A full spectrum light is a wise choice and I would advise not getting a Blurple type light. A 2x2 is a small area so most lights will cover that space well with full coverage in the flowering stage which is the most critical time for good lighting. Actual wattage draw from the wall is the spec you are looking for, not some claimed figure that is advertised. I think about 300 watts actual draw power will serve you well now and in the future because you will want more space later. Again ask here before you purchase if you are in doubt. 2 plants in 3 or 5 gallon pots would work best in your small space. 5 gallon will fill it very tight and 2 plants will crowd it sure when they mature. Good luck, Study and ask more questions and you will succeed!



Three from seed plus one clone from a top when I started my manifold training. Just before the switch to 12/12. 2.5 x 4 x 5 ft DIY Cabinet 3 x 100 watt actual draw quantum lights, full spectrum.

 

[TOKABIGONE]

OK, I just looked at your HLG 100 light on Amazon. 100 watts actual draw power for $150. I feel you can do better with SF or Viparspectra. SF is cheaper, V is more. I really like my Bloomspect ss1000 lights which are exact same specs, same diodes, same driver and have IR diodes as well which HLG does not. Price is $100, I got my first one at Christmas for $80 then my next two were $90, Now they are $100 but are very good lights, exact same size and design as HLG but cheaper. That's my recommendation for you. They're all on Amazon. Happy shopping!