Ventilation and temperature control in a 7 square foot box.

[sbw2111591]

I live in a tropical area where temperatures outside average 32°C / 88°F. Average humidity is about 73%.

I plan on crafting a grow box made of polystyrene/Styrofoam walls with dimensions 7x7x7 cubic feet. I would like to have 20 auto flower plants inside this.

Since I can't afford a mini-split AC for now, I plan on installing a 0.5 hp (5000 BTU) window type AC unit inside this box.

Noob Question: Would this even be effective enough to cool the air down at all times? Wouldn't the intake and exhaust fans make the AC unit redundant since they're suppose to replace all the air inside every minute with very warm fresh air from the outside?

 

[ellz]

Is the grow box going to be located outdoors? If so, then you will basically be overworking the AC since it would constantly be running. AC not only cools the air but removes moisture so in your case, there's going to be a lot of moisture removed (typically air conditioned homes see a RH of about 45% when the outside humidity is high... just from my experience). If you are growing inside a building that is enclosed you would be better to try to cool the air in the room and that way any air in the box will be cooler and dryer already. Just my thoughts.

 

[Tersky]

The air you need to cool is the air outside the tent/box. You are correct as putting the ac unit in the box is not going to work well. Also having cold air blowing on plant is not ideal either. Not sure how styrofoam is going to work with HID lights.Seems like a potential fire hazard to me.