Hi @smoklahoma,
You are on a righteous but difficult path on VPD.
I obsess on that indicator of optimal conditions for healthy plant respiration but the conditions for really dialing it in are daunting.
I recently finished a grow room remodel and I am finally able to put VPD pretty much wherever I want it depending on the grown stage of my plants. I don't want to dissuade your pursuit, but here's the list of upgrades that made this possible.
- Grow Room circulation with separate intake for cool dry basement air and an external exhaust that pushes stale air outside.
- AC Infinity T8 fan with the controller 67 that displays VPD directly and allows fan triggers for both temp and RH. T8 is overkill but that allows it to run quietly at a lower speed to do the job.
- Portable air conditioner large enough to cool the room to around 70 all summer
- Oil-filled electric radiator capable of warming the room to around 70 all winter.
- Four gallon warm steam humidifier capable of increasing RH up to 65% all winter. Steam is way better for our cold dry winters, check the Optimus line.
- A fairly well sealed and insulated grow room, a little leaky but good enough for all those devices to do their job.
- Last but not least, an electrical upgrade to provide 35 amp service via two circuits connected to a standby emergency generator. Losing power now and again is a "Feature" of New England Winters.
So, my advice is that VPD control is worth the effort but you should be realistic about what you are getting into.
Cheers,
-Grouchy
PS, Oh, this project also cost me a cross-my-heart pinky-promise with my Saintly Spouse that includes a moratorium on spending!!!