Reddit reviews Parts Express 3A Variable Transformer AC Power 0-130 VAC

One thing I did wrong and I'd suggest you do, is make sure you get one that can handle higher amps. Some tube amps do pull upwards of 5 or 6 amps, and I got a 3 amp one and have burned a fuse or two with that being setup incorrectly, once I figured that out, I was careful to not over do it, but it was only one amp that ran at about 4A I think, not sure I recall the model etc, and it's only been one amp, but that's one important thing to consider. If you're going to use it a lot, it's worth saving up and getting a well built brand, but if not, then go for the cheaper models. I think I got this one: https://smile.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Variac-Variable-Transformer/dp/B00BXJYO6I/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1519332865&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=variac but it's the 3A version, here's one that's 5A and less expensive, but not sure how great it would be: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B076Y2XHRS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B076Y2XHRS&pd_rd_wg=aRA3q&pd_rd_r=CS27F03X270JC48FRH4E&pd_rd_w=YJVX3

If I were to do it again, I'd likely go for one like this that's also an isolation transformer: https://smile.amazon.com/Variac-Variable-Transformer-Isolation-1000va/dp/B006NGC6HU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1519332960&sr=1-1&keywords=variable+isolation+transformer

Ok. My first go at it was a DIY tent out of PVC pipe and panda film. It worked well, except near the end I did not have enough air flow, the whole things grew up into the light and went tits up.

I spent a TON of time designing what I wanted in the space I could fit it in. I used autodesk homestyler. http://www.homestyler.com/designer I'm not going to share it, because I didn't even end up using the design. I have a big ass pipe that runs though it, so I rotated everything 90 degrees to accommodate for it.

Here is the mini tour of my area. the drawing is in google draw and was to help me with my plumbing situation.
http://imgur.com/a/hTpgW

anyway, the main outer walls are cement or drywall. The inner is 3/4" PVC. If I had to do over, I'd go with 1" PVC. I started with Reflectix over the pvc. This was still letting some light leak though the material, so I went and put an inner layer of panda film over it.

The doors are pvc style doors for a greenhouse. I'm not too happy with them and I'll redo them at some point, but they work for now. Better than a zipper.

Electric. I ran a 20 amp circuit just for the room. I put outlets everywhere, but I still could have used a few more.. plan for everything, I put one outlet up high for a circulation fan, wish I did a second.

Plumbing. I ran it right into my res. I pump back out into the 3" pipe running overhead. No sink... yet.

Light is a 600w ipower. I'd probably go LED if I was going to buy again.

The system is a 3x3 ebb and flow tray. I'm running 10 plants right now. I want to just get a viable mother plant. I'm going for 3 strains, so I have to do it 2 more times. After that I will clone 36 plants in 6" netpots. One strain at a time.

I use the lucas formula for nutes with General hyponics maxibloom
http://lucasformula.com/

your fan looks good. I have one of these to go with mine: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BXJYO6I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I like nirvana seeds. https://www.nirvanashop.com/en/13-indoor-marijuana-seeds

Other than that, I would say make a DIY tent first out of PVC and panda film. Get 1 grow under your belt and then build something out of wood. Let me know how it goes.

I think this could make a sizable difference in noise. Mine really helped

3A Variac Variable AC Power Transformer 0~130 VAC by Parts Express
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BXJYO6I/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_NGuwtb0A7R1N0

The fan speed controller from the starter shopping list on the sidebar was a total piece of garbage. At first I thought the problem I was having was from my inline fan but after goin through 3... three goddamn fans it turns out that the controller was jacking things up. Started working fine but after a few weeks I could hear the fan that is in the basement all the way up on the 2nd floor.

Did some research n questioning that led me to buy a Variac Variable AC Power Transformer. It is pricey as a fill in for a fan speed controller but 8 months have passed with no issues.

This is on a 400watt setup. You may need a beefier transformer for a larger grow room. Be safe.

something like this and this

dumb question, would the kill-a-watt plug into the variac with the behmor plugged into the kill-a-watt? or behmor to variac to kill-a-watt to wall socket? (the latter does not make sense to me, but I am not a smart man)

ah thanks! ive just been looking those up and it looks like youre right (mine cuts the sine wave to reduce power). this there one anyone can recommend? something like this maybe?