> For those who are interested, a phototron is a large terrarium with
> lots of built in lights on the top and sides. They are usually
> marketed to the home marijuana grower. I have seen them advertised in
> National Lampoon years ago but have no idea about their availability
> or cost.
>
> Be advised if you buy one try to pay cash and don't leave your
> name. BATF and DEA periodically seize the customer lists of companies
> selling items like phototrons (they believe its drug paraphernalia).
> The list is then used to identify suspected drug dealers, issue a
> warrant, and pay you a visit SWAT team style. This is not paranoia.
Actually, the DEA cannot do this anymore; that was under the Reagan
administration and was called "Green Merchant." Many hydroponic shops and
manufacturers have an ongoing lawsuit against the DEA for harrassment.
However, the phototron was pretty much made specifically for growing
dope. How do I know all this? I work for The Growing EDGE, a hydroponics
magazine (legitimate) and we used to work with the people who make the
phototron, but came to realize how absolutely shadey they were and refuse
to let them advertise anymore. Most people think the phototron is a piece
of sh**. We've had countless letters to the editor in the past that
denounce the phototron; very few of our readers have had anything good to
say. But yes, it is still available. Here's the address: Pyraponic
Industries, P.O. Box 27809, San Diego, CA 92198-0198. And if you still
don't believe that it was designed for growing pot, get a load of their
toll-free number: 1-800-651-BUDS. I swear I didn't make this up. -Trisha
Coene, editor The Growing EDGE <tcoene@peak.org>>