Hello friends. Thanks for helping my out. Here is the task. I’m aiming for a quiet grow space with minimal smell that looks like stacked totes. (Illegal state and we have teenagers). My mini rant is why is it ok for dad to smoke a cigar but not cannabis? I know what I’d prefer they do at my age…Nonetheless I’m keeping the grow on the down low until they are off to school.

I’ve bought 3 large heavy duty craftsman totes (30 gallon) My thought is cut the 4in exhaust hole and place a dark fabric over it. Maybe even charcoal pellet sleeve. Attach fan, attach carbon filter, mount light all in the top tote. Passive intake (smaller hole covered with black pellet sleeve or perhaps a short inconspicuous pvc pipe out the bottom.

Here are my questions:

How do I stop light leaks where the totes meet? If I’m cutting the bottoms and the lids to the totes how much “lid” should I leave to support?
Assuming I don’t want a bunch of wires coming out of these totes can I safely add a power strip in the top tote? But then I’ll likely need a heater and /or dehumidifier later. (Southeast US) its hot and humid. I won’t start the grow until September and it may drop to 45-50 degrees (F) before I’m done. If those wires stretch from the base to the power strip in the bottom how do I take the top tote off to tend to the plants?
What should I use to support the fan, filter, and light in the top tote? I thought about just building a pvc “rectangle” that fits inside the top tote so I don’t have any punctures outside? What if I do a 3 tier pvc support system and just slide the hollow totes over it?

Your expertise is appreciated.