Help me Decide how to set-up my light array!

GunRunner

GunRunner

Active Member

  • Al right guys, I'm having some difficulty on deciding how best to mount my lights in the grow box.

    My idea was to build a moveable light array, one that I can lower and raise when needed


    I'm going to build a frame out of some 3/4" PVC tubing (where all the wires will be hidden) and hook up 4 23 W CFLs on it.

    But I'm having a hard time deciding what arrangement to use.....So I thought you guys could provide me with the needed input.


    Here is a Pic with all the possible variations, which one do you think will give the most even light distribution.


    Keep in mind that the whole thing is 1 x 1 Feet.

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ZeeBuds

ZeeBuds

Member
well seeing that you're using 1 square foot only, i think any of your ideas would distribute the light well enough, but personally i'd go with one of the last two there..in my mind c would probably work the best, but hey im just guessing lololol
 
rollandtoke

rollandtoke

Active Member
As already mentioned since its only 1x1, the light difference would be minimal, add some reflectors above the lights and it will even be less different.
 
GunRunner

GunRunner

Active Member
Thanks you all for the replies fellas :)

Yeah, true, in such an area it doesn't really matter (I'm also putting up a reflector - just lining the hood with mylar really, so it matters even less:P)

I Think C works, D works better, in a larger area the pertinence of C and D will shine (sorry for the bad pun).

I'm gona go with D, I'm also adding an 80mm Case fan right in the middle to suck the hot air from between the lights and push it up through the hood.


Cheers!
 
rollandtoke

rollandtoke

Active Member
GunRunner said:
I'm also adding an 80mm Case fan right in the middle to suck the hot air from between the lights and push it up through the hood.


Cheers!
Click to expand...


Try to at least 2 fans if you cant find one 180mm or bigger (computer guy at a local flea market would surely have fans he can provide). Since they draw minimal power you can hook up 4 80mms in a square and use the same amount of power usually. 1 80mm wont be enough to pull heat from 4 CFLs. I run CFLs and have roughly 4-5 bulbs per cab and about the same amount of fans each. I recommend 1 fan per cfl at that size, or at least 2x120, or 1x180+ to cover 4 bulbs
 
rollinbud

rollinbud

Active Member
Must be some small variety of plant cause none of mine would fit in a 1x1 grow area. Mylar surrounding the area will help a lot as will pie pan reflectors. I would add a couple more bulbs if possible.
 
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