Your favorite enclosed hood

[Opie Yutts]

My enclosed hood isn't really. It is riveted together and leaks all over the place. The glass panel doesn't seal either. I want a new one, does anyone have a suggestion or favorite? Looking for a small one to hold a 600W HPS, with 6 inch openings.

[killerweed420]

Yeah I use a solar six reflector. No seals on the glass. But it seems to work ok in my grow room.

[Opie Yutts]

And no air leaks?

[xcrispi]

Hey Opie ,
I really like my cooltubes .
$80.00 ea. plus a $15.00 pr. of aluminum specular finish batwings .
There's almost no restricion in airflow w/ them compared to a traditonal hood .
Crispi :stoned:

[rhizome]

Sunlight Yeildmaster 6"- US made ( if ya buy the "Supreme", not the " Classic", which isn't), inline 6" flanges, built in cordset- and cheap.

Nice, well built, everything ya need no bells or whistles.


Not too too heavy.

[rhizome]

XC- you just have those strapped to a joist?

[stinkyattic]

I also highly recommend going with a 6" duct air-cooled. Way more air flow is possible, and less noise than a 4" for the same cfm flow.

[killerweed420]

And no air leaks?
Not completely airtight but I don't feel any air coming out of the system. It appears to be exactly the same as the Euro 6"

[Opie Yutts]

XC, I've got a cool tube in my veg area and it's great. Is that 3 x 1000W you have in one run? What have you got pulling the air over them? I want something similar to my leaky air cooled reflector in my flower area though. I want to be able to mount a couple bars on it that will hold some cfls as well, and the cool tube reflectors just can't handle that well. That is unless maybe I make my own, like in my flower area.

[Opie Yutts]

Sunlight Yeildmaster 6"- US made ( if ya buy the "Supreme", not the " Classic", which isn't), inline 6" flanges, built in cordset- and cheap.

Nice, well built, everything ya need no bells or whistles.


Not too too heavy.

I was looking at that one last night, and am leaning toward it. It is supposedly updated so that it is more air tight. The glass swings open instead of sliding out and has a gasket. It should be able to handle mounting some additional weight as well. They claim their reflective material is about 10% more reflective than the competition. My cool tube is by the same company and seems very well built.

[Opie Yutts]

XC- you just have those strapped to a joist?

Looks bolted.

[Opie Yutts]

I also highly recommend going with a 6" duct air-cooled. Way more air flow is possible, and less noise than a 4" for the same cfm flow.

Yeah, my current one is 4", and it's not quite big enough for a 600 watter IMO. I've already got a high output 6" fan for it.

Thanks killerweed, and everyone else.

[MVP]

The Hydrofarm Daystar AC may be pricey to some but kicks serious ass. Super well built and sealed like no other. Worth the $$$. I bought at the local store (not this one) and paid a little more, but its worth it to buy local IMO...

Daystar AC Reflector at Planet Natural (http://www.planetnatural.com/site/image.html?sku=daystar-ac-reflector)

Go to my WTF thread - link below - and you can see it in action... perfect for a 600 Digital HPS. My hands down favorite! :smokin:

[xcrispi]

Looks bolted.


Good eye Opie , - yes bolts -n- 3-1000w. hps .
A 7' long 2"x4" w/ each cooltube bolted to it using 1/4" bolts , fenderwashers , and wingnuts = No tools needed but a screwdriver to change bulbs or clean tubes . I found the sweet foam lined collars that are used to join them in series like in a greenhouse at P.L. Hydroponics .

On each end of the 2"x4" are 1/4" eyebolts , fenderwashers , nylock nuts w/ dogchains up to 1/4" threaded hooks 2" deep into the 2"x8" floorjoists = we can raise -n- lower them as needed .

A 630 cfm 6 in. hurricane cools all 3 fairly well . 83-84 deg. on average . I get sunburned in there now w/ all 3 blazing in late bloom . No leaks in the system is important here too , leaks = smell escaping the room via. the lights cooling sys .

Peace bro.
Crispi :stoned:

[anbesol]

Opie, what kind of reflector do you have? so none of us buy that one

[MVP]

The Yieldmaster looks nice, Sunlight Supply always makes quality gear. I have one of their 430 HPS and one of their 250 HPS.

If you take a look at the Daystar AC it is built in the same way (sealed, door swings down, etc) but the interior reflective material and angles of the hood focus the light down more intensely than anything I've seen out there... Just my :twocents:

[Opie Yutts]

No leaks in the system is important here too , leaks = smell escaping the room via. the lights cooling sys .


That would be a consideration if you are sucking or blowing air from the grow chamber. I can't figure out how to do that and use CO2 effectively, so I have dedicated air just for the light. In this case leaks don't effect odor, but they drastically cut down on the cooling capability of the air cooled reflector.

I guess if you're pulling air over a leaky light it would suck odor in, and exhaust it wherever the exhaust comes out. If you are pushing air over your light, then a leaky light won't contribute an odor problem, assuming you have a separate room intake and exhaust. ???Just thinking out loud. Does that seem right?

[Opie Yutts]

MVP, I was looking at the Daystar as well. I was shying away from it because it looks like the sides almost go straight down. I want something where the sides are more at an angle, so the light spreads out a little too. Seems like I could get the light closer and still cover my entire grow if the sides are angled some. Thoughts?

[Opie Yutts]

Opie, what kind of reflector do you have? so none of us buy that one

I don't remember the brand, and I can't see it on the reflector. I don't think it would be a fair comparison though, since I bought it many years back, and I'm sure the same model has been improved since (at least I would certainly hope so). I just recommend checking an enclosed hood for leaks before buying.

[MVP]

MVP, I was looking at the Daystar as well. I was shying away from it because it looks like the sides almost go straight down. I want something where the sides are more at an angle, so the light spreads out a little too. Seems like I could get the light closer and still cover my entire grow if the sides are angled some. Thoughts?

Hmmm, it all depends on the footprint you are trying to cover in your grow area. Recommended distance from light to plants is 18-24 inches for a 600 HPS if I recall correctly. What dimension is the area you need to cover with this lighting setup?

[killerweed420]

MVP, I was looking at the Daystar as well. I was shying away from it because it looks like the sides almost go straight down. I want something where the sides are more at an angle, so the light spreads out a little too. Seems like I could get the light closer and still cover my entire grow if the sides are angled some. Thoughts?
Yeah this si one of the complaints I have about most of these air cooled hoods. They angle the sides but not the ends.

[Opie Yutts]

Hmmm, it all depends on the footprint you are trying to cover in your grow area. Recommended distance from light to plants is 18-24 inches for a 600 HPS if I recall correctly. What dimension is the area you need to cover with this lighting setup?

I'm trying to cover a little under 3 square feet, using a stadium scrog. That's supposed to take advantage of the ball-shaped light intensity from HID, among other stuff. I suppose my light is 16-18" from the top of the canopy. Here's a shot with my old screen in. I don't really have one showing the angle of the sides on the reflector.

[MVP]

So is it approx 2 ft x 1.5 ft, or is it 3 ft square (3 ft x 3 ft)? Also what is the approx height of the grow area?

[Weedhound]

cooltube

[Opie Yutts]

Yeah this si one of the complaints I have about most of these air cooled hoods. They angle the sides but not the ends.

That is true for most of them. There are some out there that angle the ends too, they're just harder to find. I've seen some nicer ones, but here's a couple:

http://www.bghydro.com/mmBGH/Images/HLRECB8.jpg
ELD 1000 LRMV Air Cooled - Reflectors & Reflective Material (http://www.progressive-growth.com/proddetail.php?prod=38001)

[Weedhound]

That's exactly my issue with hoods.....all that good light wasted and none of it wasted with the CT.

THAT SAID....both those look angled pretty well to me Opie. I really didn't have too much problem with cooling my hood with 4 inch ducting and what I THINK was a 250 cfm inline fan....even though the seals were pretty...well....NOT THERE!. But my entire grow spot isn't carefully sealed either.....it pulls air from other areas of the house to compensate..

[Opie Yutts]

I think I'm liking this:
http://www.discount-hydro.com/images/large/SuperSun2_600.jpg

[Weedhound]

doesnt look angled enough to me.

[Opie Yutts]

So is it approx 2 ft x 1.5 ft, or is it 3 ft square (3 ft x 3 ft)? Also what is the approx height of the grow area?

Force me to get out the measuring tape, will ya?

The grow area is 28" x 36", with perhaps 10% extra surface area beyond that due to the stadium. The light is 12 inches to the plants at the sides of the grow, and 15 inches in the middle. The grow area is 8 feet tall, a Leo, and looking for a straight partner.

[Opie Yutts]

doesnt look angled enough to me.

So do you like that cool tube-style better of the first two? The second one looks a little chinsy.

[Weedhound]

Well just looking at the photos....I actually liked the second better than the first one but that may be based just on the look.

However.....I don't think so. Basically I like the angles much better on the second hood (very angled :thumbsup:) but imho the cooltube's big bonus is the fact that you can get light pretty much EVERYWHERE. If you take that bonus away (by adding the angled lighting in the first photo) then you're probably better off with the second design......at least I think so just based on the photos.

[Opie Yutts]

I see what you're saying, which can only be done if a person is reading words or lips. Just not sure, but one thing I am sure of is that I've had it with trying to tape up the glass and other leaky areas. I've also had it with designs that make it hard to change a bulb. My glass is a pain to get out, even after I've cut all the tape off around it.

That cool tube design is by Sun Systems, which at least I've heard of. The other one is by ELD. Who are they? Is there stuff any good? Who knows? Not me, anyone? The ELD looks like 4" flanges for a 1000W bulb, which just doesn't seem like enough. Don't know if they make 6 or 8". Another thing I like better about the Sun Systems one is that the air passes over the bulb in a straight line instead of turning corners. On that note check out this possibility, which don't look too shabby:
SunGro Reflector (http://www.hidhut.com/catalog/sungro-reflector-pi-147.html)

And talk about angles, wow I wish this were air cooled:
LumenMax Reflector (http://www.hidhut.com/catalog/lumenmax-reflector-pi-696.html)

And does anyone know anything about the insulating blankets for reflectors?
Sun Shield Duct Shield- 8" Ducting (http://www.hidhut.com/catalog/sun-shield-duct-shield-ducting-pi-1437.html)

And what about these hot spot disperser thingees? Seems they might shade the light, but maybe not.
The Equalizer Hot Spot Diffuser- 1000 HPS (http://www.hidhut.com/catalog/the-equalizer-hot-spot-diffuser-1000-hps-pi-708.html)

[Opie Yutts]

I have a light meter, if someone wants to fund some experiments.

[killerweed420]

I think I'm liking this:
http://www.discount-hydro.com/images/large/SuperSun2_600.jpg
That looks somewhat like the one I'm using. First grow with it but it seems to work pretty nice with a 250cfm fan.

[xcrispi]

Wow Opie ,
Double thumbs up on the use of space on the stadium scrog . :thumbsup::thumbsup: Reminds me of "Just A Seed" and his fine works . Any yield numbers. ??? That's exactly what Stinky talks about w/optimum use of canopy / light . :)

If I still had a cpl. fingers left :( there'd be a 8' x 10' frame w/ a piece of vinyl coated chainlink fence stretched out on it in my room , 8 - 5 gal. buckets under it , soil grow , clones , all 3000w , Mondo scrog .

A ways back - "you thinking outloud" no. 2 . It sucks the stink out of the room and fills the basement . The furnace or central a/c kick on and my house is just fucked up :( . I can't exhaust it outside , I live insane close to the HOOK . :smokin: .

Keep up the sweet work and experimentation :thumbsup:
I'm watchin the fogger thread too .

Crispi :jointsmile:

[Opie Yutts]

Wow Opie ,
Double thumbs up on the use of space on the stadium scrog . :thumbsup::thumbsup: Reminds me of "Just A Seed" and his fine works . Any yield numbers.
I think the grow in that picture was about 8 oz. It had one sick plant, one bad-ass, and a couple normal ones. I have yet to get this scrog thing down perfectly after years of practice, but I seem to do a little better at it each time. I really feel it's the best way to maximize space and the shape of the light output. I feel like this next grow is really going to be a good one, unless maybe I decide to experiment with things like foggers.


I'm watchin the fogger thread too .

You mean that one with no responses? I think I'm going to research more today. Maybe someday I'll have something useful to share in that thread.

[Twentyinches]

Hey Opie you get your new hood yet? i'll throw a thumbs up for Sunlight supply's hoods.

[Opie Yutts]

Not yet, but I saw some nice ones at the store. I too like some of the Sunlight Supply hoods, but I can't find any small enough. My space is 36" wide, but most hoods with 6" flanges are nearly that. Doesn't leave any space for ducts.

I may end up cutting bigger holes in my existing hood, and doing a little metal work to make it air tight, and angled better inside on the ends.

[Twentyinches]

Yea that doesn't leave much room... well the hood with 6'' is 24 x 23 x 8 Otherwise it's 4''.... but they are def airtight so that's nice. Only thing with the 6'' are the angles, it's not as efficient as it could be.

[GreenLeaf420]

What's Up OPIE!!! Were is everyone picking up the cooltubes From.... That is going to be my next investment... I'm playing everything on this next Garden hope all is well... Thanks for the Info I really would like one yesterday.. I thought people were building them and I do not want fire crews @ my house... Seen a lot of do it yourself threads... GL1

[Dogznova]

The cool tube is by far the best for moving air across the bulb. I made my own batwings using an old hood but I can say the area has never been as cool. LOL just as the name implies. I looked into the batwing reflectors you can buy with the cool tubs but they weren't up to my standard (not wide enough). Much better results with the DIY batwings. Here is a place that has some Grow Light Reflectors, Radiant, Sunspot, Vertizontal (http://www.hhydro.com/cgi-bin/hhydro/GROW_LIGHT_REFLECTORS.html)

[McToker]

Opie ~ What kind of fixtures are you using for the CFL's in your stadium pic?

Any luck on a hood yet?

[McToker]

[quote=McToker]Opie ~ What kind of fixtures are you using for the CFL's in your stadium pic?

I think I figured this one out. You're a life saver......... well, at the very least you saved me some $$$.:thumbsup:

Thanks,

McT

[Opie Yutts]

GL420, you can get the cool tubes anywhere you normally get grow lights. I got mine at the "local" grow store.

McToker, No still haven't got one, too many other projects. So you liked my power strip lined with CFLs?

[McToker]

So you liked my power strip lined with CFLs?

Very much so! I thought I was going to have to add an HPS to my existing CFL's to get enough light for productive flowering. I found a good deal on an HPS but the price increased significantly when adding an air-cooled hood or cooltube to the mix. Your idea will allow me to run enough CFL's to reach my goal of 4,000 to 5,000 lumens per square foot. I'll be off to HD later today to gather some parts to build a new fixture. I'll post the results in my grow log.

Thanks again,

McT