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Hey has anyone ever used a solar tube or similar device for an indoor grow or have any input on how that might work out?
Solatube, 160DS (10" Series) Brighten Up Kit (150-200 Square Foot Coverage) :: Solar Tube Skylights : Tubular Skylights :: Store :: ECO BUILDING PRODUCTS
My instructor for environmental design actually has a patent for something similar to this, but his is more for an RV. It seems like it would produce sufficient task lighting(2,400 foot candles at 30") but not enough to grow buds with. Also, the thing looks likes its just mirrors and refractors/deflectors which seems like they would just absorb more light than worth it when looking at the aspect of growing with the device. In terms of adding some day-lighting to a room with no pre-existing skylight, cool idea. If looking to grow by this, install a skylight.
-C
These are great things for bringing cheap natural light to a dark place in a house. Thus saving money on running a light in that dark spot during the day.
Most use mirrors to reflect the light and a few use fiber optic plastic cables. Either way, much of the suns intensity is lost.
I would not doubt it would outperform CFL's but that's not saying much when looking at the cost of this cool device.
idk guys... that one kinda sucks but i was looking at a solar tube that was "bright as the sun" designed for commercial buildings. i have no idea where i saw it for sale but i think it was in a little hippie store that caters to off the grid people. when i asked them how bright it was they pointed to a bunch of light fixtures in the ceiling and said "those are not powered.. it uses fiberoptics and a large solar collector... i will go ask around next time im in town...i also think it was like a couple grand!! not worth it for a huge grow but if you had the $$ and a small application it may work.. i will find it later..
lights coming on and i am working on transplanting
-J