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So there's this 1000W HPS over a 4' x 5' area and it doesn't seem to be covering the plants in the corners very well... anyone else have experience with this?
It's got an EasyCool 6" reflector... check it:
Hi-Tech Garden Supply
Also, the light is currently only like 15-18" over the tops (12" for the crazy stretcher). Should it be raised to 24" or so to get greater coverage?
I was under the impression a 1000W would cover a 5' x 5' easily.
That's a pretty small reflector. IME That type of reflector tends to focus the light, giving a more intense, tighter pattern than a wider reflector with a flatter top. They are more suited to a multiple lamp setup. The real advantage to them is that the smaller interior volume makes them very easy to cool, in a string. They flow air nearly as well as a cool-tube, but offer more control of the light. Adjusting the bulb position within the reflector may help some, but it won't give the more even coverage of a larger unit.Quote:
Originally Posted by lampost
Have you tried moving the bulb at all? That's really the only suggestion I have to offer. :(
Hope somebody else has something more helpful for ya!
Yes I think you should raise it like 12 inches. When I was using CFL's I would do everything I can to have the literally on top of the plant. Now With my 400w I noticed If I give it a good distance my plant grow more like a bush then a pine tree. The bottoms just keep growing out trying to find the lights. MH IS AAMAAAZZIINNGGG!:)
Thanks guys.
I think the reflector is the problem. I don't want to raise my light much because I want the most intensity I can get.
I guess I will have to raise it a bit, or get rid of 2-3 plants...... what a bummer since they're already 1 week into flower. Maybe I'll keep 'em. They'll still grow, but not as much as they should've.
ya i dont know about getting rid of them. if you got the room in there flower them out. may not have the biggest buds but you will be amazed:stoned: i wont take a plant out unless i have no choice and i tend to pack them in there.:jointsmile:Quote:
Originally Posted by lampost
The fastest fix is to rotate the plants when you water. I always rotate my pots around for the same reason. Gives everybody an equal share of the light. I think it also increases the amount of yield. Brings all the wallflowers to the dance so to speak.
Thanks. I am starting to rotate them. Need to get some pics of these beauts on here. Maybe later.
So, how close do you guys keep your plants? Mine had plenty of space. But now they're flowering they're crammed in there. Branches from plants are overlapping and covering leaves/branches from other plants. I'm guessing the only problem with this is reduced air flow (carbon dioxide). Would this cause any other potential problems? I guess maybe it would make spread of disease and pests easier.
Lastly, Evil Cartman, are you suggesting to lower the bulb in relation to the reflector? That's a good idea! Thanks. I may end up trying that if I see slowed growth. The one giant GDP in the corner is basically only half lit. The backside is hardly getting anything.
I had that reflector and had the same problem with coverage. I bought one of the vertizontal parabolic reflectors and really like it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by killerweed420
Vertizontal?
Aren't the parabolic ones for focusing light in an even smaller area? Like maybe even just one plant?
Yeah, I would say this reflector is good for about 4' x 4'...
I like them so much I have 2 of them, one for each roomQuote:
Originally Posted by killerweed420
Vertizontal keeps the bulb horizontal to get the proper light. DO not use that type if the bulb is vertical. Sunlight Supply has a new one that is all pebbled aluminum. I would buy that one if I needed one. I will sell you one of my vertizontal so I can get a new one???? LOL
Booklet I got with the lights said 24 inches. But right now, (winter) I keep mine at 18-20 inches from tops. Close enough to proper coverage for me. :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by lampost
With mine I had to back away to 24 inches. The center plants were getting too hot.
^Were you air-cooled?
I was hesitant to put them that close at first, but when I put my hand 8 inches under the lamp, it doesn't get that hot even after 2 minutes.
I've decided to go no closer than 12" though. Probably going to raise to 18" for better coverage.
No the parabolics aren't air cooled, they're just a 4 foot open hood. Got big fans going too and if I get much closer than 24 inches they burn the center plants.Quote:
Originally Posted by lampost
I use an 4' umbrella hood with 1000hps keep it around 15 inches over the top of 8-9 plants in a 6'x7' room with 6" vent coming off the hood. But 1 1000hps is stuffed to it's limit on plants.
Nice. That sounds like the way to go. I wanted to get an umbrella type (sun soaker) but I didn't think you could vent it/air-cool so it seemed like it'd get really hot. Buy you have an umbrella one that is vented!? I might have to look into that... do you know what it's called or do you have a link for it?Quote:
Originally Posted by tags
Man, you must have HUGE plants!!Quote:
Originally Posted by tags
Did you add a 6" vent to it?Quote:
Originally Posted by tags
Yes I added a vent to the hood just to suck some heat and smell both from the light. Just cut the hole and used a flanged adaptor, then used flexable duct out to my 6" fan. The fan is mounted outside the room at the top and have a 6" pipe with louvered covers at the bottom for fresh air intake. I have 2 rooms set up 1 for flower and the other for veg and clones, they get about 4 1/2 foot tall with the bottoms trimed up. I get better results with 6 or 7 than with 8 or more. Hell it's all trial and error anyway.
Nice mod...
If you can, post some pics, that'd be cool.
I agree. I think I would get better results with a few less plants.... but at this point I don't think it's smart to get rid of 2-3 plants. I'll just focus on the strongest/largest...
Think I might try that myself.
Yeah, I'm interested too. Those reflectors kick ass!
How would you do it? You'd need to cut through the metal good right?
There's plenty of room on one of the leaves to cut a 6" hole and pop rivet a 6" flange on to it. It would alter the light pattern a little but not much.
Well I got in there tonight and tried to move the bulb down. Loosened the wingnuts and I couldn't pull it down any. I'm wondering if it comes down at all or if it's locked-in centered since it's air-cooled. I'm going to have to find a way to get in there and take a better look at it! Guess I'll have to turn it off for 15-minutes during light cycle. This seems like it would definitely work though if I can actually lower it.Quote:
Originally Posted by EvilCartman
OK well I think the cord was stuck in the grommet and that's why I couldn't move it last night.
Anyway, I've decided NOT to move the bulb down. When I put my head at the tops of the plants in the corners, I can still see the entire bulb when I look up at it. Therefore, lowering the bulb won't do much. But I think they're getting enough light I guess. If I can see the bulb from the same vantage point, then the plant can "see" the bulb too.
Don't get on every day but I will try a pic of the hood..