Agree with Redtails 100%

Even without a speed reduction, the high velocity of the air will do no harm.

At times, I've had to run my 6" wide open...pulls hard enough that I find carbon bits from the filter, on the glass inside the reflector. Unless somebody pours BBs into your intake, the bulb will be fine.

It really doesn't make much difference which direction the air flows through the hood. But, I think most folks have the air entering opposite the bulb, maybe for fear of particulates suspended in the airstream?

It's overkill, right now. But as you mentioned, you may end up with a filter down the road, and the little 200cfm fan will certainly be inadequate.

Also, if venting the entire space through the hood, make sure to pull the air through the hood. If you must push it, double check the seals of the reflector.
EvilCartman Reviewed by EvilCartman on . Air-cooled hood...can you pull too much air through? I just picked up an enclosed reflector with 6" air-cooling flanges. I just ordered a 6" inline fan that is rated to 200 CFM, but it looks like it only runs at 160 CFM. I don't think that'll be enough for my 1000W HPS. My other option was a 424 CFM fan!! That air would be fuckin roaring through the hood! If my nerd calcs are right (Q=VA), then the air would theoretically be coming through the hood at 36 ft/s (25mph). That's a pretty heavy gale. Could that be harmful to the electronics Rating: 5