So I learned something today, and I should have thought about it well in advance.

Any light your plants do not use is reflected. Any light that is reflected eventually dissipates in the for of heat, thermodynamics comes into play.

Why do I say this?

Well, even with a second fan really pulling air through the PC case and plant thinning, I'm starting to hit temps of near-90. That poses a problem.

I'm definitely going to need to make a larger case for the next 50w grow. This is too small of a case for this much power and even though I've got nice frosty buds starting to show up, there are not enough for my liking. I really screwed up thinking this would pack the power in, I totally neglected to think of this like a basic solar-energy system - solar panels heat up from reflected light that they cannot absorb, leaves should act the same way. Even with airflow, the plant itself is getting hot, which is why I've got the burning even from a couple inches from the panel. Oh well, I've learned my lesson this time and next time I'll definitely keep this in mind.
khyberkitsune Reviewed by khyberkitsune on . SWC Micro Grow Member for years, finally deciding to post, with a starting project - a converted A/V Workstation case (larger than your typical PC case) into a growing box. It takes up just over one square foot of floor space, and I have about 1.5 cubic feet of growing space inside. I am using a 6-quart container modified into an SWC container for two plants. For ventilation, I have a 120mm computer fan powered by a 12VDC wall-wart from some random electronic equipment. I am using an over-sized air pump Rating: 5