Light Proofing

[altec3]

Hey guys I was just wondering what way you keep the light from getting out of the intake and exhaust fan holes in your boxes. Do you think something like this might work? The drawing is just a black corrugated tube with black inserts in it.

altec3 Reviewed by altec3 on 04-26-2006. Light Proofing Hey guys I was just wondering what way you keep the light from getting out of the intake and exhaust fan holes in your boxes. Do you think something like this might work? The drawing is just a black corrugated tube with black inserts in it. Rating: 5

[Kush Over]

What a rather unique design.

It should work, in theory. If the inside is a non-glossy black base with that design, the inserts overlapping, it should prevent light from passing.

[Bender]

Yes that will work..When I used to help develop film we used the same set up in the hall way leading to the dark room. No light will pass..

[Zandor]

well that would restrict air flow would it not?

2 90 deg will work too, light does not bend well around corners with out reflection.

[Garden Knowm]

well that would restrict air flow would it not?

YIKES.. never restrict airflow.. unless it is to CATCH bugs...

[altec3]

Yea I got the idea from my photo lab back in high school, hehe. I dont think it would restrict too much airflow, if you spaced those inserts out enough it seems like it would be fine, who knows though until we try it.

[crucial conflict]

a i have a quistion could i use a hydroponic system on soil im going out of town and i need something that will water it while im gone

[altec3]

yea I think you could I would take out the nutrients and make sure it doesn't turn on as often as a hydro

[turtle420]

well that would restrict air flow would it not?

2 90 deg will work too, light does not bend well around corners with out reflection.

Exactly.

You can also get a dryer duct, and make a 180 degree "bend" with it. That will make it a very effective "light trap".

[jamstigator]

You can buy 8"x8" Doran darkroom louvres online (got mine from bhphotovideo.com I think), and that's exactly how they work. One thing to keep in mind is that because of the design they do restrict airflow to about half what you'd expect from that area. In other words, one 8"x8" Doran louvre is about the same airflow as an unobstructed 4"x8" opening, or 32 square inches. Since you want your input area to be 1.5-2.0 times the size of your exhaust hole, you may need more than one darkroom filter to provide adequate airflow. If you use filters over them (which I recommend, to keep dust and crap from entering your growing area), this restricts airflow yet more. I don't use these darkroom filters on my exhaust (since it's lightproof anyway, with ducting going to it), but I found I needed two of the 8" x 8" darkroom louvres to provide enough inbound air (using a 6" centrifugal fan and thus a 6" exhaust). Your mileage may vary, of course. I'd recommend just getting Doran's, since they have enough bends to insure lightproofness, but no more. In other words, they've been doing this long enough that they have maximized airflow while maintaining lightproofness, whereas if you build one from scratch you will be guessing and probably won't achieve that efficiency.

Disclaimer: I do not work for Doran.