I thought I'd respond with what I learned from various sources. Only one person gave a specific recomendation...Hydrofarms Daystar A/C hood. I read up on their site, and they actually pitch their Radiant A/C hood... "The Radiant is Hydrofarm's brightest reflector, featuring: rugged pre-galvanized steel housing, proprietary high gloss baked electro-coat paint formula, sturdy reinforced angled double-layered construction, new convenient lens retainer, easy slide-in glass lens option, patent-pending total double wall design that runs up to 75% cooler than others, and a specular aluminum interior."
If I go with a sealed A/C hood, this will be the one. I talked to a few Hydro shops, and they basically said the more CFM's going through, the cooler, regardless of hood or cool tube. I read a thread on setting up a Stanley blower, and those guys have some serious CFMs. AFA the noise difference between inline fan or squirrel cage fans, I was told the squirrel cage are significantly noisier. I'll make the final decision when I actually have the cabinet finished. Many of the new pre made cabinets aren't that deep, so may have to use the cool tube if I go that direction. Thanks to all who responded.
Monku Bakatare Reviewed by Monku Bakatare on . Cooling light What is the best way to keep a 600W Hortilux HPS cool. Would a cool tube beat any air cooled hood? Any suggestions on best air cooled hoods? If I go with an air cooled hood, would it be better to mount it atop/outside the cabinet itself? I will probably use either a 6" Vortex, or a Dayton, pulling from outside, and venting back outside. I'll have a seperate 6" Vortex pulling through a carbon scrubber and venting outside as well. Can anyone give me an idea on noise difference between the Vortex Rating: 5