So I have this dilemma, but first, let me explain my "op".
A rubbermaid tub, its about 17 inches wide, 27 inches long, and vertical room isnt an issue as I'm planning on stacking them. It's lined with Reflectix.
I have a sheet of plexiglass a couple inches from the top, with 9 cfl's directly above it. I have an extra 3 cfl's I planned on putting in as well for a total of just under 300 watts mixed spectrum. I bought the plexiglass hoping the heat from the bulbs wouldnt travel to the lower part of the tub.
The top portion has a 50cfm bathroom fan exhausting air from the cfl's, it helps.
The bottom portion has an 8in. intake in one of the walls, the opposite wall has a same size passive exhaust. I tried it with a passive intake and active exhaust, and it was counterproductive as it increased the temperatures.
I also have 4inch ducting coming into the bottom of the tub directly from the houses AC. However, the ac isnt always on. My mother is very nitpicky about the bills she pays, so she tries to use the ac as little as possible. I have no control over it, therefor I can't use it 24/7 to cool my little tubbie. It's on for maybe 4-6 hours a day.
Outdoor temps are around 100~ in this part of cali, my room being 85~. However, with 9 cfl's the temperature of the tub get's to around 93. This is why I'm hesitant on adding more lighting. When the ac kicks in, it cools down to about 77-79 in the tub, but thats only for a select few hours of the day.
Would it be beneficial for me to keep the ac line in, or would the constant ups and downs of the temperature stress the plant to the point were i'd be better off just keeping the tub at 93 or so the entire day.
I need advice, and you guys here are all knowingggg! Thanks for your time, help is appreciated =]
p.s. I'd like to add, without the plexiglass, it was a 109 degrees inside the tub. oi vey.
A rubbermaid tub, its about 17 inches wide, 27 inches long, and vertical room isnt an issue as I'm planning on stacking them. It's lined with Reflectix.
I have a sheet of plexiglass a couple inches from the top, with 9 cfl's directly above it. I have an extra 3 cfl's I planned on putting in as well for a total of just under 300 watts mixed spectrum. I bought the plexiglass hoping the heat from the bulbs wouldnt travel to the lower part of the tub.
The top portion has a 50cfm bathroom fan exhausting air from the cfl's, it helps.
The bottom portion has an 8in. intake in one of the walls, the opposite wall has a same size passive exhaust. I tried it with a passive intake and active exhaust, and it was counterproductive as it increased the temperatures.
I also have 4inch ducting coming into the bottom of the tub directly from the houses AC. However, the ac isnt always on. My mother is very nitpicky about the bills she pays, so she tries to use the ac as little as possible. I have no control over it, therefor I can't use it 24/7 to cool my little tubbie. It's on for maybe 4-6 hours a day.
Outdoor temps are around 100~ in this part of cali, my room being 85~. However, with 9 cfl's the temperature of the tub get's to around 93. This is why I'm hesitant on adding more lighting. When the ac kicks in, it cools down to about 77-79 in the tub, but thats only for a select few hours of the day.
Would it be beneficial for me to keep the ac line in, or would the constant ups and downs of the temperature stress the plant to the point were i'd be better off just keeping the tub at 93 or so the entire day.
I need advice, and you guys here are all knowingggg! Thanks for your time, help is appreciated =]
p.s. I'd like to add, without the plexiglass, it was a 109 degrees inside the tub. oi vey.
