Let's just talk about BULBS!

[st0wandgrow]

I make a homemade reflector/tunnel now out of insulation board and orca film. I had planed on
using the same design but sticking two gavita's in there over a 5x10 bed, these reflectors seem
like they may be a better fit for my design for a number of reasons besides the air cooled part.

I just saw this on sunlight supplies website about AC/DE:
Due to the unique properties of all current 1000w HPS DE lamps, they are very sensitive to temperature, cooling & air flow. You will only achieve maximum performance by allowing the lamp to attain full operating temperature – even a slight amount of airflow across the outer lamp jacket will result in negative effects (decreased lumens, decreased PAR, & increased operating current) –all of which the innovative AC/DE reflector design will avoid.


Did the hydro shop guy say anything about this? I have read it like 10 times and still do not what the F they are saying.

What type of "bed" are you referring to slum? Like a raised garden bed? If so, I'm curious to hear some details. I'm planning something similar myself.

 

[gladstoned]

I skimmed through this thread the other day... Did I read correctly, these ac/de have to run on 220v?

I was told any 1000w ballast.

 

[slumdog80]

What type of "bed" are you referring to slum? Like a raised garden bed? If so, I'm curious to hear some details. I'm planning something similar myself.

I use the 4x8 geoplanter with coco right now. My next build I am going to do DIY beds or see if geoplanter will do custom 5 x10's. You do not have fill them all the way up. The are really good for sog and scrog. You can build a table with corrugated roof panel sloped down 6" for drainage as the top.

 

[st0wandgrow]

I use the 4x8 geoplanter with coco right now. My next build I am going to do DIY beds or see if geoplanter will do custom 5 x10's. You do not have fill them all the way up. The are really good for sog and scrog. You can build a table with corrugated roof panel sloped down 6" for drainage as the top.

Awesome! I'm actually looking in to the 6x3 one right now. Do you have it up off the floor in any way, or does it just sit on the floor? How often do you need to water? Do you use a layer of rock or anything on the bottom?

Sorry, I've got a million questions I could ask you. I'm thinking I'm going to pull the trigger on this ..... unless you have some reasons not to. I appreciate the info slum!

 

[HGK420]

yo geo planter is a pretty cool company. these quick sticks are awesome.

http://shop.geoplanter.com/6-QuickStix-QSTIX6-SM.htm

 

[slumdog80]

I have them off the floor and use corrugated roof panel as the table top. I plan on doing
the frame like the picture below and cut the steel in two pieces and have them slopped
downward 4" and meet in the middle. I have it setup now sloped 6" all in the same direction,
and it makes a mess. I had planned on using a gutter to catch the runoff but never got around
to it.

I water Drain to waist every day with coco, I have heard of soil beds where they only water
once a week.

You could layer the bottom with hydroton but, it is not necessary.

 

[slumdog80]

I would say go for it. I love them for a number of reasons. If you have any other questions about them shoot away man.

 

[st0wandgrow]

Do you think I would run in to any mold/rot issues if I were to just set it on top of a tarp directly on the floor? Rrog mentioned that I might want to use something to raise it up off of the floor for that reason, but I don't have much height to give away the way my lights are hung.

Are you growing organically? My plan is to set up a no-till bed where I can use the same soil for 18+ months

 

[slumdog80]

From my understanding run off is not necessary with dirt and especially not with an all organic feed. I don't
think you would have any problems to be honest but, you could put that steel panel on the floor and prop up
one side with some bricks to get some run off, just to be extra safe.

I use bottled nutes and enzymes so can reuse coco for years too.