Growbox is too hot! Help!!!

kto626

Member
I am starting my 2nd CFL grow. I have a xtra large Tupperware (storage) container that I started my babies in last time. This time I was gonna try all of it in the box (basically a SOG). I have 2-85w 6500K and 2-27w 6500k. The temp gets too 100 degrees F. This already worries me because i was planning on throwing 4-85w 2700k when i flower (plus some small 27w-2700k).

I already have 2 computer fans on box, one for intake and one for outtake. Then I added a 80 CFM bathroom fan to top of the lid and exhaust out of whole room. It still gets to 100-F. What can i do to cool the box? I don't really want to lower watts unless I have to.
 

BlueChronic

Active Member
bigger grow space would help out a lot, its not just fans sucking air in and out, the more air in an area, heat can disperse evenly throughout the area and flow out instead of being concentrated with a smaller area.
 

extremist2sk

New Member
I had the same problem as you then i realized(with cfls) its not the heat inside or the fans thats the big problem,its the temps OUTSIDE the box in your house. whatever temp your house is the growbox will be that +1-4 extra
 

homestone

Active Member
You can try and make some metal reflectors using some metal ducting. Then put some heat sinks on the back of the reflectors. They might absorb some heat from the cfl lights. You probably are going to need a bigger box or less lights. I know growing with cfl's you want to try and have as much lights as possible but your not going to get lush growth if your plants are heat stressed.

How many square feet if your box? If your getting 60watt/sqft that should be adequate.
 

kto626

Member
Homestone, My Box is 30 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 20 inches tall. So doing my math I was thinking I needed 240watts or so. That right?
 

homestone

Active Member
Thats right (4sqft X 60). One thing I forgot to mention was checking your thermometer placement. If it is in direct sunlight you are going to get a higher reading. I like the indoor / outdoor thermometers. You can use the base to measure temp on the ground temp and put the outdoor temp probe up higher to get a canopy measurement. One thing to keep in mind is that your box will get hotter as your plant fills up the box.
 
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