Snap-together DIY Double Cool Tube

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GreenGrin

Active Member
I decided to upgrade my closet grow by installing two cool tube lights instead of the single one I now have. I thought I'd try to come up with the tubes running on parallel vent lines--instead of in line with each other. My closet is only 2' deep so the size of the contraption was critical. This is what I came up with from parts at Home Depot.

Parts:
(2) Bake-a-round tubes
(~4') 4" PVC drain pipe
(2) 4" PVC drain pipe Tee joints
(2) 4" PVC drain pipe 90 degree elbows
(2) 4" dryer vent connectors
(1) Roll pipe wrap insulation tape

  • First I put a double layer of the insulation tape on the outside of each end of the bake-a-rounds
  • Then I put a single layer of the insulation tape on the outside of one end of the vent connectors
  • Then everything just snaps together as seen in the pictures
Now I just have to add the lights, hangers, and reflectors. Thought I'd run the power cables through the top of the Tee joints. Total cost so far: $35.

The last picture shows my Wonder Woman scrog in the closet.

Comments or suggestions?

GreenGrin


Double Cool Tube 3.jpgDouble Cool Tube 2.jpgDouble Cool Tube 1.jpgWW 1.jpg
 
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GreenGrin

Active Member
I've got a hole in the ceiling leading to a 4" fan hanging from a rafter in the attic. The other end will connect to a carbon filter in the closet. Been using this system with my single DIY cool tube.
 
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GreenGrin

Active Member
Thanks for the compliments. I'm thinking about running 400w lights through switchable ballasts. Overkill for a 2' x 4' scrog?

I'll post more pics as the project develops.
 
alexonfire

alexonfire

Well-Known Member
That is going to be a lot of light for a 2 x 4. 400w has around 45,000 lumens and a 250w has around 30,000. It is a waste to go over 7000 lumens per square foot unless your using CO2.

For two 400's you would be getting 11250 lumens per square foot.
For two 250's you would be getting 7500 lumens per square foot.

Its up to you but the 400's will be overkill
 
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GreenGrin

Active Member
Thanks for the advice, Alex--you just saved me a bundle of money. Two 250w lights makes sense. + rep

I'm finally happy with my screen for the scrog. I'm using 3" x 3" grid used for display racks in stores. Gives plenty of room for colas.
 
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SmokinErb22

Member
How do the temps stay? Just seems like you'd get half the airflow through the tubes as you're literally splitting it in half? I dunno, I've been looking around trying to find ideas how to fit the same thing in my cab, 4'6"x2' but running them inline seems like a waste of light due to the way its spread out from the bulb.
 
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GreenGrin

Active Member
Hi SmokinErb,

I figure the problem with the in-line configuration is that one bulb will always run hotter than the other because the first bulb heats the air considerably. You are right, though: the airflow is cut in half over each bulb. I've been using one 400w bulb in a homemade cool tube--my temps run between 68 and 75 degrees F. I hope to set up the new double cool tube within a week or so. I'll post pics and report on how well it does.
 
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GreenGrin

Active Member
IMG_20110227_160335.jpgIMG_20110227_160256.jpgIMG_20110227_160224.jpgIMG_20110227_160237.jpgIMG_20110227_160311.jpg

Thought I'd share some more pictures of my contraption installed in the closet. I'm germing some Aurora Indica now for the first trial run.
 
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GreenGrin

Active Member
Just thought I'd respond about the temperature using the double cool tube. My temperatures range betwee 68 and 73 degrees without using my noisy intake fan. My Aurora Indica seedlings seem to be loving it.
 
pazuzu420

pazuzu420

Well-Known Member
You may be able to add a divider of sorts in the T to direct more airflow to the farther light perhaps enabling you to keep them both at the same temp with alittle playing around.

Very clean and tidy setup..I love the ebb and flow table especially the rez on wheels. For people with broken backs like myself this is a perfect setup, chest height and wheels :)
 
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