Grow Room To anyone concerned about HPS in Micro Grows

[Martin2055]

Hi,

If you read around the internet, it would seem that a 70W HPS/MH is suicide in a PC Case (or similar). But here are my findings that I would like to share to anybody who is not sure if a HPS is the way to go:

- I have a PC Big Tower with 26,4inches of height (14 inches for plants)
- A 70W HPS with 2000K and 6600lm
- 2 outtake fans (80mm + 92mm running at low (!) speeds total of around 60CFM and 20dB), a passive intake and a 80mm fan below the HPS to move warm air in the direction of the 92mm exhaust.
- The Ballast is setup externally
- No Cooltube or Glass

My ambient temperatures are around 20�C (69� Fahrenheit). With the HPS on, the temperature just climbs to 23-24�C (73-75� Fahrenheit) 4 inches below the HPS bulb. I can hold my hand just 1 inch below the HPS bulb for minutes without ever getting burned or even a hot feeling.

My conclustion. Go ahead and try it. A HPS in a ventilated case with moderate ambient temperatures are no problem. LST and scrog is necessary (but thats also the case with CFL lightning in Micro Grows). With some powerful blowers maybe even 100-150W could be possible.

Bye. Hope this helps :hug:

 

[Peter Wiggins]

yeah i actually have considered doing this myself! those tiny HPS' and MH's dont put out shit for heat! especially when the cheap ass 15 dollar ballast it takes to run them is outside the case. I think the major drawback for most is having to wire up their own case circuitry. a scary task for someone who may not have prior electrical background since these things can start fires if blown out the right way.

 

[Martin2055]

That's why you read the instructions and work slow and cerfully (and never(!!!) forget electrical grounding). A T5 unit also has a seperat ballast and in a normal tent nobody seems bothered by it. once you set it up (and place the ballast on a plate becaus of the operating temperature) it is no problem. of course you should never leave for a week with a system running. but if you check wiring daily (and even have a smoke alarm) there should be no problem.

 

[botlowsky]

I use 150W HPS in 40X35X140 cm growing area. The temp can easy go over 29C. I like HPS, but if you use in a really small place it eazy to burn your plant. I dont say yo can't try it, but not so eazy to manage the heat. Good luck!

 

[Martin2055]

well maybe i should mention, that the PC is in the basement where temperatures are around 18-22 degrees Celcius all year long. but then again, I had a 150 hps in a 60x60x120 area with a maximum 29 degrees. and that was a attic room in the summer. location plays a big role

 

[Peter Wiggins]

I use 150W HPS in 40X35X140 cm growing area. The temp can easy go over 29C. I like HPS, but if you use in a really small place it eazy to burn your plant. I dont say yo can't try it, but not so eazy to manage the heat. Good luck!

Hi,

If you read around the internet, it would seem that a 70W HPS/MH is suicide in a PC Case (or similar). But here are my findings that I would like to share to anybody who is not sure if a HPS is the way to go:

- I have a PC Big Tower with 26,4inches of height (14 inches for plants)
- A 70W HPS with 2000K and 6600lm
- 2 outtake fans (80mm + 92mm running at low (!) speeds total of around 60CFM and 20dB), a passive intake and a 80mm fan below the HPS to move warm air in the direction of the 92mm exhaust.
- The Ballast is setup externally
- No Cooltube or Glass

My ambient temperatures are around 20�C (69� Fahrenheit). With the HPS on, the temperature just climbs to 23-24�C (73-75� Fahrenheit) 4 inches below the HPS bulb. I can hold my hand just 1 inch below the HPS bulb for minutes without ever getting burned or even a hot feeling.
...

The plants are ten inches under the lamp and those 70w hps bulbs are only between 6-10k lumens. which is just about what i can put out with 4 40 watt bulbs or 5 23 watts. i doubt he will burn his plants and since my cfls have their ballasts in the case and his hps does not i bet that ten inches 2-3x more space than needed to keep the plant from burning

 

[lowbudge]

Without coalfilter, 70w shouldnt be a biggie...
But i realy dont get, why People dont use 90w LED...

Same Heat like 4-5 cfl's and Beatle the Same Price. ( of you think on sockets, cable, doubled bulbs because of VEG and flower...) at least German prices kill the LED Investment easily...


Sorry if this is offtopic.