Shades

[Pure]

How vital is a GREAT shade for a grow I mean obiously it helps but some of them are priced pretty ridiculusly overpriced so I was wondering how much difference it's really gonna make in the end ?

 

What shades do you guys use ? and has anyone tried making their own from sheet metal ? thanx in advnace peoples

 

I had an adjusta shade and thought uit wsa great but now I'm lokng to replace it and they are a bit steep

Edited July 5, 2004 by Pure

[pistillwhipped]

Hiya Pure!

 

I use a sunmaster, air cooled reflector on one of my two 1000w and no reflector on the other.

 

The difference lies in the "footprint" and intensity of the light. A good reflector can redirect all the light that would not be used back to the plant. You will notice a couple things is you add a reflector.

 

One, you have to raise the light up somewhat. Unless you have an high quality air cooled hood, the heat increases significantly. Also, the hood will focus the light and concentrate it, making it easier to fry the plants.

 

And Two, your effective lighting area will be reduced. Because you are directing the light downwards it won't be as effective laterally.

 

 

 

I have one bulb hanging bare to add side lighting. The bulb hangs much lower than the one in the reflector to provide for the lower bud sites.

 

As to whether there will be a HUGE difference .... I doubt it. Significant, but not huge IMHO.