Shortest Air-Cooled Reflector length?

[Pinkladyeater]

I'm looking for the shortest air-cooled reflector that can handle a 250w or 400w HPS on the market. Anything less then 20" is what I'm after; so far this is the shortest reflector I can find.

Hydrofarm 19" Cool Tube
http://www.hydrofarm.com/pb_detail.php?itemid=3759

Has anyone seen or know of a smaller or shorter air-cooled reflector then this one? I need them to go into a DIY cab I'm planning.

 

[gdbud]

I have the same cool tube, But the actual length of my tube was 19 3/4", So I had to do some redesign to make it work.

 

[stonedar]

if you are only doing 250-400 the 4" air-cooled reflectors work fine. they are no shorter than a cool tube but as they typically vent up towards the top of the grow room/tent they save ALOT of space normally used up by the duct hose. I like the grow brite super nova sold by htgsupply. check out the picture to see what I mean about venting upwards and saving space. it is 20 inches BUT needs no space for the 6 inch hoses on each side.
http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=46369

 

[Pinkladyeater]

I have the same cool tube, But the actual length of my tube was 19 3/4", So I had to do some redesign to make it work.

How did you redesign it to work for you? Was it difficult to do?

if you are only doing 250-400 the 4" air-cooled reflectors work fine. they are no shorter than a cool tube but as they typically vent up towards the top of the grow room/tent they save ALOT of space normally used up by the duct hose. I like the grow brite super nova sold by htgsupply. check out the picture to see what I mean about venting upwards and saving space. it is 20 inches BUT needs no space for the 6 inch hoses on each side.
http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=46369

Thanks for the link. I do like how the 4" ducts don't attach right at the ends taking up less space.

 

[gdbud]

I ended up with the duct from the light running on the outside the cabinet.

The back of my duct is cut away so that see the fan location and the ports for my light.

Front side of the cabinet.

 

[Pinkladyeater]

Nice design

Nice design

gdbud, very nice cab you've design there. I like the graphics, very professional and well thought out looking design.

I've got a Tennsco Jumbo 48"w x 78"h cabinet that I'm planning on using. I figured that if I used two smaller lights instead of one larger light I would get a more even canopy and better overall light coverage. Also I think two smaller lights maybe be easier for keep the temps down to manageble levels.

The problem is I've only got four feet of width to work with to place both the two air-cooled reflectors and the duct. Anyway I really appreciate everyone's input and advice.

 

[gdbud]

I used Google sketch up to design my cabinet. It's a free 3D modeling program from Google.
I used it draw the cabinet in full scale then drew each component the fan, light, grills, DWC container, Scrog and duct work in full scale. Then I was able to move each piece around to make sure every thing would fit be for I even put the cabinet together.
I was also able to take the measurements for all the cuts and holes right off the 3D model.

 

[Pinkladyeater]

Thank gdbud, I just downloaded Google Sketch Up and I think it'll be a great tool that a lot of folks on this forum would find very useful, good find.

 

[toohighmf]

Sketchup is awesome software by google. It takes a minute to learn but i'm figuring it out. If the kool tube is too long, cut the duct flange. There's more than 2" of material to remove.

 

[Pinkladyeater]

Sketchup is awesome software by google. It takes a minute to learn but i'm figuring it out. If the kool tube is too long, cut the duct flange. There's more than 2" of material to remove.

How difficult was it to cut the duct flange? I think most glass tubes a hot glued to the metal flange end pieces. Would I have to remove the metal end before cutting it? I would think that’s what I'd have to do.

 

[toohighmf]

I think you would need a band saw with a steel cutting blade and you would need to cut it in 1 shot. that or heavy duty snips. I wouldnt want to to take the chance of breaking the glass, so you will need a steady steady hand!

 

[gdbud]

I had the same thought, But I did not want to risking breaking my expensive cool tube.

 

[toohighmf]

plasma cutter/water jet cutter!

 

[gdbud]

How bout something I can find around the house to use?
hacksaw, grinder (to much vibration glass breaking)

 

[toohighmf]

I would suggest maybe using a rotozip. the aluminum is very soft and will cut like butter if you use a high speed bit. a hack saw could work if you can clamp the end firmly with a vice and a shop rag with soft jaws. I would be a little more sketched to use that hack saw than a band saw. if you get stuck at all, your pretty screwed. how long are Daystar AC's??? they seem short enough and the glass is removeable so you can use a hack saw without breaking glass.

 

[geopolitical]

You can just use a cheap sheet metal nibbler. If it is aluminum duct and not steel it'll make quick work of it. Manual ones are very cheap and a handy tool to have, or electrics can be rented for just a few $$ a day generally speaking in my experience.

 

[whodair]

vertical=short

 

[Pinkladyeater]

I found this 4" air cooled reflector while searching the Internet. Does anyone know of a smaller 4" air cooled reflector that can handle a 400 watt or less HID?

http://www.horticulturesource.com/s...ter-ii-reflector-4-air-cooled-optional--p668/

 

[petemoss]

I love my Super Sun reflector with 4" flanges on the sides. In my wardrobe cab, I can orient the bulb the right way: parallel to the short sides of the cab.

 

[Pinkladyeater]

I love my Super Sun reflector with 4" flanges on the sides. In my wardrobe cab, I can orient the bulb the right way: parallel to the short sides of the cab.

Thank you petemoss, this reflector looks like it might do the job perfectly.