So I am about to order some new reflectors and 1000 watt ballasts and am stuck choosing between the Magnum XXXL 8" and the Blockbuster 8". I am going to be using 2 reflectors over 4x8 tables for flowering. Reading up, the Magnum XXXL 8 has a 5x5 footprint and the Blockbuster has a 4x4 footprint. Anyone have any suggestions?
Magnum XXXL 8" vs. Blockbuster 8"
- Thread starter louie
- Start date
For tables you want to keep the light pattern tight to the 4X4' square, overlap would be bad as its scattering lumens that your plants would otherwise need/use.
That said, I'd be shocked if they had significantly different footprints. See if your hydro shop will let you do some testing with a light meter before you buy, should only take an hour and you will buy the bulb/ballast at the end regardless.
That said, I'd be shocked if they had significantly different footprints. See if your hydro shop will let you do some testing with a light meter before you buy, should only take an hour and you will buy the bulb/ballast at the end regardless.
Yeah I like what I am reading about the magnum xxxl 8s but they don't seem optimal for a 4x8 table (seems like there would be wasted light). They seem like they were made for a 5x10. Thats why I am kind of leaning toward the blockbusters, anyone with any experience with the blockbusters or any other advice about the two?
DirtDoctor
Member
the Magnum XXXL's rock. But they're not 5 feet wide!
If you're not doing air-cooling though (even if you are, imo), you should use the xxxl 6 - the slightly smaller cutout for ventilation means more reflective surface area.
The light distro on these babies is redonkulous
If you're not doing air-cooling though (even if you are, imo), you should use the xxxl 6 - the slightly smaller cutout for ventilation means more reflective surface area.
The light distro on these babies is redonkulous
DirtDoctor- yeah I will be running air cooling through the reflectors. I have heard that the light distribution is awesome, but don't you think it will spread it out too much for a 4x8 ft area? I don't want to waste any of the edges of the light foot print. Everything I've read says that the light distribution is more suited for a 5x5 ft area? What do you think?
I run 3 XXXL's over a 4' x 8' table with no spacers in between. They run so cool that I can lower as low as I want. Aand unless you are running more then 3 in a line, get the 6". Plenty of air to cool them and a bit cheaper. I use the 6" model and the footprint is a bit smaller then the 8" if I recall.
G
Guest3498
Anybody have any thoughts on these? The hydrofarm raptor....
http://www.hydrofarm.com/pb_detail.php?itemid=11312#
I'm in the market for new reflectors and am considering all three...
http://www.hydrofarm.com/pb_detail.php?itemid=11312#
I'm in the market for new reflectors and am considering all three...
xcrispi
Member
I 've got both XXXL 's and an 8in Blockbuster ,
I really like the footprint the blockbuster has , it's perfect for my 54" x 54" x 7 ft tent , that being said I'd be willing to bet 2 side by side spaced properly would rock a 4x8 table . And the Blockbusters have hinged glass for super easy cleaning . 2 - 8 in. XXXL's light my whole 9 x 11 ft room - you could grow trees off in the corners as eaily as in the sweet spots .
Crispi
I really like the footprint the blockbuster has , it's perfect for my 54" x 54" x 7 ft tent , that being said I'd be willing to bet 2 side by side spaced properly would rock a 4x8 table . And the Blockbusters have hinged glass for super easy cleaning . 2 - 8 in. XXXL's light my whole 9 x 11 ft room - you could grow trees off in the corners as eaily as in the sweet spots .
Crispi
As far as I am concerned, the ocho by sunlight , the raptor by hydrofarm, and the XXXtreme by C.A.P. , and the King Cobra by sunleaves ( just released ) are pretty much the same thing except price. The thing about this big hoods is that they spread the light and don't push it down as much as a standard 2x2 reflector. They serve their purpose is some situations, but bigger is not always better. To me they are pretty much nothing more than an air-cooled parabolic.
thanks for the info everybody! xcrispi- so you have both huh. You really like the Blockbusters, I am really leaning toward these babies, but just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I think I'm going to wait another week to research before I place my order. The Blockbuster seems like it has the best of both worlds, a good foot print (4x4) and light penetration, while the magnum XXXL has a better foot print (5x5) but has less light penetration.
DirtDoctor
Member
the XXXL's rock because of their EVEN distribution of light. It's far and away better then any reflector I've used - including the old parabolics.
Since you'll be running cooling, you'll be able to have your reflectors close enough to the top of the plants that not a lot of light will be wasted.
Since you'll be running cooling, you'll be able to have your reflectors close enough to the top of the plants that not a lot of light will be wasted.
greenlabel
Member
both work great!!!
sweetsmell
Member
If u are planning on putting that inna 4x4 I would go. Blockbusters.not certain but I think the xxxl are too big to fit two in that small of a tent. I have 2 blockbstrs with 600s and think they r great so far. 8x4 tent but 6x4 footprint. I plan on putting another bb hood in there after summer
hope u get what u lookin for!
