A reflector is a device that directs the light of an incandescent lamp or other radiation source in such a way as to increase its intensity and make it parallel.
The “air cooled hood setup” is an easy way to make a reflector for your air-cooled hood. Here is an 8 step guide on how to do that.
As growers, we encounter several problems. Because taking care of your plants from a 360-degree perspective isn’t easy.
In your grow room, you may need to incorporate a number of contemporary comforts, such as an air-cooled reflector. And the transition from being an indoor gardener to working as a mechanic is difficult.
So, what are the processes for setting up an air-cooled reflector?
To use the air-cooled reflector, you must first open the lid and then insert the cool tube within. Replace the lid and place the cool light within the reflector. Now use hooks to hang the reflector and connect it to the ducting on both ends. And that’s all for the setup.
So, even if it’s not apparent right now, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step instruction.
Let’s go to the bottom of the problem!
[Basics] Air-Cooled Reflector
You may be asking, as a gardener, whether you need fresh air in a closed grow room.
Not at all! You’ll need an air exchange if you want your grow area to be optimal. This implies you’ll have to bring air in from outside your enclosed area.
An air-cooled reflector may be quite useful in this situation. To begin, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of the various components of an air-cooled reflector. So, let’s take a closer look at what an air-cooled reflector is and how it works, as well as its components.
Does it seem to be technical?
We don’t want to boring you with technical jargon, so don’t worry. After all, aren’t we indoor gardeners?
So, to assist you understand the reflector sections better, here’s a list:
Perfect Reflection with an Air-Cooled Hood
It’s easy to mix up reflector hoods with reflectors themselves. If that’s the case, don’t feel bad about it; I’ve also been a victim of it.
What is an air-cooled hood reflector, exactly?
The air-cooled hood is the top component of the hood that is linked to the ceiling. On the interior, there are reflective metal sheets that may reflect up to 95% of light.
Apart from the quality of reflection, the air-cooled reflector hood comes in a variety of forms and patterns. You may choose them from our suggested list depending on your preferences.
| Cost | Image | Product | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get it right now! |   | 6 Inch Air Cooled Reflector Hood by iPower | It’s ideal for expanding your growing space and harvesting more. |
| Get it right now! |   | Compact Reflector Hood VIVOSUN | For better results, use two ends. |
Smooth Air Flow With Ducting
The most prevalent component is ducting. Even in a ventilation system that is cooled by air. The ducting is the conduit that connects both ends of the reflector. As a result, one reflector requires two ducts. I’ve previously used AC Infinity Flexible 4-Inch Aluminum Ducting. Because of its four-layer construction, it is more durable and resistant to leaks, tears, and scuffs.
One duct is used to carry air to the reflector, while the other is used to blast air outside. Now, if the ducting arrangement makes you nervous, don’t worry about it just now. Because we’ll go over it in more detail in the phases that follow.
Let’s concentrate on the simple aspect for the time being. Isn’t this quite straightforward to comprehend?
To Keep The Bulbs Cool, Use A Cool Tube
The cool tube, as previously indicated, is another easy-to-remember component. Its primary function is to retain the bulb in place.
Let’s see how effective cool tubes are.
As the bulb heats up, this cool tube comes to the rescue by lowering the heat by up to 90%. So, if your bulb produces 40 watts of heat energy, these cool tubes may reduce it to 4 watts each second.
Isn’t it simple yet effective?
If you’re considering a nice tube setup, here is the place to go. Then hold your breath until we reach to the stairs. You do not, however, need to be concerned about its availability. You may obtain the awesome tube below right now!
For All The Glow, Use An HPS Bulb
A garden’s lighting is just as crucial as a planted tank’s illumination. That is why we must devote as much attention to lighting as possible.
Are you familiar with the HPS reflector? Are you wondering why we asked this question?
When looking at air-cooled reflectors, you’ll hear the word a lot. An HPS reflector, on the other hand, does not exist. The reflector that comes with an HPS grow bulb is the culprit.
The air-cooled bulb is known as HPS. The reflector guarantees that the majority of the light from the bulb is reflected back to the plants. So that it simply lights up in the direction of the plant rather than illuminating the whole room.
So, if you were debating between air-cooled and regular lights, you now know that air-cooled light (HPS) is the superior option.
Controlling The Air With An Fan for Exhaust
It’s just a fan, buddy, no matter how strange the name is. But it’s unique in that it either draws in or draws out air.
This means that it aids in the removal of heated air via the ducting. Choosing the correct Fan for Exhaust, on the other hand, is a pain. For that reason, we’ve included two of our favorites below-
| Buy | Image | Fan for Exhaust | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Place your order right now! |   | 8-Inch Inline Fan by VIVOSUN | With a 600w light, you can use it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
| Place your order right now! |   | 12 inch Can Fan Inline Fan | With a 1000w light, it can be used 24 hours a day, seven days |
To conveniently manage the speed of your fan, we recommend utilizing a fan controller. Also, run it for as long as the light is on.
To Keep It Clean, Use a Carbon Filter
Do I need a carbon filter in my grow room, to answer your question?
Unlike the Fan for Exhaust, a carbon filter is not an essential part of the reflector. It is mainly attached to the fan. But we recommend attaching one to it so that the wind is filtered out.
When putting up the reflector for the first time, it’s recommended to link it to the fan first. You may also purchase the AC Infinity Air Carbon Filter. Any odors will be aired away by the carbon air filter.
So, that’s pretty much all there is to know about the reflector’s basic components. Now that you’ve scrolled through the introductions to the various elements, you’re probably wondering why you need to know about them.
Then the response is that, as a gardener, you should expect to have difficulty comprehending and remembering all of the component names.
So, as we proceed through the processes and refer to any component name, you can always come back here to double-check whether you’re selecting the correct one. Let’s get started with the steps:
[Step-by-Step] How to Set Up an Air-Cooled Reflector
https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ is a good place to start.
We’re going to assume you’re new to this. This is why we divided the setup procedure into many phases.
What You Will Require
Don’t worry if you want to avoid the trouble of returning to the shop or turning your house upside down in search of equipment. Because we provided a list of equipment that you should have on hand.
As a result, you’ll require-
Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to get started. Prepare to work by putting on your shoes. It should be a piece of cake if you just follow the instructions.
Unbox the Reflector (Step 1 of 8)
First and foremost, browse over the components if you’ve previously unboxed the reflector. Whether not, have a look inside your reflector to verify if all of the pieces we indicated are there.
You’re probably wondering whether aluminum foil can be used as a reflector.
Yes, you certainly can! Aluminum foil, in fact, is an excellent reflector. Even the wrinkled ones are welcome! You should be set to go if you can reflect the lamp on three closed surfaces.
If you answered yes, go to the next step.
Open the Reflector Panel (Step 2 of 8)
It’s now time to get down to business. To begin, try rolling the panel’s screw using your hands. Everything will be OK if it comes out. If not, just loosen it up using a screwdriver.
alibaba.com is the source of this information.
Remove just one panel now that the screw has been removed. Check if the glass is a sliding or a pulls opener. If it’s a slider, just pull the glass out. If not, it must be opened with a pull, similar to a door.
If you have an air-cooled reflector without glass, you may skip this step and go straight to the next.
Add the Cool Tube to the Reflector in Step 3 of 8
Remember how we said we’d tell you how to set up the awesome tube later? Now is the moment to act. The cool tube is usually linked to the bulb. If this is not the case, just align it with the two holes on your reflector.
But for now, simply connect the end cool tube to the reflector with the bulb holder. And use duct tape to keep it in place. And that’s all for the awesome tube arrangement.
Set the Light (Step 4 of 8)
The light must now be connected to the cool tube or reflector. The technique is the same in both circumstances.
Make sure you’re wearing gloves before touching the bulb. Because you don’t want to leave fingerprints on your light bulb.
Simply insert the bulb end into the spring ring hole. And roll it till it’s too tight to roll any farther.
Step 5 of 8: Replace the lid
After you’ve placed the bulb, close the glass in the same manner you opened it. Slide the glass back for a slider. Replace the panel and fix it with a screw.
If you pulled it open, press it back in place and secure it with the screw.
Attach the Fixture Hooks and Rope Ratchets in Step 6 of 8
It’s nearly time to hang the reflector, buddy. We’re almost done. Take your rope and thread it through the loop in the ceiling of your grow chamber. Now use the rope to secure the rope ratchet.
Finally, use the rope ratchet to connect the triangular fixture hooks to either side of the reflector.
The reflector is now appropriately hung. Simply go over the fundamental positioning techniques before moving on to the next phase to save time later.
1st Placement Tip: Keep the Plant Canopy a Safe Distance Away
Heat is reported to be reduced via air-cooled reflectors. You may also put it closer to the plants. However, we haven’t included the actual distance between your plant and the reflector till now. We saved the finest for last, after all.
Your air-cooled reflector should be placed around 8-12 inches above your plant canopy.
This gap will allow your plants to thrive without being overheated.
If you’re already impressed, wait until you see what we’ve got below because we’ve got another life-changing trick for you.
Pull the Air Through the Reflector (Placement Hack 2)
Considering the push or pull idea for air-cooled reflectors-
Follow the pull tactic at all times. By this, we mean that the ducting on the left side should convey fresh air from outside to the reflector. The air should then be drawn out via another end of the ducting.
And, as you could expect, the reflector will be placed in the center.
Step 7 of 8: Adjust the Reflector Alignment
You’ll be relieved to learn that the majority of your hard work has already been completed. Just a little retouching is required.
You already know that the distance between your plants and the reflector should be 8-12 inches. As a result, you’ll need to modify your reflector.
Attach the Ducting (Step 8 of 8)
The ducting must be attached to both ends of the reflector as the last stage. Using duct tape, securely secure the attachment.
Double-check your work using the tape. Make sure the fan is at the end of the reflector hole when taping the right side. Then connect the fan to the appropriate ducting.
Don’t worry if you’re still unsure about the air-cooled reflector push and pull approach. Simply connect the left ducting to any window to draw outside air into the reflector. Add the right-side ducting to a window or room that is open. This is done to enable warm air to travel through.
Bring your paper wipes and an all-purpose glass cleaner now that everything is in place. It’s time to clean the inside of your glass lid.
This completes the installation of your air-cooled reflector. Now pat yourself on the back for all your efforts.
Tips
By now, you’ve realized how difficult it is to put up an air-cooled reflector. However, with these extra ideas, setting up your air-cooled reflector will be simpler than ever. So, what are you waiting for?
Simply scroll down to see these 5 fantastic suggestions-
First and foremost, change the light on a regular basis.
Take some notes, friend, if you have a tendency of forgetting stuff. Because your HPS Bulb will need to be replaced every 6 months.
Tip 2: When touching the glass, use gloves.
If you don’t want fingerprints on your bulb or the glass aperture of your reflector, don’t forget to put on your gloves.
Tip 3: Select a Filter Depending on the size of the fan
When selecting a carbon filter, consider the size of your fan. If your fan is 8 inches in diameter, you’ll need a carbon filter that’s similar in size. The alignment will be impeded otherwise.
Also, only utilize it if your left or outer ducting leads to the exterior of your home. Because you don’t want all of the carbon-rich air inside your home.
Tip #4: For a large space, set up two reflectors.
If you just have one huge grow room, one reflector will not enough. Then you may connect up to two reflectors on each sides using the same ducting.
However, adding more than that is strongly discouraged. Only the first two will be able to pass cold air at that point. The air will warm up with each additional reflector. As a result, the answer is a resounding No.
Tip #5: Check the Temperature Every Now and Then
We recommend keeping one infrared thermometer on hand to monitor the temperature of the plant canopy.
We’ve compiled a list of thermometers to consider for your convenience:
| Buy | Image | Product | What is the benefit of it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Make a decision right now! |   | Infrared Thermometer from GoodBaby Store | Thermometer with many modes |
| Make a decision right now! |   | Touchless Thermometer from GoodBaby Store | Temperature measurements that are quick and simple |
Because it should be below 28 degrees Celsius. At least once a day, check the temperature. Just make sure it’s not hotter than the temperature limit.
FAQs
Is it necessary to install a succession of reflectors in a larger grow room?
You may utilize wing reflectors for a larger grow room since they offer a broad area of coverage. However, do not use more than two reflectors in a single hole. Because with each additional one, the efficacy will decline.
Is it allowed to place the fan on the ducting’s right side?
It isn’t entirely incorrect. However, air will be forced through the reflector in this manner. Pushing air through the reflector is a difficult and ineffective method.
Are cool tube reflectors effective?
Yes, the cool tube reflectors are quite effective. But only if the cool tube reflector is correctly put up. This incredible tube aids in the reduction of produced heat by 90%. And it allows your plant to benefit from the sun while avoiding the heat.
Conclusion
You’ve perfected the art of air-cooled reflector setup at this point. From a gardener to a technician, it’s been a long and winding road. Best of luck, guy!
If you have any views to add, please do so in the comments section below. Your feedback would be much appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and best wishes in your gardening endeavors!!
The “vivosun light setup” is a tutorial that will help you to set up your own air cooled reflector.
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