what type of hood ?

[los0420]

i have two 4x8 tables set up for scrog and i was wondering what hoods do you guys think would be better (4) xxxl magnum 8" or (4) hydrofarm raptors running 1000 watts total area to be lit up 8x8

 

[ProdigyGrower]

I like adjustawings their amazing!

 

[Surfr]

Do they need to be aircooled or no?

:character0180:

 

[smalltime99]

I would say the Raptor for the quality. They are made out of better materials and the glass is of better quality. There is the XtraSun Parabolic 49" Reflector.

 

[fishwhistle]

Do you have A/C or is everything air cooled?Dont limit yourself to just two options,weve run both but now prefer adjustawings but we also have sufficient A/C.

 

[ibTheMan]

Broski, xxxl 6" not 8" no other! thread over.

 

[ttystikk]

This is definitely an 'it depends' kind of question. Remember that your growroom is- if you want it to work, at least- an integrated system, with components chosen to match the overall strategy of your growing philosophy. blah blah blah, so on to the specifics;

If you want to aircool your hoods, then raptors, 6" xxxl or 8" xxxl 'ocho' are all very similar in design and performance. I would not choose a light reflector based on 'heavy duty construction.' That's for offroading! You want maximum light dispersion with an even lighting profile, and as few hotspots as possible.

If you plan to grow trees in your basement, then you may want to go with vertical bare bulbs, as many do here with great results.

The best reflector currently on the market by these parameters is generally recognized as the Adjust-a-Wing because of its simple open design, extreme reflectivity and efficient parabolic shape. Get the large one and for God's sake, don't buy or use the 'super spreader' accessory for anything but stirring your drink!

The above is all true, but you're not out of the woods yet when it comes to choosing a reflector. Fishwhistle is exactly right about needing adequate cooling to run adjust-a-wings because they're an open style hood. If you need a sealed hood then keep in mind that no matter how you slice it, you're losing at least 8% of your light just by having a piece of glass in the way- and much more if it's even a little dirty or dusty. On the other hand, if you can't control your temps any other way than by aircooling your hood(s), then that's the way you gotta go. Your plants won't care if you have the super duper-est hood out there is their basic growing needs aren't being well met. This is what I mean by having a plan in mind to build your growroom as an integrated system.

I happen to be an advocate for moving the light around a circle above the canopy, but that creates some problems even while solving others. With a light rotator, you can put an open hood right down to within a foot of your tops and because it moves, it won't burn them. The problem is that unless you design the rest of the growspace to take this into account, you'll end up hurting your potential yields. If you want to know more about that, look up my thread in advanced techniques and problems, 'built my own light rotator, wanna see?'

 

[los0420]

thanks for the replys they will be air cooled i just wanted to cover the table well with out getting to big of a hood where i would waste light

 

[los0420]

im def going to take a look at ur thread ttystik thanks

 

[SaltyWerkz]

I have a xxxl 6'' and a Raptor, love the Raptor hands down for quality and massive size.

 

[Seed Buyer]

For covering a 4x4 or area or in your case a 4x8 the Sun System "Blockbuster 8" would be a better choice than the Magnum or Raptor as these are made to over lap a 4' area. Sun Lights test have shown the blockbuster is the best for your application. They also have the brand new "Luxor" which positions the lamp vertically in the hood eliminating hot spots and penetrates the deepest into a canopy. These new hoods are about 20" tall so if you are fighting for vertical space this might not be for you. They also retail for like $320.

 

[los0420]

i looking for the best hoods to cover a 4x8 area in scrog,2x1000 watters dont want to waste light on walls but i want an even light under each reflector

 

[los0420]

so far its a toss up between the magnum xxxl 8" or the hydrofarm raptor,or the blockbusters not sure yet i will be using two over each 4x8 table

 

[purpleberry]

4 hoods even in a line you dont need 8"
Get the 6" xxxl hoods, make sure they are the new ones.
I got 2 of the new ones and they fixed all the problems the old ones had. They are sealed up completety now, and they open so you can clean the glass. They kick ass, I wish i could sell all my old xxxls and buy the new ones. lol

 

[los0420]

thanks guys im about to pull the trigger on some xxl hope i like them my friend swears by the raptors and they run super cool but i think it might be over kill they are so big

 

[HumboldtDr]

i have 4x8 tables and put 2 of the blockbusters above them. i choose them because of the perfect square shape. like the other farmer said theyr designed to light an exact 4x4 area. i like them so far.

and like the other frmers said, its an important factor, but only one in alot of different factors that can make a difference.

 

[SaltyWerkz]

Bro I have one of each and LOVE the Raptor. I say go to the store and look at them. Good luck either way, let us know what you get. Peace

 

[MakinGoo]

My vote goes 4 the XXXL-6 they kick ass

 

[MTgrower]

Daystar AC.

 

[soserthc1]

well when i started this - i had very little knowdledge of lights and hoods , i have a 600 watt light but did not get it air cooled its open reflector with serious heat issues in summer is there a way i can convert it to air cooled or should i just get a new one. Its only a 4*4 closet but with temps outside still at 55-74 degree's - i'm still running at 80 with door cracked and i would prefer to keep it shut