2 x 70 watt CMH set up: reflectors?

[Podenco]

Dear all,

The search function does not yield many useful results so I thought I would ask.

I want to play with 2 x 70 watt CMH lamps in a 31 x 15 x 47 inch cabinet.

Does anyone know of a grow that uses similar lights?

Does anyone have a tip on what reflectors to use? Right now I am thinking about cutting a standard hammered reflector in half and improvise mounting the lamps in them but this might not be the best procedure.

Also, normally the lamps are vertical in their standard show room reflectors, used in shops, but is it a good idea to fix them horizontally in the reflector as a lot of grow lights are positioned?

Thanks in advance!
Best wishes, Podenco

 

[FlaDankster]

With the height you have available have you considered a bare bulb vertical grow?

 

[Palindrome]

Id say it depends, on what you want.

If you want a wide even spread, I would mount it vertical.
Do you wish a more concentrated, deeper penetration mount it horisontal.

If you don't already have these lights, I'd maybe look into LED Strips and have less heat to worry about.

 

[Podenco]

Thanks guys.

I thought about a vertical bulb set up but for me that means doing a SCROG, lovely but too much work for these days.

I intend a SOG, grow moms and then put 12-20 cuttings in small pots, so I want a good spread of light.

I have plenty of suitable led laying around but I got charmed by the spectrum of CMH as I was thinking about adding a bit of UV. Also using small CMH reminds me of the pre-led days, "central mini suns" lighting the plants, not a ceiling of led chips.

Best, P

 

[FlaDankster]

You can still do SOG just with shelving.Not saying you should do it this way i'm just a fan of vert growing as you can easily up your yield.Either way i'm sure you'll get it figured out.

 

[Podenco]

I like your thinking Fladankster. One has more surface. Thanks. I'll check some grow logs...how do people bend away from the light and how much work is it really...

I have another question I need to look up: is is good for CMH lapms to cool them with a pc fan or are they better left hot?

 

[Podenco]

I realized that in the aquarium scene they want good reflection on surfaces the size of mine. And there is interest for and data on small reflectors.

https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/3/aafeature

P