dealing with the cold

[1toke]

friend has a box in a cold place, and is trying to use it in the winter, temperatures get below freezing. will a seedling heat mat coupled with 150w HPS be enough to keep a 2sqft area warm enough?

what is the absolute lowest tolerable temperature? said something about squeezing a temperature regulated ceramic heater fan in there if neccessary. but kinda wanted some input and advice before any money was spent. thanks

 

[hedpi]

Well under 18ºC and i get worried...
And i think only the one heating pad and the 150hps wont be enough..but depends on the ventilation, how well sealed the box is, etc.. he'll have to test it.

He should get a heater (any kind really, fan, oil,lamp..) and heat the intake ducts (if he has them.. if not..get them), that will make the intake air warmer

 

[Barn Growin']

I grow in a barn you DEF want a heater and the ceramic one would be best.

 

[1toke]

we heard about these heater wires on some horticulture website. they were insulated wire heating elements, I think you put the wires in the soil(to heat it up)..has anyone tried hanging these around the inside of a cab? well thank you for the replies. i have a feeling he'll try both and see which holds the temp better. again thank you. if anyone has any other suggestions.. love to hear them

 

[confedrate69]

i also grow in a freezing cold grage the best thing i have found for heat is a oil filled radiant heater suspended from the celing. the oil filled type are not as sustepile to moisture as ones with exposed heating elements ie ceramic or forced air. during lights on there it no need for heat for me as i run 1600w+1000w if its real cold of hid lighting in a 5x5 tent.
the wire heating elements u are refiring to will heat soil great. they will present a fire hazard if they are used to heat air as there is nothing to pull the heat away from the cables. i would deffinatly consider a different route for heating a grow area than them.
some manufactures make heaters for bath rooms moisture resisant designs.
what ever u use rember that heaters have great fire hazards if they are not used properly.
be smart if u need to use one!
confedrate

 

[hedpi]

well my suggestion was heating the intake ducts, so the air is warmer.. like this:

sorry for the crappy drawing but you get the idea, it works very well