Have you all heard of skytunnels?

[Rubberband Man]

http://www.solaskylights.com

Or do a google search or whatever if you dont like clicking links.

So I'm at my neighbors house and they got this thing installed and it lights up the room like crazy when there's sunlight! I didn't think it would be the equivelent of a MH but it sure looks like it.

It would save a ton on electricity. Anyone have any experience with these things? Seems like you should be able to grow some outdoor genetics with them.

 

[Guest]

I've seen these and have pondered the same thing, Rubberband Man. Anyone tried this? Worthwhile? Or Not?

 

[Rubberband Man]

All the outdoor growers are always talking smack about how the sun is the biggest HPS of all, so I think this would keep some of them quiet.

The interesting thing about the sky tunnel is that even if you'r eon the roof, you can't see the plants because the lens (on the inside of the house) has a texture to it.

The tubing that connects the roof window to the interior window is made of a really reflective material, and although not ideal for plants, you can bend it around corners even.

This thing is just like having a sky light in your roof, except people on the roof can't see straight through, and it can penetrate through attics. Goes up to 30 ft.

They cost about $300, but if you want it installed that will be at least another $600 unless you do it yourself.

 

[Guest]

What? More info but no smiling babe this time? At least tell her to drop the camera a little lower for us old farts! LOL The tubes are fairly reflective...it's gotta help some. They even have blinds for these tubes.

 

[pumpkin2006]

Well first off you need the footcandle meter to sense if the sun has gone down (in winter) or theres a bunch of clouds and have it kick on your ballasts. Then you need the close off tube (optionally bought) that are electronic controlled and then set it to a relay and a timer (summer). Both of these will help you control your photoperiod.

Also you want to have at least 2 12" ones over every 4'x4' table to get the maximum; also you want to bring the tube down to the same height you would a reflector, so that the light is focused mostly on the beds/tables/buckets that your growing on/in. They also usually cost more then $300 for quality ones. Another aspect to think about is how many 4'x4' areas do you want and wouldn't it look a little weird having about 2-12 of those in a single spot on your roof? A lot of us don't own our own homes as well. Also, what if your house is shaded most of the time by a tree or you live in a climate that has a lot of snow.... it just keeps going on. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of them, but you gotta do it right and its not right for everyone.

Also their called tubular skylights (if you wanna google it)

 

[Guest]

Pumpkin, I grow in a converted closet, 3'x3'. 600 watt. I own my home. I was thinking supplemental light. Are you speaking from first hand observation?

 

[pumpkin2006]

1 - 20" skylight would work quite well for your closet. You still need the footcandle meter to auto-turn on your 600w and you still need the eletronic manifold hooked up to a relay on a timer to control the photoperiod.

You want to go with the Solatube company because they sell these peripherals with their skylights. Heres a link.

I personally do not have experience with these, but have done all the theoretical homework and know whats needed to go into it. I would have a bunch sticking outta my home, if I owned a home

 

[HighonPottery]

they're pretty easy to install and they give lots of light, only problem with them is they cost so much money. you'd probably have to put a few of them together in whatever enclosure you're growing in to get good results, maybe like 2 in a closet or 6 in a room or something like that, otherwise it would be hard to keep the light focused where you want it. it would look weird on the roof to see a bunch of concentrated skytubes. personally i'd rather buy 2 lights for the price of one of those tubes, or just build a shed with a clear roof.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies, Pumpkin and highonpottery. Like I said, it's something I've been pondering...rather the wife saw these and has been pestering me about them. She in charge of bill paying and is wanting to eliminate the power company from her stack of bills...yeah, she's a dreamer but I'll keep her anyways.

 

[Strawberrycough]

dang thats hella crazy...wondering if the cost of buying the sky tunnel putting the hole through your walls, roofs and making it work correct......even worth it? how long would it take to get your money back? 10 years.....but that thing is crazy tight.