Proper Canopy Temperature Readings?

[TerpeneTom]

Hello,

I have a C02meter that calculates the C02 PPMs, temperature, and humidity. The Monitor is currently located at the same level as the individual plant sites, around 1 foot above and to the side of the fogger, and ~19 inches from the air cooled hood w/ a 600W HPS.



This is an appropriate location? This monitor does not catch all the heat like the cheaper readers. This should be an accurate ambient, but what is the canopy temperature?

I have a thermapen, traditionally used for food, but if I put the probe on top of the leaf, will it provide an accurate reading? Or do I need a larger surface area?

Thanks,

 

[rangergord]

Most people use an Infra-red laser temperature gun to take canopy temperature readings.

 

[TerpeneTom]

Thanks.

That could be too fun...

 

[Granger2]

You won't get an accurate reading if the sensor is in direct light. Good luck. -granger

 

[TerpeneTom]

Trying to accurately measure the canopy temperature though; is it safe to assume the exposed thermometer probe will read a temperature somewhat indicative of an exposed leaf?

 

[jammie]

hey there terp- remember leaves transpire to reduce temp, so your leaf temp may be higher or lower than the ambient temp. the infrared themometer will tell you this. if the temp is higher you have to lower heat AND humidity and move plants or light. i got mine for around $40 from home depot. you wouldn't believe the number of uses from checking for air leaks around windows, checking grill temp, scaring intruders by telling them that its a gun w/ a laser pointer

 

[TerpeneTom]

Amen, jammie. Would be a very functional tool; I will invest in one soon. Just trying to determine the quality differential between $40 to $100 to $150+

 

[the gnome]

yep... laser temp gun
radio shack $36
you'll find a lot more uses than the canopy...
it's nice to know what the grill temp is when you load the steaks on it

 

[CaliGabe]

yep... laser temp gun
radio shack $36

I messed around with one for awhile and cost me about $120 best I can remember. What you'll find is the bud temps themselves are few degrees cooler than the air temperature due to plant respiration and the subsequent evaporative cooling effect especially with fans blowing.

I designed and built an 8 x 600 watt open system room for a friend and there were areas in the room that consistently yielded lower. I checked bud temps and sure enough those were areas where the incoming cold air was not mixing properly so made some adjustments.

 

[the gnome]

the $36 model was all they had on the rack.
I think nearly all rooms have hot/cold spots that need to be tweak imo

 

[CaliGabe]

the $36 model was all they had on the rack.
I think nearly all rooms have hot/cold spots that need to be tweak imo

I bought a high end unit from a heating/AC supply place. It was fun to mess with. I sent it to the boys here in San Diego, the Subrob crew, and never got it back lol. No worries.

 

[CaliGabe]

Did a lot of research before I bought mine and focused on accuracy at a distance cause of how the room was set up. Paid for itself the first time I used it.

 

[Jhhnn]

Amen, jammie. Would be a very functional tool; I will invest in one soon. Just trying to determine the quality differential between $40 to $100 to $150+

With tools that I want for a specific purpose & maybe who knows what else, I just try for something decent. If I end up using it again or often, I upgrade when it craps out, if it ever does.

The biggest difference with high end stuff is usually that it's intended to endure the rigors of field work & regular use.

 

[TerpeneTom]

Well it's officially in the budget. Thanks everyone! Great idea for absolute control and documentation. Great idea for testing the individual areas of the tent!

I'm excited. Sounds like a great investment. Pay off will be significant!

 

[rangergord]

I got one on ebay for $12 including shipping. It seems to be good enough for the service I intend to give it. Anyone have temperatures to aim for? Maximum, optimum, minimum temps?

 

[jammie]

i've found temps over 85 degrees cause leaf curl and slower growth with airy buds. i try to keep mine under 80.

 

[CaliGabe]

Anyone have temperatures to aim for? Maximum, optimum, minimum temps?

I guess that would vary depending on if running a closed or open system. I never ran a closed system. I always shot for 77F. I never had a min/max range as my room never varied more than 2F lights on with 4,800 watts and 1,200+cfm flowing through the room

 

[TerpeneTom]

Purchased: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017L9Q9C/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll be observing select leaves and doing some comparisons.

I'll update this thread when I have the unit - Wednesday.

Thanks everyone.

 

[TerpeneTom]

Works as advertised.

Canopy ~77F, shaded ~73, tongue ~96F

Great purchase. Recommended.