DIY grow light

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Folo27

Member
So a little background. I have a CAD and design background. Im the type that would rather build something then buy it even if it doesn't make complete sense. I appreciate the journey and creativity. That being said im sure I'll take some heat for not just buying a light from Amazon or a retailer.
So this is what I made....
I wanted a light for my indoor grow room. This one is for my plants in veg. Drew up the design in 2D and laser cut the steel. I thought it would be cool to include an axial fan to cool the bulbs and to keep the air moving on my plants.the air circulates thought the vent holes at the base of the bulbs. Im using 7-CFL 6500k bulbs. 23w each (65 watt equivalent). I have no idea how this will work but again, more of a "let's see what happens" kinda journey here. I like that I can swap bulbs out for different growing needs too.
Curious what you guys think. Opinions, criticisms, and suggestions very welcome. I have thick skin so it's cool. Would like to expand on my ideas!
 

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eyderbuddy

eyderbuddy

Well-Known Member
damn, with that skill i'd be building LED lights all day long, looks good

Since you already went the House Lights Route, i'd recommend you try some 3000K-3500K spectrum household LED bulbs, they're many times more efficient than any cfl bulb
 
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Folo27

Member
I went with the CFL just because of the spectrum available for veg growth. It's my understanding that 6500K is great for veg and 2700 is the best you can get for flower without MV, MH or HID? I could be wrong, still trying to learn. House LEDs in my area only go from 3000K to 5000k that I have found. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!!!
 
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Ryante55

Well-Known Member
Folo27 said:
So a little background. I have a CAD and design background. Im the type that would rather build something then buy it even if it doesn't make complete sense. I appreciate the journey and creativity. That being said im sure I'll take some heat for not just buying a light from Amazon or a retailer.
So this is what I made....
I wanted a light for my indoor grow room. This one is for my plants in veg. Drew up the design in 2D and laser cut the steel. I thought it would be cool to include an axial fan to cool the bulbs and to keep the air moving on my plants.the air circulates thought the vent holes at the base of the bulbs. Im using 7-CFL 6500k bulbs. 23w each (65 watt equivalent). I have no idea how this will work but again, more of a "let's see what happens" kinda journey here. I like that I can swap bulbs out for different growing needs too.
Curious what you guys think. Opinions, criticisms, and suggestions very welcome. I have thick skin so it's cool. Would like to expand on my ideas!
Click to expand...
Damn bro all that work on cfl wow looks legit but at least swap those for led house bulbs....or build a good light with proper led for growing you clearly have the skills to build something awesome. Look up more info about led and watch some diy led grow light videos. You could probably throw some cobs in place of those bulbs
 
GBAUTO

GBAUTO

Well-Known Member
Folo, I applaud your ingenuity.
I think that you've just stumbled into a very deep rabbit hole.
Ck out the led section in indoor lighting to fuel this obsession.
 
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tslonige

Well-Known Member
Folo27 said:
So a little background. I have a CAD and design background. Im the type that would rather build something then buy it even if it doesn't make complete sense. I appreciate the journey and creativity. That being said im sure I'll take some heat for not just buying a light from Amazon or a retailer.
So this is what I made....
I wanted a light for my indoor grow room. This one is for my plants in veg. Drew up the design in 2D and laser cut the steel. I thought it would be cool to include an axial fan to cool the bulbs and to keep the air moving on my plants.the air circulates thought the vent holes at the base of the bulbs. Im using 7-CFL 6500k bulbs. 23w each (65 watt equivalent). I have no idea how this will work but again, more of a "let's see what happens" kinda journey here. I like that I can swap bulbs out for different growing needs too.
Curious what you guys think. Opinions, criticisms, and suggestions very welcome. I have thick skin so it's cool. Would like to expand on my ideas!
Click to expand...
I used a cookie sheet, man I wish I had what you did available, looks awesome. Make one with COB's.
 

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Bignutes

Bignutes

Well-Known Member
I was a cad guy too! Also into manufacturing and design.

I like your design!

Likes:
Your creativity
It's different
Well thought out and executed
The concept although doesn't make complete sense
Double purpose function for the fan

Dislikes
Cooling cfl not as necessary but I could be wrong
Blow a larger hole in line with fan

Get into led strips design, best efficiency, coverage and lifespan. Something that you can build, tear down, repupose, change intent. Passive cooling is the way to go.

thumbnail_IMG_2853.jpg
 
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Folo27

Member
Bignutes said:
I was a cad guy too! Also into manufacturing and design.

I like your design!

Likes:
Your creativity
It's different
Well thought out and executed
The concept although doesn't make complete sense
Double purpose function for the fan

Dislikes
Cooling cfl not as necessary but I could be wrong
Blow a larger hole in line with fan

Get into led strips design, best efficiency, coverage and lifespan. Something that you can build, tear down, repupose, change intent. Passive cooling is the way to go.

View attachment 4545808
Click to expand...
I appreciate the feedback and direction. Im definitely going to take your advice and look into LED strip lights. Already lost several hours of sleep at night thinking about it! Good news is that I have seen a huge increase in growth of a seedling (gelato) and two clones ( gorilla glue) since introducing them to the new light.
 
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