I started this topic to bring together ideas on regulating temperature within a grow room (in my case a tent), and also to diminish hot spots. I have seen heat diffusers/light spreaders on the internet, and they do intrigue me, but of course the light loss from these concern me as well. Hoods/reflectors also get warm. Especially the self-ballasted fixtures such as the 150-watt hps systems. For air-cooled hoods there are many designs of coverings with insulating material such as wool. From what I understand, most reflectors for growing are made of aluminum, sometimes with a coating of something I'm unsure of. Aluminum alone reflects light well, and absorbs little heat. (I'd be interested if anybody knew any calculations for these factors). Are there other materials that could possibly reflect light equally or better while absorbing more heat? Does anybody else use or know of any ways to insulate hoods (or other heat sources)? Any other ideas on removing hot spots, or clever tips on cooling a couple degrees?
I've been growing since '74 in all the various ways, I do remember being very serious about light reflectivity but as I grow old, I've found air flow and the quality of it to be paramount to bouncing light waves about the best ever, is a flat white paint high in titanium oxide, to be the winner on every occasion as many hoods/reflectors obstruct the air flow to some degree, you don't wanna be adsorbing heat in your grow space rather the opposite, and be rid of this curse as quick as you can try and strike a balance reflection vs air flow, but leaning more to air flow you babes will love you for it good luck