I've got a 400 watt HPS light, with a vent on the side for possible air cooling. Does anyone know what the best kind of glass is? Just something regular from Lowes? Or should I invest in some special coated, heat shield glass? Will that affect the light spectrum? Thanks ---Boon
I would but I no longer live in the state that I bought it in, and there's no stores like that here... I've got a National Garden Wholesale catalogue that mentions "tempered glass". Sounds simple. Anyone have a suggestion though?
I just dug out my air cooled supernova, it needed a clean but the glass has a British Standards Kite and number on it. It's Express Toughening BS6206-A (A/T/877) This is for a 600W HID. I'm not sure if you can get this in the USA but you could look up the number and get the same stuff. Good luck Max.
Ok, cool thanks. The BS6206 helps (tempering standards), I don't know about the A/T/877. I think I will just skip on glazing/heatshield. As long as the glass doesn't shatter, I guess it should do the trick. If anyone knows about glazing though, please share the wisdom!
I get a -6C difference with the glass on my SuperNova air cooled. When I 1st got it, it was the difference between growing and cooking. Any coatings on this glass will reduce heat but also reduce lumens. You can get a heat reflector like this > heat reducer Max.
hey im not too sure but i think i remember from physics that glass actually absorbes some uv rays and i would think that some of those rays would be of a benefit to the plants... not 100% sure but i think its right cuz i was thinking of doing the same but didnt want to lower my light at the plant.. let me know whats up exile
Actually, I think clear glass is better than no glass. There may be a slight reduction in some uv rays, but the benefit from heat containment (assuming you can vent the heat out of the light) offsets any reduction in uv rays. In theory, with a glass heat shield, you can move the light closer to your plant, which will cause less plant stretching, and denser buds. If you have an air cooled light, use it!!! The question is, are there benefits from any particular glazing on the glass to improve r value? And definitely use tempered glass! Boon