| All conventional sources of light produce heat as | | | | growers with just a few lights it basically |
| well as light. While some lights sources like the | | | | comprises a hose connected to a tap at one end. |
| incandescent filament lamp are quite inefficient, | | | | At the other end, the hose is connected to the |
| producing huge amounts of heat, others like the | | | | first of the lights that are arranged serially. The |
| sodium vapor lamp are somewhat more efficient | | | | water finally exits through the last light and is |
| and run comparatively "cool". In applications like | | | | vented to waste. This system will require a good |
| hydroponics this heat produced in the lamp can | | | | quality water supply such as the municipal supply. |
| have several deleterious effects on the plants in | | | | Recirculation System |
| an indoor grow room. It is imperative in such | | | | This system saves on water costs and uses a |
| applications that the heat generated in the lamp is | | | | heat exchanger to cool the heated water thus |
| dissipated effectively and efficiently so that plant | | | | saving on the consumption of water and |
| growth is not adversely affected. | | | | electricity. It comprises a reservoir, filter, hose |
| Perhaps, the best approach is to deal with the | | | | and heat exchanger and pump. Water is pumped |
| problem at the source. Water cooled lighting | | | | from the reservoir through the filter, passes |
| attempts to address the problem by conducting | | | | through the lights and is then cooled in the heat |
| the heat away from the source, using a water | | | | exchanger prior to flowing back to the reservoir. |
| circulating system. There are several such | | | | This system is recommended by many |
| systems to choose from, which allows growers a | | | | manufactures of water-cooled-lights. |
| degree of flexibility in selecting the system best | | | | System for Venting Heat to Lakes, Streams etc. |
| suited to their needs and preference. | | | | This system offers an easy way of getting rid of |
| Water cooled lighting is typically available in the | | | | the heat produced in the lights for people who live |
| higher wattage range with 400W and 600 W high | | | | near large bodies of water like lakes, streams etc. |
| pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide (MH) lamps | | | | The system involves stringing several hundred |
| along with accessories such as reflector, remote | | | | feet of garden hose from the pump in the |
| ballast, contactor, relay timer etc. The basic | | | | reservoir to the lake. From the lake it is |
| lighting system is the same as the one used | | | | connected back to the house to the inlet to the |
| commonly, the special feature being the | | | | lights. The water is pumped from the reservoir, |
| replaceable lamp which is encased within two | | | | through the hose in the lake where it gives off its |
| tubes. Water flows thru the tubes that allow for | | | | heat before re-entering the lights. |
| maximum heat transfer leaving the casing cold to | | | | The systems described above comprise only a |
| the touch. This is ideally suited for mounting the | | | | few of the cooling options for use with water |
| lights in close proximity to plants, which ensures | | | | cooled lights available to growers today. Several |
| availability of more light for plant growth. This also | | | | advanced systems incorporating the basic |
| eliminates the problem of plants burning due to | | | | features of the above cooling systems can be |
| their proximity to the intense heat of the high | | | | built to optimize lighting performance and enhance |
| wattage lights. | | | | grow-room productivity. |
| Cooling Systems | | | | Water cooled lighting systems have been around |
| The cold water is taken from a reservoir; for | | | | since a decade; growers have reported all-round |
| best results large reservoirs are preferable. Large | | | | benefits of incorporating such systems in their |
| reservoirs enable greater heat dissipation which | | | | grow rooms. The following benefits reported by |
| allows several lamps to share a common | | | | growers will perhaps help you in making informed |
| reservoir. The water may be obtained from any | | | | decisions about water cooled lighting your grow |
| clean source, like the local municipally water supply | | | | room - |
| as this will reduce maintenance, though other | | | | Enhanced grow tent productivity |
| sources may also suffice. Growers can choose | | | | Better control over pests |
| from a number of cooling systems. These include: | | | | Reduction in installation size |
| Run to Waste | | | | All weather operation through out the year |
| This system is cheap, easy to set up and requires | | | | Modular design for rapid, easy setup and |
| minimal hardware support. Best suited for | | | | expansion. |