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View Full Version : Indoor "greenhouse", what material to use for cover?


Want Them All
11-25-2009, 12:21 PM
I'm building a frame, 6' x 6' x 8', planning on using a 600 HID Metal Halide lamp, 12 hours/day. This "greenhouse" stays in my attached, unheated garage. I hope that with the right type of coverage, the heat from the HID lamp is enough to keep my plumerias, jackfruit, papayas happy for the cold months. I'll be covering the sides, not sure about the top (where the light will hang), probably best to leave the top open. I don't know what material to use for the 4 sides, can the clear plastic sheeting at Home Depot OK? I've seen it being sold as "tarp" for general purpose coverage, but since it's clear I'm concerned about it letting light escape. Also, should the plants be on the ground, or on a table? Thanks,
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=27190&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=27190&ppuser=5976)

Dalmatiansoap
11-25-2009, 12:33 PM
If its mine I would use gipsum plates for sides and would leave few holes on top for ventilacion only. Gipsum will keep light and heat better than transparent plastic and on the top plate U can add aluminum folie witch will increase light so U get more Lux with less Watts.
With money saved on electricty bill U can grow a big naner and send me a pup in spring:ha::ha::ha:
:woohoonaner:
Just some of my ideas ;)

r3tic
11-25-2009, 12:45 PM
I'd go to Lowes/Home Depot and pick up some of the insulation sheets that are about 1" thick and coated in a reflective foil. You will save the light and heat better that way.

Want Them All
11-25-2009, 12:50 PM
I'd go to Lowes/Home Depot and pick up some of the insulation sheets that are about 1" thick and coated in a reflective foil. You will save the light and heat better that way.

Well, I'll need to leave some open areas for ventilation. Don't want a totally enclosed box, right?There'll be an oscillating fan in there somewhere, not sure exactly where yet.

Abnshrek
11-25-2009, 09:48 PM
Well for sides I'd use the ventilating house wrap on 3 sides and hinged plexiglass for your door. It definately needs a top to retain the heat..

r3tic
11-26-2009, 08:45 AM
A 600w light is going to produce a good amount of heat. I would have a large hole in the top to lower the light in through. Make it large enough to have 6-8" around the perimeter of the light. Be sure to watch the foam to make sure it doesn't burn. You may need to add additional ventilation. Try to find some commercially available grow systems to compare with.

Lagniappe
11-26-2009, 11:39 AM
A 600w light is going to produce a good amount of heat. I would have a large hole in the top to lower the light in through. Make it large enough to have 6-8" around the perimeter of the light. Be sure to watch the foam to make sure it doesn't burn. You may need to add additional ventilation. Try to find some commercially available grow systems to compare with.

I agree, a fully enclosed box of that size may make a nice 'Easy- Bake'.
Air exchange is important to prevent a lot of problems too.

LilRaverBoi
11-27-2009, 04:34 PM
Yeah, I agree with others that good ventilation is going to be ESSENTIAL with that design. As far as materials for the outside, anything white or reflective would be optimal to get the most use out of your lighting. It might be beneficial to research marijuana grow rooms...I know, illegal, but there is a LOT of great information to be gleaned from various sources out there to do EXACTLY what you're planning on doing here...just a thought. And it's not like you're going to get in trouble for looking things like that up anyway.