Home Made Grow Lights

[veggiechicken]

Thanks Redser! I have fluorescent light tubes in the workshed and I wondered about using those in some way - then, remembered a work light that lives in a dark cupboard.
The closest I can find to it is
Philex 19377R/S Inspection Lamps with Hanging Hook IP44 11W 5m | Screwfix.com but mine is 8w and the light tube is 25cms.
Might be worth a try for me anyway!!

[redser]

Worth a bash VC. Although I think 8w will be too low. I think mine are 60

[Bigmallly]

On the subject of reflective materials, T3sco are selling 4mt foil wrapping paper for a squid......I'm so tempted.

[veggiechicken]

I'm still thinking this through - could you use foil backed insulation boards to line a box - or plasterboard as that is matt white? I just may be able to find offcuts of these

[veggiechicken]

Worth a bash VC. Although I think 8w will be too low. I think mine are 60

Yours are much bigger than mine, redser
Trying to be serious now - would a longer tube need a higher wattage?

[darcyvuqua]

Very interesting thread as I was just looking into buying grow lights!
Have you broke down the cost in making one if so can you post BM?
if its viable i might have a bash at one too

[Bigmallly]

Very interesting thread as I was just looking into buying grow lights!
Have you broke down the cost in making one if so can you post BM?
if its viable i might have a bash at one too

From my OP Darcy, the tubes are £21, a 3m length of 32mm pipe, 2 elbows & 2 T's about £5, a couple of quid for a length of chain ......that's just a guesstimate. Obviously it can be as cheap or expensive as you wish.

£76 for this 4ft one:
Google Image Result for http://www.thegardensuperstore.co.uk/acatalog/rootit-grow-lights-system-large-4-feet-small.gif

[redser]

Yours are much bigger than mine, redser
Trying to be serious now - would a longer tube need a higher wattage?

I honestly dont know VC. You could make up a really small box and try your light keeping it just above the seedlings. But as they grow I think it would definately not be strong enough.
As for lining the box, you could even use sheets of printer paper. I've taped A3 sheets on to windows behind plants to reflect the daylight back and it worked a treat. When you see white, you are seeing the full spectrum reflected so it's very simple but very effective.

[veggiechicken]

Are you ready for this? The VC/BluePeter version of a Lightbox thingy!
Take one collapsible plastic crate, some spare mirror tiles and small mirrors from Freecycle, a plastic box and a worklight. Put them together and;-

Thought I would put a white cloth over the top, to reflect the light downwards. I started with a tinfoil ready meal dish but it didn't sit very well on the light.

[redser]

Fair play to you that's great Just one warning, they will stretch for that light if it's too far away. If you can find a way to get them right up there they'll be happy. I dont know if your tube is cool running so just watch for any scorching just in case. They should be barely warm if they are cool whites. Defo worth a Blue Peter badge I reckon

[veggiechicken]

Thanks The light has been on for a couple of hours and its just warm. I can raise the pots up to right under it by putting bits of wood or tiles under the pots. I'll start 2 pots of lettuce - put one under the light and the other on the window sill and see if it makes any difference

[redser]

That's the way, I use books, some things grow faster than others.

[Bigmallly]

That's the way, I use books, some things grow faster than others.

Nah, you'll never grow a book...........

[veggiechicken]

I blame you for it all, BigM. If you hadn't started this off this morning, I wouldn't have spent the day scouring the house and shed for bits and pieces - I could have done something useful like hoovering instead

[smallblueplanet]

Are you ready for this? The VC/BluePeter version of a Lightbox thingy!
Take one collapsible plastic crate, some spare mirror tiles and small mirrors from Freecycle, a plastic box and a worklight. Put them together ...
Thought I would put a white cloth over the top, to reflect the light downwards. I started with a tinfoil ready meal dish but it didn't sit very well on the light.

Will the wavelength of the light you are using make much difference?