Are LED's "Cool" Enough for Cardboard Micro-Grow Boxes??
As far as I'm aware, they're the first light source without a heat source which will ignite paper. A light source which will also grow cannabis. :) The last 15 years I've been growing cannabis I've never had a light with such a low heat output. Even CFLs have glass hot enough to ignite paper or other flammables, has growing truly turned a corner in the micro space?
I'm building one for the production of seeds and I live in a dry environment, cardboard doesn't get mushy with humidity here.
Is it possible for an LED to 'pop' and catch paper on fire with the pieces?
This is a 17w LED replacement bulb, for standard north American lamps. The plastic 'globe' has been removed, they're held on with silicon or caulking. Here you can see I've screwed the lamp into the ceramic base, with the roof of the cardboard box in between. The room for this box is slightly on the cool side, so the fan is blowing the warmth from the LED 'down' into the box. Normally the heat needs to be vented from the box. I also live in Colorado and won't need odor control for this particular run.
The fan is attached using screws and hot-glue. Actually quite solid. :)
The temperatures are simply warm and will not get hot enough to soften the glue or other issues.
I'll Need A Couple More LED's
Though I have one mounted in the middle, I really need 2 or 3. These lights throw approximately a 12" circle of usable light, up to about 12" away. This light is actually enough to flower out cannabis and also to produce healthy seeds. (Edit: I just measured it and the box is 14"x14" on the 'floor,' so the single lamp will be sufficient) Nice :)
Suggestions on Light Proofing?
It's a box. I'll be able to take care of the static areas around the fan and light fixtures. I'm looking for ideas on how to close the box and have it be light tight. Intake and exhaust of air will also be taken care of, the 'door' on the box flaps area needs to be opened and closed for 3 months, without leaking light. I need all the seeds produced to be from the same pollen, not from pollen due to a light leak. :)
So, Is it Safe? Can I Light Proof It?
Anyone? Anyone? Anyone??