instead of tape use a little bit of Heat Shrink, just need a lighter to heat it slightly and it shrinks and insulates around the wire, The best stuff for DIY projects, I use it for all my electronic builds, Amplifier, led mood lighting, custom xbox 360 fans etc etc. Its flexible but firm and long lasting plus there's not sticky residue
@dogman3131 I used to use low kelvin because they were cheap. Now I go strictly with 6,500k. Some say it will only produce leafy growth. I have fruiting tomatillos, ripening pineapple, belladonna flowering and setting fruit that prove otherwise.
@PORKY32323232 Any size will work......except maybe the 6 inch. That's a tad too small. The wider the better. I used the heavy guage 8 inch but the lightweight 8 inch is better and shinier.
you could cap the sides with sheet metal by using tin snips to cut a few places and bending them down at 90 degrees to create flanges and use tap screws or even just metal tape. you would have to have tin snips and other hvac tools though. Also I think getting some white paint on there would really increase the reflection of light wouldn't it?
There is a company called EasyGrow that makes some excellent reflective screen. You could drape some over that light housing and it will reflect all that light leaking out of the sides of your setup.
Do you happen to have a design or idea to put metal on the ends? I noticed a lot of light was escaping through the sides of your fixture, and even if that extra light isn't important, it would be nice not to be blinded when you walk by. (I have a tendency to glance at bright shiny objects.)
@DIYaquarist I would just hang foil at the ends. It's easy to do and costs practically nothing. Plus it can be removed if you ever need to put plants past the ends of the fixture.
@StatenIslandSlim I use this fixture and another I built. I modified it just a tiny bit via adding a mini fan to keep it cool with the massively stronger light bulbs. I'll mention it in a future video.
i plant to grow up too 20 palnts how many watts do i need i know u said u get your bulbs at a web site but need to set up A.S.AP!!! so wat size c.f.ls do i need and were can i pick up today!!?????all will help!!
I hope these bulbs are American made.I refuse to use the "TOXIC" bulbs (cfi) made in China.I prefer that my money remain in my country,and not be used to build weapons to use against me.
The only double bulb sockets I could find at Home Depot and Lowe's have a copper grounding wire (I think) coming out of them. What am I supposed to do with that, attach it to the aluminum with a screw or nail? If I do nothing with that wire, do I risk electrocution or a fire? I am so stoked to building one of these!!
@grrson The grounding wire is easy to deal with. Drill a small hole next to the hole by where the socket attaches to the fixture. Insert a small screw. Attach the wire to the fixture via the screw. Now it's perfectly grounded and safe! :)
@crochunter627 I've never used Ultra Violet bulbs but I am getting in a half dozen 6500K Full Spectrum Daylight CFL bulbs for basement growing. So far all I've used is 2,700k-3,400k. I heard the 6,500 is phenominally better. I gotta see for myself.
@Praxxus55712 Sounds like the full-spectrum might be better than UVB - I have UVB lights that i used for my turtles when i had them, but they went off to other homes. Thanks for the advice.
you say its not for beauty but you clearly did a good job in the video, just give it a bit of innovation and im sure you could do a bit "cleaner" if you really wanted, but no need, this is perfect
this is exactly what ive been looking to do, awesome job..but say i would wanna put about 6 lights totaling around 260 watts and instead use the y splitters how would i go about it...also would it be wise for me to use a heavy duty power cord...and also is that metal sheet sharp..
@itzjustme2007 Most hardware stores sell a screw in Y splitter for around a buck each. Just scew one into the socket and you're all set. Adjust the width of the fixture to accomodate the extra bulbs by adjusting out the nuts on the threaded rods. The sheet metal isn't really that sharp at all. Have fun! :)
What a great video !! Thanks for sharing this idea and all your other amazing tips with us Ray.. You have rejuvenated the the long dormant planter in me !! I am trying it again thanks to you!! Northern Mn has a rough grow season but with your tips i was a wee bit hopeful this year !! Ps . i dont blame you for running south ...but will miss you being in the same cold arctic zone as me.. I figured i would watch you for when it is safe to plant ...Thanks for wrecking that idea =P
@badluckbug Well I'll only be a little further south than I am now. I'll be in southern Minnesota..........if....IF my real estate agent gets off her butt and gets this deal done. grrrrr!!
@Praxxus55712 Don't pretend that its not far....So amazing how just a few hours travel will take you to a whole new planting zone.... YOU will now have an extra 2 weeks in spring and then in the fall ..I heard you (the Gardening Guru,the Tomato King) say that ..=P...But i guess it gives me a 2 week warning when you start ...seeds and plantings !! I am a slacker so that might actually work to my advantage...LOL
thanks man, Im going to make 2 deluxes for my 5 tomatoe plants im going to be growing this summer in my apartment. I hope to make a video this summer about it. thanks again for the tip, Blair
you guys inspired me to make my own grow box!! i have a question though, do you think it'd be okay if i kept it in my furnace room (small room)?? and also whats the deal with a fan.. ? do i need one or is it optional ?
I just made my second light fixture using your plan. After I re-potted my seedlings I found I was out of room! I couldn't find the light fixture by itself, so I had to buy the cheapest ceiling mounted light fixture I could find. They were about $ 5 each. I hope I can find some elsewhere or maybe even at garage sales this spring/ summer!
i posted a video response on how to make a cheap small greenhouse for the small sprouts that you have started indoors just before the proper planting season. I thought it was relevant.
@loomisman00 Exactly 16 inches seems to work best for me. Wider would give a larger area of light. I don't need ot so wide for my uses though. It's totally adjustable to your needs! :)
@IIfaced I used leftover fixtures that I recycled from ones that I replaced in my home. Menards should have them. They have a great electrical section. I'm surprised Lowes didn't have them. They'd be in the lamp socket and electrical misc aisle for a couple bucks.
So can this light fixture and bulb combo be used throughout the growth stage as well, or does this only work well for seedlings? I am having to move my garden indoors because between the neighbors cats (and mine) the squirrels and birds my garden doesn't stand a chance. So this year Im going indoors I am looking forward to a year round salsa garden and more of course...Thanks for the great video!
But, you need to use the Wire nuts to connect the wires. I create a mechanical bond when it is twisted together with the wires. Plus it is a stress point as well. This point will heat up just because of the electrical energy (electricity) running thru the wires. Just using electrical tape will fail eventually.
@MIgardener The cost breakdown is in the description for the basic vs deluxe. I built the deluxe. I used 200 watt cfl bulbs. Those ran me around 24.99 each at Walmart. The fixture really does work wonders on the seedlings!
Thanks for this video! I saw SleestaksRule's video as well but I followed this one well cuz I just liked it better. I got all the materials today and built mine tonight. You're right, it was very easy. I only tripped a fuse once. LOL. Terrified my dog with all the noise though. *She only likes noise that she's making* Anyway, I can't wait to see how my seeds like it.
That was informative and enjoyable to watch, thank you. I want to build something like this for starting pepper & tomato seeds indoors this year. It seems like my tomatoes always end up being very stemmy from not getting enough light. Hopefully this will solve that problem.
This is a fascinating project, and I'm eager to try it. When you refer to a 100 watt fluorescent bulb, are you referring to an actual 100 watt bulb, or to a 24 watt fluorescent bulb which is labeled as putting out as much light as a 100 watt incandescent bulb?
This is a fascinating project, and I'm eager to try it. When you refer to a 100 watt fluorescent bulb, are you referring to an actual 100 watt bulb, or to a 24 watt fluorescent bulb which is labeled as putting out as much light as a 100 watt incandescent bulb?
@MoneyDummy I meant output. Sorry I forgot to mention that. It would be fun to see how a 100 watt usage (400 watt output) bulb would work in that fixture! LOL It'd be like living next to the sun. :)
Thanks! That's what I guessed, but I wasn't sure because the price you cited for the lights was much higher than the prices I'm used to seeing for standard 100-watt output fluorescent bulbs. This leads me to my second question (as I mooch off your experience and willingness to chat): are these special fluorescent bulbs, or just the plain ol' hundred-watt output kind ya get from Wal-Mart?
PS: I dreamed of chicken wire compost bins last night.
@MoneyDummy I messed up the price of the bulbs I guess. oops! lol. They're just the cheapo CFL bulbs from Wal-Mart. I upgraded to the 200w output bulbs & holy crap what an amazing difference! The 100w are great for general lighting & if you can have the fixture close to the tops of the plants. I have various sized plants with different light needs, so the 200 watt work better for me.
ps: Your dream means your chicken will kill you in your sleep tomorrow night. My condolences. :(
@Praxxus55712 Yes! If I'm going to be killed by MY chickens tonight, then that means that within the next eight hours, 75% of my neighbors within a 400 yard radius will approve my OWNING chickens. Hoodalollee!
Hey Ray, Love all your videos, honesty, and great sense of humor. I'm picking up the supplies while in town today, and my wife and I are gonna make it today! Thanks. It's really gonna help our lettuces, and brassica plants we're growing indoors over this cold Colorado winter.
I read in several place in the Internet & watched videos here in YouTube about the how efficient LED light can compared to other types of lights. Plants canopy can absorb more lights from LEDs especially that you can use mix of color (Red & Blue and sometimes Green), and they live very long, they don't emit heat, they rlight, and consume much letter power.
The only problem is that they need a lot more work to assemble using DIY approach and the efficiency is still questionable.
Wow that was really enjoyable. I'm not sure if we have all of those components here in OZ but i'm certainly going to be making one of those for my winter gardening in 6 months or so.. Lucky we have a spare room ;) You're a champ Ray! Keep em coming...
@preparedchipmunk From my experience and perspective, I prefer this fivture to the off the shelf long bulb fixtures. This one is adjustable focus of light, higher reflective fixture, adjustable wattage, no fixture ballast to burn out. It's a personal preference I guess. :)
Awesome job as always. You were reading my mind. This is what I need. I have been researching growing lights and they have been in the 100s and this is something that I could do myself. Thanks Thanks Thanks.
as an electrician I recomend>>atleast<< the wirenuts...tape does not provide a mechanical connection..if the tape gets loose and/or the connection comes loose and touches this home-made shroud...what would happen when you grab it ?? the wirenuts provide a considerable safety feature,,thats what they are for
@Helioforge Cookies are coming up. Updates on indoor plants throughout the winter. Possibly some seed exchange videos if I can work a deal with a seed wholesaler. Quite possibly a rant or two if I get buggy in the winter. :)
Dont forget those compact florescent bulbs have mercury in them. I hope soon that these toxic bulbs will be banned. Only use these bulbs if you have no other alternative. I myself live in a very cold climate in the Winter, but I am still able to grow food by the way of a green house and window sills. making a green house isn't to expensive trust me.
I like it and I may try this. One quibble - the wire splices. Twisting & taping will probably work but it's really bad practice. Better to use wire nuts or solder.
I just had a flash forward of my neighbors calling the cops for my "grow lights" LOL...Last summer when we got the chickens we caught the lady ACROSS THE STREET peeking through our next door neighbors bushes to see what we were doing!!!LOL!!! She'd freak over this!! I can't wait to move out of suburban hell!!!
Great Tool Time-- An idea-- I use plastic flower pots and put the socket inside and run wire through to bottom then line it with foil and use energy savers. Don't have to drill if hole is in center. I hurt myself around tools Always look forward 2 your vids
Great video, I will have to try this, wish I saw it sooner so I could save a cutting of my tomatoes. I don't have a good window facing south to grow indoors.
also one thing you should do before you assemble it (this isnt a joke even though it seems like it) melt a bar of chocolate on the inside of the metal sheet, and polish the sheet with a cloth covered in chocolate, then wash it off with water, dry it and assemble it. For some reason chocolate is Amazing at polishing metal, and will allow for even more light to be reflected onto your plants
Excellent video demonstation, Ray! Ive been using those light fixtures they use on cars that clamp on...but this seems to fit the plants better and illuminate better.
I just wish I had more room in the house to put all the plants..my tomatoes are still getting long and spindly even tho I keep taking off the growing tip..sure wish u were here to do that first "haircut" , I just dont have the nerve, lol..its like trying to cut your own baby's umbilical cord..your scared your gonna kill it! haha
hey ray, great video im definitely going to make one. But you should put a disclaimer at the beginning of this video because if people are morons and do the wiring incorrectly and burn their house down, its a liability to you, just a suggestion
Very good info! I will make a couple and start growing indoors.You said they were very light when finished, why do you think they call them light fixtures!
Neat. I made a couple very similar fixtures last year from a video by SleestaksRule and used them for seed starting. I can attest to the fact that they work great. Check out his channel for some tips on the kind of bulbs to use.
I grew cherry tomatoes from last December all through the year indoors under my 400 watt fixture. I cant tell you how many pounds of plant I had to continually trim and bend back down from the ceiling. The plant still lives and I've taken cuttings as well, rooting them now. Indoor growing produces quite well year round... and of course.. FRESH vegetables even in the dead of winter is hard to put a price on.
@tvtoms Perfectly said! I look over at the blooming rose bush, out of control grapevine and ripening tomatoes and it keeps me sane all during the winter when the snow is piling up outside like the next ice age. :)
@Greengate777 I know! I really shoulda done a Home Improvement style video. After I move and get a work shop, I'll get a hard hat, goggles and toolbelt for these videos. lol
@bowlerguy219 The regular cheapo CFL bulbs have always worked fine for me. Sometimes I honestly wonder how I mange to do so well when I know so little about the workings of what I do. lol
@Praxxus55712 I've got like 15 4 tube florescent fixtures I need to put together, reptile lights with high UV, I've done research on optimal light spectrum in certain stages, BUT my plants are on a table in front of the southern facing window without light, lol.
I am wondering about pollination & I think extra red helps fruit development, but I can't remember what color for sure though even after all the info I looked up because I think I do to much reading so I forget stuff to often. 8P
Very nice project, thanks for the idea. I have been over thinking the design of the light fixtures I need to get on my plants.
woodturningjohn 2 days ago
do u think that grow light can hold 1 or 2 400watt hps bulbs???
smiplegrow1 3 weeks ago
@smiplegrow1 Absolutely! I used 400 watt output CFL bulbs with zero problems. Go for it! :)
Praxxus55712 3 weeks ago
They have many types of CFL bulbs cool white, soft white, & warm white so what type is best for plants?
NoobPrepper 3 weeks ago
@NoobPrepper I prefer cfls in the higher kelvin range (5,000k-6,500k), also known as daylight range cfl.
Praxxus55712 3 weeks ago
Great video! I can't wait to try and make this!
jawfourth 3 weeks ago
this is one of your first videos i watched, while i was looking for info on cfl grow lights
ju8no 1 month ago
I thought those shop light fixtures at the store were only about ten dollars?
geezerart 1 month ago
@geezerart They might be. This isn't a shop light. :)
Praxxus55712 1 month ago
instead of tape use a little bit of Heat Shrink, just need a lighter to heat it slightly and it shrinks and insulates around the wire, The best stuff for DIY projects, I use it for all my electronic builds, Amplifier, led mood lighting, custom xbox 360 fans etc etc. Its flexible but firm and long lasting plus there's not sticky residue
J3TPILOT1991 1 month ago
what colors do you pair
dogman3131 2 months ago
@dogman3131 I used to use low kelvin because they were cheap. Now I go strictly with 6,500k. Some say it will only produce leafy growth. I have fruiting tomatillos, ripening pineapple, belladonna flowering and setting fruit that prove otherwise.
Praxxus55712 2 months ago
@Praxxus55712 thanks
dogman3131 1 month ago
nice
MrMagicseeds 2 months ago
Nice. I would put either wire nuts or butt splices on wire for added safety.
misterphead 2 months ago
Very good !!
Teddybearcop48 3 months ago
very educational...thanks:)
majitu0353 3 months ago
Great stuff, going to give it a try this weekend. Thanks for all the information you put out there, it really is helpful and appreciated.
Carneysmachine78 3 months ago in playlist Gardening
What size furnace duct work? 6 inch round 8 inch round ect?
PORKY32323232 5 months ago
@PORKY32323232 Any size will work......except maybe the 6 inch. That's a tad too small. The wider the better. I used the heavy guage 8 inch but the lightweight 8 inch is better and shinier.
Praxxus55712 5 months ago
Hey Ray Those big CFLs you have how far do you keep them from your plants?
StatenIslandSlim 5 months ago
you could cap the sides with sheet metal by using tin snips to cut a few places and bending them down at 90 degrees to create flanges and use tap screws or even just metal tape. you would have to have tin snips and other hvac tools though. Also I think getting some white paint on there would really increase the reflection of light wouldn't it?
shtzcreek 5 months ago
@achzdck Nothing says "fun" quite like a good old fashioned electrocution. :)
Thanks for the tip.
Praxxus55712 5 months ago
There is a company called EasyGrow that makes some excellent reflective screen. You could drape some over that light housing and it will reflect all that light leaking out of the sides of your setup.
r3bol 6 months ago
Do you happen to have a design or idea to put metal on the ends? I noticed a lot of light was escaping through the sides of your fixture, and even if that extra light isn't important, it would be nice not to be blinded when you walk by. (I have a tendency to glance at bright shiny objects.)
DIYaquarist 6 months ago
@DIYaquarist I would just hang foil at the ends. It's easy to do and costs practically nothing. Plus it can be removed if you ever need to put plants past the ends of the fixture.
Praxxus55712 6 months ago
Hey do you use these fixtures with your new bulbs can you do a video on your setup?
StatenIslandSlim 6 months ago
@StatenIslandSlim I use this fixture and another I built. I modified it just a tiny bit via adding a mini fan to keep it cool with the massively stronger light bulbs. I'll mention it in a future video.
Praxxus55712 6 months ago
like a car with on rims a 2 b lol
MrParishbaby 6 months ago
i plant to grow up too 20 palnts how many watts do i need i know u said u get your bulbs at a web site but need to set up A.S.AP!!! so wat size c.f.ls do i need and were can i pick up today!!?????all will help!!
artyart510 7 months ago
@artyart510 Get some 100-150 watt cfl bulbs at walmart
Praxxus55712 7 months ago
Most of the plants I grow need HPS,and MH.Where,if you know,can someone get these lights to use in your system at a good price?
2jcalex 7 months ago
@2jcalex I get my bulbs from 1000bulbs . com.
They have both of those as well as cfl. The prices are pretty amazing and the shipping is fast and discreet.
Praxxus55712 7 months ago
@Praxxus55712
I hope these bulbs are American made.I refuse to use the "TOXIC" bulbs (cfi) made in China.I prefer that my money remain in my country,and not be used to build weapons to use against me.
2jcalex 7 months ago
@2jcalex
OMG!! you're growing weed!!
I'm telling the FEDs!!
pseudonominous 7 months ago
Hey Ray,
The only double bulb sockets I could find at Home Depot and Lowe's have a copper grounding wire (I think) coming out of them. What am I supposed to do with that, attach it to the aluminum with a screw or nail? If I do nothing with that wire, do I risk electrocution or a fire? I am so stoked to building one of these!!
grrson 8 months ago
@grrson The grounding wire is easy to deal with. Drill a small hole next to the hole by where the socket attaches to the fixture. Insert a small screw. Attach the wire to the fixture via the screw. Now it's perfectly grounded and safe! :)
ps: Or just snip it off. No big deal.
Praxxus55712 8 months ago
Hey Ray - I'm wondering if a UVA/UVB or a full spectrum bulb works better than just regular lights? What is your experience?
crochunter627 8 months ago
@crochunter627 I've never used Ultra Violet bulbs but I am getting in a half dozen 6500K Full Spectrum Daylight CFL bulbs for basement growing. So far all I've used is 2,700k-3,400k. I heard the 6,500 is phenominally better. I gotta see for myself.
Praxxus55712 8 months ago
@Praxxus55712 Sounds like the full-spectrum might be better than UVB - I have UVB lights that i used for my turtles when i had them, but they went off to other homes. Thanks for the advice.
crochunter627 8 months ago
This video was absolutely awesome, thank you for sharing.
JesusIsLoveToMe 9 months ago
Good job... and nicely constructed! Definitely will be making a couple of these
gomez4855 9 months ago
excellent video bro
HogThrottle 9 months ago
you say its not for beauty but you clearly did a good job in the video, just give it a bit of innovation and im sure you could do a bit "cleaner" if you really wanted, but no need, this is perfect
dramey03 9 months ago
for those like me who cant find the light sockets like in this video, i just used regular ceiling mounted lamps for 2 bucks from home depot
dramey03 9 months ago
i like your use of the rods. thats a good idea
dramey03 9 months ago
advice from someone who has done this also, drill the pilot hole just like him with the smallest bit first
it will be MUCH easier and less hassle
dramey03 9 months ago
this is exactly what ive been looking to do, awesome job..but say i would wanna put about 6 lights totaling around 260 watts and instead use the y splitters how would i go about it...also would it be wise for me to use a heavy duty power cord...and also is that metal sheet sharp..
itzjustme2007 9 months ago
@itzjustme2007 Most hardware stores sell a screw in Y splitter for around a buck each. Just scew one into the socket and you're all set. Adjust the width of the fixture to accomodate the extra bulbs by adjusting out the nuts on the threaded rods. The sheet metal isn't really that sharp at all. Have fun! :)
Praxxus55712 9 months ago
What a great video !! Thanks for sharing this idea and all your other amazing tips with us Ray.. You have rejuvenated the the long dormant planter in me !! I am trying it again thanks to you!! Northern Mn has a rough grow season but with your tips i was a wee bit hopeful this year !! Ps . i dont blame you for running south ...but will miss you being in the same cold arctic zone as me.. I figured i would watch you for when it is safe to plant ...Thanks for wrecking that idea =P
badluckbug 9 months ago
@badluckbug Well I'll only be a little further south than I am now. I'll be in southern Minnesota..........if....IF my real estate agent gets off her butt and gets this deal done. grrrrr!!
Praxxus55712 9 months ago
@Praxxus55712 Don't pretend that its not far....So amazing how just a few hours travel will take you to a whole new planting zone.... YOU will now have an extra 2 weeks in spring and then in the fall ..I heard you (the Gardening Guru,the Tomato King) say that ..=P...But i guess it gives me a 2 week warning when you start ...seeds and plantings !! I am a slacker so that might actually work to my advantage...LOL
badluckbug 9 months ago
Would it be worth buffing the inside with brasso or is that frosted reflection better at even light distribution?
dropfry 10 months ago
Thanks a bunch for making this video. :3
T4ffer 10 months ago
thanks man, Im going to make 2 deluxes for my 5 tomatoe plants im going to be growing this summer in my apartment. I hope to make a video this summer about it. thanks again for the tip, Blair
Tubber222 11 months ago
dude, great reflector....you should cut a small pc fan in the middle facing upwards to help with the heat
WhnEvilStrks 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
you guys inspired me to make my own grow box!! i have a question though, do you think it'd be okay if i kept it in my furnace room (small room)?? and also whats the deal with a fan.. ? do i need one or is it optional ?
livelaughgro 11 months ago
I just made my second light fixture using your plan. After I re-potted my seedlings I found I was out of room! I couldn't find the light fixture by itself, so I had to buy the cheapest ceiling mounted light fixture I could find. They were about $ 5 each. I hope I can find some elsewhere or maybe even at garage sales this spring/ summer!
HaslarHouse 11 months ago
i like it just as much as my silver wing fixture that costed me 59 bucks
waylan3 11 months ago
Urgh.. can't find those light fittings anywhere in OZ... frustrating.. I want a double!
Watsamadoing 1 year ago
i posted a video response on how to make a cheap small greenhouse for the small sprouts that you have started indoors just before the proper planting season. I thought it was relevant.
GodShrimp 1 year ago
great video! ever thought of putting multiple double light fixtures under the hood?
petersenjason 1 year ago
How wide do you usually have it adjusted out?
loomisman00 1 year ago
@loomisman00 Exactly 16 inches seems to work best for me. Wider would give a larger area of light. I don't need ot so wide for my uses though. It's totally adjustable to your needs! :)
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
whats is the tube called again?
nearthecity 1 year ago
@nearthecity It's a metal heating duct.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
This is a wonderfull project... I cant find the double sided light fixture, I tryed Home Depot. Where did you purchase yours?
IIfaced 1 year ago
@IIfaced I used leftover fixtures that I recycled from ones that I replaced in my home. Menards should have them. They have a great electrical section. I'm surprised Lowes didn't have them. They'd be in the lamp socket and electrical misc aisle for a couple bucks.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
Ray, what distance should the light fixture be from the plants/seedlings?
loomisman00 1 year ago
@loomisman00 I like to have mine around a foot above the seedlings. It's pretty much impossible to harm them by putting it extra close.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
Is the metal duct 6" or 8" in diameter?
ngot74 1 year ago
@ngot74 I used the 8" sturdy duct pipe.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
So can this light fixture and bulb combo be used throughout the growth stage as well, or does this only work well for seedlings? I am having to move my garden indoors because between the neighbors cats (and mine) the squirrels and birds my garden doesn't stand a chance. So this year Im going indoors I am looking forward to a year round salsa garden and more of course...Thanks for the great video!
MichaelIanHenry 1 year ago
@MichaelIanHenry I'm using mine for seedlings as well as full gorwn plants. It's a great suppliment to window sunlight.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
isent that fixture made for 250v and u are pluging it in to a 120v outlet they are spose to be hard wired are u shure theres no fire hazerd
natedogsmokesup 1 year ago
@natedogsmokesup No, it's 110v. It's not supposed to be hardwired. It's portable.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
Good use of resources,
But, you need to use the Wire nuts to connect the wires. I create a mechanical bond when it is twisted together with the wires. Plus it is a stress point as well. This point will heat up just because of the electrical energy (electricity) running thru the wires. Just using electrical tape will fail eventually.
I work in Fire Prevention…..
timbeverly192617 1 year ago
around how much did that cost you? cuase i want to make like 2 or 3 of those! and i want the 200W lights, how mush would you say it would cost?
MIgardener 1 year ago
@MIgardener The cost breakdown is in the description for the basic vs deluxe. I built the deluxe. I used 200 watt cfl bulbs. Those ran me around 24.99 each at Walmart. The fixture really does work wonders on the seedlings!
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
THUMBS UP IF IT SOUNDED LIKE HE HURT HIMSELF AT 6:10
SuperPoloGang 1 year ago
remember this is not rocket science this is a homeade light fixture!!!!!!!
SuperPoloGang 1 year ago
THANKS MAN!WORKS GOOD.
bigmac121674 1 year ago
Thanks for this video! I saw SleestaksRule's video as well but I followed this one well cuz I just liked it better. I got all the materials today and built mine tonight. You're right, it was very easy. I only tripped a fuse once. LOL. Terrified my dog with all the noise though. *She only likes noise that she's making* Anyway, I can't wait to see how my seeds like it.
redherringbone 1 year ago
That was informative and enjoyable to watch, thank you. I want to build something like this for starting pepper & tomato seeds indoors this year. It seems like my tomatoes always end up being very stemmy from not getting enough light. Hopefully this will solve that problem.
rynox77 1 year ago
Very creative.
MbTurner1977 1 year ago
This is a fascinating project, and I'm eager to try it. When you refer to a 100 watt fluorescent bulb, are you referring to an actual 100 watt bulb, or to a 24 watt fluorescent bulb which is labeled as putting out as much light as a 100 watt incandescent bulb?
MoneyDummy 1 year ago
This is a fascinating project, and I'm eager to try it. When you refer to a 100 watt fluorescent bulb, are you referring to an actual 100 watt bulb, or to a 24 watt fluorescent bulb which is labeled as putting out as much light as a 100 watt incandescent bulb?
MoneyDummy 1 year ago
@MoneyDummy I meant output. Sorry I forgot to mention that. It would be fun to see how a 100 watt usage (400 watt output) bulb would work in that fixture! LOL It'd be like living next to the sun. :)
ps: I think my plants wouldn't mind.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
@Praxxus55712
Thanks! That's what I guessed, but I wasn't sure because the price you cited for the lights was much higher than the prices I'm used to seeing for standard 100-watt output fluorescent bulbs. This leads me to my second question (as I mooch off your experience and willingness to chat): are these special fluorescent bulbs, or just the plain ol' hundred-watt output kind ya get from Wal-Mart?
PS: I dreamed of chicken wire compost bins last night.
MoneyDummy 1 year ago
@MoneyDummy I messed up the price of the bulbs I guess. oops! lol. They're just the cheapo CFL bulbs from Wal-Mart. I upgraded to the 200w output bulbs & holy crap what an amazing difference! The 100w are great for general lighting & if you can have the fixture close to the tops of the plants. I have various sized plants with different light needs, so the 200 watt work better for me.
ps: Your dream means your chicken will kill you in your sleep tomorrow night. My condolences. :(
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
@Praxxus55712 Yes! If I'm going to be killed by MY chickens tonight, then that means that within the next eight hours, 75% of my neighbors within a 400 yard radius will approve my OWNING chickens. Hoodalollee!
MoneyDummy 1 year ago
get yourself a drill press <3
mywootgarden 1 year ago
@mywootgarden Yes, absolutely. Another tool to kill myself with. That's exactly what I need! LOL
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
Light completed! Thanks so much. It was super easy, and my plants are super happy!
ahavahfarm 1 year ago
Hey Ray, Love all your videos, honesty, and great sense of humor. I'm picking up the supplies while in town today, and my wife and I are gonna make it today! Thanks. It's really gonna help our lettuces, and brassica plants we're growing indoors over this cold Colorado winter.
Peace
ahavahfarm 1 year ago
well, I am sorry for the typing mistakes, they are lot, I didn't check before posting :o)
kalidabod 1 year ago
Well, very nice.
I read in several place in the Internet & watched videos here in YouTube about the how efficient LED light can compared to other types of lights. Plants canopy can absorb more lights from LEDs especially that you can use mix of color (Red & Blue and sometimes Green), and they live very long, they don't emit heat, they rlight, and consume much letter power.
The only problem is that they need a lot more work to assemble using DIY approach and the efficiency is still questionable.
kalidabod 1 year ago
Thanks for the vid Ray! Much appreciated!
zombie450 1 year ago
Is it just me or is the comment section messed up?
techdude1876 1 year ago
Great video Ray, you are very ingenious!
siddebaser 1 year ago
@Praxxus55712
What can I use as a reflector. I can't seem to find a suitable duct.
techdude1876 1 year ago
Ray, what diameter was that stove pipe ?
I3addogy 1 year ago
@I3addogy I think it's 8".
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
I like this. I am going to try to make one too.
srkuhr 1 year ago
Wow that was really enjoyable. I'm not sure if we have all of those components here in OZ but i'm certainly going to be making one of those for my winter gardening in 6 months or so.. Lucky we have a spare room ;) You're a champ Ray! Keep em coming...
Watsamadoing 1 year ago
why is this better than a simple off the shelf floro tube?
preparedchipmunk 1 year ago
@preparedchipmunk From my experience and perspective, I prefer this fivture to the off the shelf long bulb fixtures. This one is adjustable focus of light, higher reflective fixture, adjustable wattage, no fixture ballast to burn out. It's a personal preference I guess. :)
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
@Praxxus55712 a floro tube doesnt put out as many lumens or watts. Trust me you'll get way better results with the cfl's (spiral bulbs)
Brndon076 1 year ago
Awesome job as always. You were reading my mind. This is what I need. I have been researching growing lights and they have been in the 100s and this is something that I could do myself. Thanks Thanks Thanks.
praterclp 1 year ago
Great video. Will this light work for growing berries also? Please let me know. Thanks!
Cairokmt 1 year ago
@Cairokmt It'll work for growing any plant. :)
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
Great video. Will this light work for growing berries also?
Cairokmt 1 year ago
Thanks great project with great benefits..
barnett1129 1 year ago
as an electrician I recomend>>atleast<< the wirenuts...tape does not provide a mechanical connection..if the tape gets loose and/or the connection comes loose and touches this home-made shroud...what would happen when you grab it ?? the wirenuts provide a considerable safety feature,,thats what they are for
stymye 1 year ago
Nice, was wondering what kind of stuff you were going to film during the winter : )
Helioforge 1 year ago
@Helioforge Cookies are coming up. Updates on indoor plants throughout the winter. Possibly some seed exchange videos if I can work a deal with a seed wholesaler. Quite possibly a rant or two if I get buggy in the winter. :)
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
Excellent video, along with proven results to keep growing stuff all winter. That's good stuff Ray. I'm inspired to get on this more.
omegahpla 1 year ago
Dont forget those compact florescent bulbs have mercury in them. I hope soon that these toxic bulbs will be banned. Only use these bulbs if you have no other alternative. I myself live in a very cold climate in the Winter, but I am still able to grow food by the way of a green house and window sills. making a green house isn't to expensive trust me.
cantgetright1111 1 year ago
I like it and I may try this. One quibble - the wire splices. Twisting & taping will probably work but it's really bad practice. Better to use wire nuts or solder.
MightyCarnac 1 year ago
NICE! I didn't think of using a stove pipe! Are you in your new house in this video??
jihadacadien 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I would like to see the setting where you used, what kind of plants? how far from them? for how long?
josejrosas 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I would like to see the setting where you used, what kind of plants? how far from them? for how long?
josejrosas 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I would like to see the setting where you used, what kind of plants? how far from them? for how long?
josejrosas 1 year ago
Comment removed
josejrosas 1 year ago
Ray, you're so cool. Now I can make my own light fixture. Thank you.
LaoSoftware 1 year ago
I just had a flash forward of my neighbors calling the cops for my "grow lights" LOL...Last summer when we got the chickens we caught the lady ACROSS THE STREET peeking through our next door neighbors bushes to see what we were doing!!!LOL!!! She'd freak over this!! I can't wait to move out of suburban hell!!!
bearlysceneranch 1 year ago
Great Tool Time-- An idea-- I use plastic flower pots and put the socket inside and run wire through to bottom then line it with foil and use energy savers. Don't have to drill if hole is in center. I hurt myself around tools Always look forward 2 your vids
kimianne123 1 year ago
130th video.
techdude1876 1 year ago
Great idea!
I wonder how long before that galv turns dull, I may try it with some clear paint.
gregalot200 1 year ago
great video ray..i can't wait to get my own place and this would be a great thing to make..can't wait...
jermee2001 1 year ago
Great video, I will have to try this, wish I saw it sooner so I could save a cutting of my tomatoes. I don't have a good window facing south to grow indoors.
MegaShaytardfan 1 year ago
Nice video! Very cool project.
jakearick 1 year ago
next week Praxxus will show you how to grow hydroponically..........i wonder what else he is growing hmmmmmmmmmmm lol
PHENOM880 1 year ago
nice little fixture.....i would advise you use the wire nuts however
PHENOM880 1 year ago
also one thing you should do before you assemble it (this isnt a joke even though it seems like it) melt a bar of chocolate on the inside of the metal sheet, and polish the sheet with a cloth covered in chocolate, then wash it off with water, dry it and assemble it. For some reason chocolate is Amazing at polishing metal, and will allow for even more light to be reflected onto your plants
connjamm 1 year ago
Excellent video demonstation, Ray! Ive been using those light fixtures they use on cars that clamp on...but this seems to fit the plants better and illuminate better.
I just wish I had more room in the house to put all the plants..my tomatoes are still getting long and spindly even tho I keep taking off the growing tip..sure wish u were here to do that first "haircut" , I just dont have the nerve, lol..its like trying to cut your own baby's umbilical cord..your scared your gonna kill it! haha
kokonutbaby1 1 year ago
hey ray, great video im definitely going to make one. But you should put a disclaimer at the beginning of this video because if people are morons and do the wiring incorrectly and burn their house down, its a liability to you, just a suggestion
connjamm 1 year ago
@connjamm yeah I agree with that one...
Watsamadoing 1 year ago
Very good info! I will make a couple and start growing indoors.You said they were very light when finished, why do you think they call them light fixtures!
ceadeses 1 year ago
Very good info! I will make a couple and start growing indoors.
ceadeses 1 year ago
Neat. I made a couple very similar fixtures last year from a video by SleestaksRule and used them for seed starting. I can attest to the fact that they work great. Check out his channel for some tips on the kind of bulbs to use.
Regards, Gary
garygardens 1 year ago 4
that is vary nice i would not of thout of it that way but that is simple
leopardgarden1 1 year ago
Neat light fixture...how close do you have to keep them to the plants?
michiganmadmax 1 year ago
I grew cherry tomatoes from last December all through the year indoors under my 400 watt fixture. I cant tell you how many pounds of plant I had to continually trim and bend back down from the ceiling. The plant still lives and I've taken cuttings as well, rooting them now. Indoor growing produces quite well year round... and of course.. FRESH vegetables even in the dead of winter is hard to put a price on.
tvtoms 1 year ago 2
@tvtoms Perfectly said! I look over at the blooming rose bush, out of control grapevine and ripening tomatoes and it keeps me sane all during the winter when the snow is piling up outside like the next ice age. :)
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
Ray that is the BRILLENT work i need to do some work now hahaha
southfinest2541 1 year ago
Great video Ray!
Wraith99 1 year ago
Listen Ray, how could you make a video like this and not wear one of those tool belts? ... that's just wrong.... you had the perfect excuse for it...
Greengate777 1 year ago
@Greengate777 I know! I really shoulda done a Home Improvement style video. After I move and get a work shop, I'll get a hard hat, goggles and toolbelt for these videos. lol
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
@Praxxus55712 Don't forget the oversized thick leather gloves to copper the effect : )
omegahpla 1 year ago
Now I really want to see you grow those awesome peppers and tomatoes using just the light fixture with no sunlight supplementing.
phantomcreamer 1 year ago
Hmmm, not only a grow light but maybe it could be useful as a makeshift light box for people with SAD.
c140075 1 year ago
That's clever
jasonmushersee 1 year ago
Cool idea! So you use regular compact fluorescent bulbs, not grow lights, and it still works OK for the plants?
mediamaker2000 1 year ago
@mediamaker2000 Yep, they work fine.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
@mediamaker2000 Look for Daylight 6500k on the package. Alot of the General Purpose are 2700k.
Disclaimer:
I'm still new to plants. But got a little experience with growing some underwater(fish aquariums). And around 6500k was good for that.
AlmightyJerk 1 year ago
Pretty cool engineering!
SlackJones1 1 year ago
looks like i have a new project for the weekend! looks super easy!
strflyr78 1 year ago
I would think that you would want to use full spectrum bulbs.
bowlerguy219 1 year ago
@bowlerguy219 Can you expand on your comment? What are the benefits of using a full spectrum bulb vs compact florecent?
Emsworker68 1 year ago
@bowlerguy219 The regular cheapo CFL bulbs have always worked fine for me. Sometimes I honestly wonder how I mange to do so well when I know so little about the workings of what I do. lol
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
@Praxxus55712 I've got like 15 4 tube florescent fixtures I need to put together, reptile lights with high UV, I've done research on optimal light spectrum in certain stages, BUT my plants are on a table in front of the southern facing window without light, lol.
I am wondering about pollination & I think extra red helps fruit development, but I can't remember what color for sure though even after all the info I looked up because I think I do to much reading so I forget stuff to often. 8P
omegahpla 1 year ago
I like the rods idea, much more sturdy.
SleestaksRule 1 year ago