Cool Tubes

In hydroponics, “cool tubes” are used as a component of lighting systems to help manage heat generated by high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, such as metal halide (MH) or high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. Cool tubes, also known as air-cooled reflectors or air-cooled hoods, are designed to dissipate heat efficiently, preventing it from building up in the growing environment.

The primary purpose of using cool tubes in hydroponics is to maintain optimal temperature conditions for plant growth. HID lamps produce a significant amount of heat, and if not properly managed, this heat can lead to excessive temperatures that can stress or damage plants.

Cool tubes consist of a reflective tube or hood that encloses the HID lamp and a system of ducting and fans. The cool tube is connected to an air extraction system or ventilation setup. The design allows cool air to be pulled into the tube through one end, pass over the lamp, and then exit through the other end, carrying away the heat generated by the lamp.

By channeling the air directly over the lamp and removing the heat through ventilation, cool tubes effectively reduce the temperature in the grow space. This helps to prevent heat-related issues, such as heat stress, leaf burn, or stunted growth, which can negatively impact plant health and productivity.

In addition to heat management, cool tubes also offer the benefit of improved light distribution. The reflective interior of the tube or hood helps direct and focus the light emitted by the lamp onto the plant canopy, increasing light intensity and reducing wasted light.

Overall, cool tubes are a popular choice in hydroponics to address the heat generated by HID lamps, maintain suitable temperature levels, and optimise light distribution for healthy plant growth.