Heat Control
by /u/ekrof
A common problem with small enclosed gardens is high temperatures. Space Buckets can suffer from these problems, but there are many solutions available for high heat bucketeers. A proper lighting configuration and airflow design are essential for solving these issues.
CFL bulbs run hotter than LED alternatives
A thermometer is an indispensable tool when trying to solve heat issues. These devices are tiny, and can fit without problems inside the bucket. It is best to take more than one reading for more accurate results: the temperature will vary in the canopy and other areas of the growth chamber.
Most thermometers also include a humidity sensor, which can be an important factor in the performance of the plant. If the ambient temperature is already high, the bucket will naturally struggle with heat issues. A good strategy when dealing with high ambient temperatures is to schedule the bucket to run on the night, which is naturally colder. Electrical rates are usually cheaper during this time!
Lighting Issues
The main source of heat in any indoor garden comes from the lighting configuration. This is the disadvantage of using higher-wattage CFL bulbs: they have their ballast incorporated and inside the bucket. Going over 130w of CFL in a 5gal bucket is known to cause heat issues. Supersized builds can support a bit more, but as a general rule, between 4 and 6 CFL bulbs is the recommended limit. LED lights don't usually present heat issues, but that also depends on the particular installation. The most important thing to consider is to keep the heatsinks on the outside of the bucket. With UFO LED light, this can be achieved as simply as placing the LED on top of the lid.
Airflow Issues
Keeping the UFO on the outside of the container is better for thermal management
Most of the heating problems in a SB can be tracked back to an improper airflow configuration. The amount of ventilation needs to be proportional to the power of the main lighting, and specially so when using CFL bulbs. A minimum of 2 PC fans is recommended for 5gal builds, one exhaust and one intake. As heat rises, the exhaust works better on top of the bucket. An active intake blowing directly on the bulbs can lower their temperature drastically; for this reason, 3 PC fans are usually recommended when growing plants with bulbs. Builds with UFO LED lights don't usually have heat issues, specially if the light is kept outside of the bucket. UFOs include a fan that keeps it mostly cool. That being said, UFO buckets still need proper airflow with at least 1 PC fan for intake. Humidity issues may appear if there is poor airflow.