The details of a build make all the difference when you think about the life of ownership of a product.

Here is a pertinent analogy that I use with my friends.

I recently started restoring a vintage bicycle. I rode a 1970s fuji in San Francisco for a while, loved it, and wanted to get my kids into the fundamentals of bicycle ownership so I invested in a vintage bike that will last me for the rest of my life.

My bike has a best-in-class solid steel frame and is bulletproof…just like Grow Glide’s racking structure that is made with 2mm steel and is 33% thicker than the next best alternative.

My wheels are true, have very low rolling resistance, and allow me to roll at high speeds with minimal effort… just like Grow Glides galvanized and zinc-coated wheels purpose-built for cultivation allow you to move canopy with a single finger.

My hubs and gearset work great and allow me to climb to new heights out on the road…similar to Grow Glide’s modular design, access decking, and ladders allow you to go higher with more efficient use of labor.

My wife insisted that I upgrade the brakes on my bike and I feel confident that whoever takes it for a spin will appreciate the stopping power. Safety first right? Grow Glide also wants you to safely maneuver through your garden with safety features like our safety gates, locking drive box, rubber bumpers and stoppers, anti-tip tracks, and fan guards.

Then the time came to buy new tires and I began to realize the power of the statement “when the rubber meets the road”. This is the only contact point for the bike and the road and I wanted to make sure I was making the right investment. At first, I thought tires were rubber and as long as they fit I won’t notice a difference…but I was wrong. There are so many different compounds that make a tire, the right tire. Puncture resistance, rolling resistance, PSI, width, and tread patterns … and I started to realize how much science is involved. So I did some research, thought about how and where I would ride, and invested in something that would be low maintenance, high performance and provide incredible value for the price.

When I think about trays… this is the contact point for the plants just like tires are for the bike.

If you have read this far you are either really into bicycles or curious about the point of this article. Well, just like tires, all trays are not created equal.

Unveiling the Business Advantages of Your Trays

Fundamental tray needs are drainage, durability, and ease of cleaning, but could they provide a business advantage? This article explores some of the benefits of BLACK trays and why you should consider them for your cultivation facility.

Let’s level-set.

White trays: 

• more reflective bouncing light into the bottom canopy. This is most relevant in the first few weeks of cultivation and then when the canopy fills out the benefits are negated.
• Easier to see when they are dirty. You know if the SOP has been followed for cleaning with a simple glance into the room.
• White trays are the industry standard. But so are mids.

Black trays:

• Stronger: Less UV degradation, lasts longer, less prone to cracking.
• Heat retention: not very much but enough to change the root zone temperature from 75 to 78 degrees.
• Less algae growth.
• Root zone protection.

So why are black trays an upgrade compared to the white trays?

Black tray deep dive.

1. Energy Efficiency: Black trays can help improve energy efficiency in indoor cannabis cultivation facilities. By absorbing more heat from artificial lighting systems, black trays contribute to maintaining optimal media temperatures for root zone growth and nutrient uptake without relying on additional heating equipment like under bench heating. This can result in lower energy consumption and reduced utility costs over time.
2. Consistent Drybacks: By homogenizing root zone temperatures media will dry out at more consistent rates allowing for precision crop steering. This allows for consistent production across the entire canopy and allows advanced crop steering techniques to apply to each plant the same way. Additionally, decreased water usage can contribute to sustainability efforts and may qualify growers for incentives or certifications related to water conservation.
3. Algae Prevention, Mold Growth, and Maintenance Savings: Black trays are less prone to algae and mold growth compared to white trays due to their light-absorbing properties. As a result, growers using black trays may spend less time and money on algae and mold control measures. This can translate into savings on labor costs and reduced expenditures on cleaning supplies or equipment maintenance.
4. Improved Plant Health and Yield: The heat-absorbing nature of black trays contributes to maintaining optimal media and root zone temperatures for cannabis cultivation. Consistently appropriate temperatures can promote healthier root development, nutrient uptake,  efficacy of VPD control, and overall plant growth. With improved plant health and vigor, growers may experience higher yields per harvest, leading to increased revenue potential and profitability.
5. Long-Term Durability and Cost Savings: While initial investment costs for black trays may be comparable to those of white trays, black trays often offer greater durability and longevity. High-quality black trays made from sturdy thermoformed ABS plastic that is more UV resistant than white trays which reduces the likelihood of cracking and reduces the need for frequent replacements. Over time, this durability can result in cost savings for growers by minimizing expenses associated with tray replacement and maintenance.
6. Optimized Environmental Control: Black trays contribute to maintaining a stable and controlled environment within indoor cannabis cultivation facilities. By helping to regulate media temperatures and moisture levels, black trays support optimal growing conditions for cannabis plants throughout various stages of growth. This optimized environmental control can lead to more predictable crop cycles, reduced risks of crop loss due to environmental stressors, and ultimately, enhanced financial stability for growers.
7. White trays, by reflecting more light and heat compared to black trays, create conditions that can be favorable for mold spores to germinate and proliferate, especially if moisture levels are also high. Mold thrives in damp, humid environments, and the combination of moisture and light on white trays can provide an ideal breeding ground for mold growth.

In summary.

In summary, the financial benefits of cultivating cannabis indoors with black trays include improved energy efficiency, reduced water usage, savings on maintenance costs, higher yields, long-term durability, and optimized environmental control.

Grow Glide offers high-quality offers purpose-built superior quality black trays in 4ft wide and 5ft wide options and in 4ft, 6ft, and 8ft lengths.

By considering these factors, growers can make informed decisions regarding tray selection to maximize profitability and sustainability in their indoor cultivation operations.