Thanks for the questions,
oldhat. I keep light blocking in mind as I use the sticks. I adjust branches and leaves and, usually, place sticks at least three inches below a growing tip.
The training sticks are 1/4" diameter and the separator sticks are 3/8". I would use smaller diameter sticks if available. I don't believe these sticks cast much of a shadow. Sticks are placed below the growing tip and do not shadow the plants.
How much shadow could they cast? The two or three separator sticks are negligible. At the very most there is one 1/4" training stick per 1.5" link. That would be at most 1/6 of the area that could potentially be blocked or shadowed. That might be significant if all the sticks were placed and if they were placed above the growing area.
All sticks are not placed. Most are placed below the growing tips. Most of the sticks from the first (lower) training level are gone. They cast no shadow.
Many of the sticks at the top level could be removed as they were placed for 'fine tuning' and to emphasize the screen nature of the training environment.
Here are some ideas for smaller diameter sticks:
- cheap fiberglass or bamboo sport fishing rods;
- fiberglass bicycle flag poles if they have a smaller diameter;
- expensive transparent glass or plastic rods;
- network cable fish-rods;
- string or twine threaded from front chain to back chain with the center separated by any of the other types of sticks (I guess that this one is actually ScrOG);
- heavy guage wire as used in white plastic coated closet shelving.
Your questions are good and well taken. I keep light blocking in mind as I train. I suggest that one use all sticks sparingly. I use more than necessary because I am demonstrating and experimenting. And, frankly, don't believe they block significant light.
Thanks again for the questions.