[jamal6008]

Hi

I have two T8 interpet Tropical Daylight fluorescent Tubes 42" 38W. I just recently bought them to replace my old ones. They seem a lot brighter but half of the light is wasted because I have a black hood. I was wondering if its worth spending money buying a reflector? Also does it matter which make I buy?

 

[sandybottom]

reflectors help the bulb to run more efficiently.if you want a happy medium,and want to do it on the cheap,you could go the diy route.using a high gloss white paint on the inside of the hood would even help out. or you can spend a bit and get one with a mirrored finish.

 

[jamal6008]

DIY might be slightly cheaper but I can't imagine it would be a big difference. How about this Arcadia light reflector? Anyone used these before? I'm not sure how you're actually meant to attach this or if it will even fit.

 

[jamal6008]

Hi all

I just wanted to give an update on the reflectors in case someone else is looking to purchase these. I just fitted them on my lights and they are really easy to fit, fully adjustable so you can change the angle depending on how you want the light to be reflected.

I don't have any tools to measure the light intensity but just visually it looks much brighter. I have a positive feeling that these were worth buying.

 

[dancelady]

How much did they cost, as I am getting more plants

Because the new plants may need a bit more light, I am interested in how much the reflectors you bought cost. I have a 20G tank, so any idea roughly the price to buy? Can one fit some shiny aluminum over the black hood where the fluorescent bulb is situated -- DIY?

 

[sandybottom]

Because the new plants may need a bit more light, I am interested in how much the reflectors you bought cost. I have a 20G tank, so any idea roughly the price to buy? Can one fit some shiny aluminum over the black hood where the fluorescent bulb is situated -- DIY?

if you are going diy,use flat metal and not crinkled up aluminum foil.if the foil gets bends or creases in it it becomes a light diffuser and not a good reflective surface.

 

[jamal6008]

Because the new plants may need a bit more light, I am interested in how much the reflectors you bought cost. I have a 20G tank, so any idea roughly the price to buy? Can one fit some shiny aluminum over the black hood where the fluorescent bulb is situated -- DIY?

I presume you live in US so the currency would be different. I bought 42" reflector for £13 each. They are expensive but its something you only buy once and I am happy with it so far. You can try and go DIY route so that could be cheaper. Good thing about this reflector is that it does not only cover the back. It also kind of covers the sides. You can adjust it to stop light being wasted on sides.