Light Reflector estimates

[zabak80]

Hi guys and girls,

I bought a used 55 gal. with a 40 watt 48 inch strip light outfitted with the silver reflector kit behing the bulb. How much watts per gallon does the reflector increase the 40 watt?

[Kasakato]

Not much. Maybe 5% at most? Because white plastic still reflects 96% while metal about 98%.

[RTR]

The shape and the material both matter a lot. For PCs, the AHSupply Miro reflectors will boost the light light delivered to the tank ~40-60%. For linear fluorescents, the Spider refectors will boost tank delivery ~25-40%. Both comparisons are based on flat white pained rectangular boxes/hoods verus the shaped first-surface reflectors.