Hood reflectors

Wippit Guud

Wippit Guud

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Sep 27, 2002
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PEI, Canada
Well, it was brought up, so lets get a thread about it. Some say metal reflectors are better, some say just white plastic. What do you think?

And has anyone every tried using an actual glass mirror surface?
 
Can't speak from experience but I know that thekrib.com has comparisons on this topic. I'd get the link but I'm pressed for time a.t.m. (what's new?). Also, the Aqua Mirror (polished metal) seen in some catologs reports a 99.9% reflectivity.
Hopefully the experts will comment!
 
I am wondering to about this. I added to another post also. A few years back I had some info about the reflectivity of materials in regards to indoor gardening. The mirror did not test out very well copmpared to others. The good ones were mylar, sonme metals, and surprisingly flat white paint. I don't remember the specifics, but I do remember that the difference was minimal between the top options. The shape of the reflector played a bigger part than the material used, if I remember correctly. WIth all the bulbs/materials the big thing was making sure it covered the bulb all the way down the sides to reflect all the light down. If i ever find the info(yeah right) I will pass it on. If anyone else finds anything I would like to know also.
 
Matt I'm wondering what you mean by saying the mirror didn't do as well as others. I used an extremely reflective metal reflector lately that I've been calling mirrored aluminum, not sure exactly what it is. I think it's doing a good job.
 
There's no way to beat a 'mirror finish' for reflectivity.

Having the correct angle to 'bounce' the reflected light back down into the tank is important too.
 
But remember that there is a huge difference in a metalic 'mirror finish" and a mirror. A mirror finish metal or metalicized coating is a first surface reflector - there is no penetration of light, it hits and it bounces. Mirrors are second surface reflectors - light hits, is refracted through the first surface hit, passes through the thickness of the material, hits the second surface internally and bounces back, is refracted out at the first surface again - multiple light losses there.
 
Agree with RTR. I've tried the mirror option and they don't do the job.
My first choice is the 'mirror finish'. AH lights come with beautiful reflectors. Their reflectors also come with multiple sides which adds to the bouncing affect RTR speaks of.
If I use shop lights or any other type of lighting I now go with plain white, rather than adding all the gimmicks I've tried.....and there have been a bunch of them.

Len
 
The AHS "Miro" reflectors Len mentions are the top of the line currently. The material from which they are fabricated is currently the best available, and their configuration is optimum for PCs.
 
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