Aluminum reflectors for CFL

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
There is always much debate as to whether a 'dimpled' or 'smooth' finish is desirable. To date, I've seen no conclusive proof in terms of coral health as to which is more preferable. The overriding factor in all cases is how reflective the material used is. In effect, a highly polished (mirror) finish be that dimpled or smooth will reflect light away from its surface without changing its spectrum or loosing intensity. A tarnished or discoloured finish may take out, or alter certain sections of the spectrum that are required for coral growth as well as lowering overall reflective efficiency. So its advised that whatever method you use, you clean your reflectors regularly to get rid of salt creep or discolouration to maintain peak efficiency.​






Lights with reflectors which appear textured or dimpled are less bright than lights with mirror finish reflectors, but the beam is much more smooth and uniform




SO that leads me to 2 things
http://www.1000bulbs.com/Aluminum-Reflector-Options/2780/
http://www.1000bulbs.com/Aluminum-Reflector-Options/40552/


If I want "less" light butmore spread out R40ST, if I want more light in a specific area the R40........hmmmmm

So WHICH of the 2 would direct more of the light down and away from the bulb giving me more usuable light? Smooth or textured?
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This is true. Also, a dimpled surface does not reflect evenly so you get "hot spots" . There is actually much debate over this.

IF this was untrue you could use tinfoil.... (if you DO decide to tin foil it, use the dull side. I hear this side is capable of delivering 95% of lumens back to your water.

And one more thing. Bought a High Pressure Sodium (600w) ballast and bulb from these guys and had to talk to a tech to put it together. All in all 1000bulbs.com has my 100% recomendation. Great service too, aswell as a hasty shipping dept.

Everything works perfectly.

Sorry i couldnt answer more of your question.. :nilly:
 
Actually, you might get a little more spread (not noticable imo) from the lamp with 4.75 inch spread VS the 4.5 inch.

Those both will not cause hotspots. Tech. if you could smooth the foil completly flat it would reflect 100% evenly.

I would say go with the slightly larger cover.
 
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