cfl reflector

[ITHURTZ]

http://www.1000bulbs.com/Aluminum-Re...Options/31283/

How well would these work on spiral bulbs? Im trying to find some good reflectors for my 6 cfl's in that price range. Do i want wide, short, long narrow?

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?

 

[kjfan1]

Interested to see how this turns out I am planning on something similar really soon!

 

[ITHURTZ]

I did a quick mock up with tinfoil it does direct the light more into the tank. But still dont know which reflector to go to, I am leaning towards the dimpled looking one.

 

[JakeH]

The smooth mirror finish will give you more of a solid beam spotlight effect, while the dimpled will light a much larger area via diffusion. I would go dimpled unless you're just trying to blast one particular plant or group of plants...

 

[ITHURTZ]

I ordered 6 of the dimpled ones last night, and stepped up the bulbs from 14 watts to 19watts(75)

Next installing them into the canopy then starting with the plants.

 

[JakeH]

Sweet! Let us know how it turns out.

 

[knicks791]

what kind of cfl are you planing to use? I got this one for my 20g long with a clamp light. http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[ITHURTZ]

I using the 19watt (75equiv) day light bulbs. Stupid cause home depot had a 2$ sale on the 26watt day light bulbs. But i didnt wanna go over my current watt draw of 128.

Shop lights to CFL I still save myself 14watts so I am happy about that haha.

Reflectors should be here tmw via fedex. WOOOOOO.

Gonna have to get some silicone eventually to coat the light fixtures so the chrome dont rust and all the electrical parts will be sealed from moisture. Only put in 23hrs last week so the check aint going far. Taxes should be here shortly so I can get a move on finishing the entire tank.

Ill update tmw of the package and post some pics

 

[ITHURTZ]

They came woooo. For $2.55 ea I think its a GREAT deal. They are not mounted on the tank yet I was just messing around. Perhaps 1-2 weeks they will be mounted. Then onto the testing plant phase.

The reflectors are from 1000bulbs.com Product#: EM-R40SR

Installed (taped) on the vanity light

Without reflector on floor

With reflector on floor ( it was angled a little lower than the other side oops, but man is it brighter)

Head on with reflectors and flash on

naked bulb vs bulb and reflector sizing difference

330gal shop light pic

Shop light off

3 19watt CFL's with reflectors

There is def a increase of brightness, but less coverage front to back and the far edges. Kinda expected when the tank is almost 3' front to back with only 3 bulbs per 8 feet. I think it will work out just fine Worst case I just stick 1 more bulb in the middle of the tank to even it out.

 

[JakeH]

Dude that looks awesome! So bright the fish ran away! HA! The coolest thing about that setup is that you can add another couple hundred lumens anytime you want just by upgrading to $4 23w CFL's. BTW, those reflectors are sooooo much better & more efficient than my cheapie clamp-light reflectors from Lowe's... Mine dont collect or direct the light nearly as well.