Cannabis Fact Contributed by:
Green Tao
Cannabis Tip Submitted: 03-31-2011
In a shop light type fixture, the bulbs are usually
space a few inches apart. This type of reflector
creates light "stripes" when used close to the plants.
The hood on a shop light helps to widen the light by
reflecting the light coming from the top of the bulb.
When you use this style reflector the light never
leaves the top the bulb, instead its reflected back
through the bulbs and sent out the front. If you doubt
this works check with any aquarium shop and ask
them.
The foil reflector:when you want the bulbs
close to one another.
OK, all you need is a bulb and some 2 ©
wide foil tape. Now, cut the tape so it is a couple of
inches shorter than the bulb. This is for two reasons.
First, the bulbs get hottest on the ends (heat can make
the glue release and the ends of the tape will pull up).
Second, it keeps the conductive foil away from the power
at the end.
Before you start Sticking the tape on, make SURE you have
the bulb laying where the pins are horizontal to the
floor. If your pins lock at an angle in the fixture, make
appropriate compensations.
* Make sure you get the tape oriented with the correct
florescent pin position when installed!*
Now start the tape
about an inch from an end, and let the center on the tape
Stick to the very top the bulb. Keeping the tape
straight, slowly run it down to the end. Tear off any
excess at the end before Sticking it past the last inch.
Be sure to keep tension on the tape as you lay it - it
helps to keeps the tape straight and centered (stops
wrinkles).
Now that the center of the tape is stuck, start at the
middle of the bulb and slowly make the tape touch a
little more from the center out so that the tape is
starting to take shape of the bulb. Work from the middle
to end of the bulb. Don't try to get all the tape to
Stick in one try. The tape will not lift once set in
place.
Note:trying to stretch a full length of foil tape and
trying to lay it all-at-once onto the bulb is extremely
difficult; if the tape touches anything it'll Stick hard,
and it tends to curl when you peel off the backing.
The results:
I took a comparison
picture. The taped bulb is brighter and the light is
focused downward. You still have some side lighting but
as you can tell it is much less. The last picture is of a
bulb that is over 30 days old and it shows no sign of
phosphorous burning, stress or damage.
Using this technique you can literally create a wall of
light. Floro's are not known for their power, so be sure
to get all the light you can get out of them.
Editors Note: If your foil tape doesn't have clear
adhesive, mylar can be used in it's place.
