Do I Need A Light Reflector

[noodles]

as per the title, I know the reflector is curved so might reflect a bit more light, but will it really make much difference?

 

[Rooster]

Commercial reflectors are more or less mirrors, so all the light from the "back" of the tube gets sent back to the "front" and into the tank, so effectively you double the light output when compared to and open top, but as you are using a hood, a lot of it will be reflected back anyhow.... BUT as they only cost a few quid I wouldnt run without them !

 

[Underwurlde]

Silver painted / tin foil & the such like would actually scatter the light and are therefore pretty much useless.

Always use a proper reflector, otherwise your lights are only achieving (sp - god I hate that word) 50% (ish) capability.

Andy

 

[noodles]

Silver painted / tin foil & the such like would actually scatter the light and are therefore pretty much useless.

Always use a proper reflector, otherwise your lights are only achieving (sp - god I hate that word) 50% (ish) capability.

Andy

fair enough, right will go buy one! Cheers for the advice.