Reflectors - Double Wattage?

[Luke_e]

I was looking at some reflectors the other day and it states it doubles the wattage of lights via reflection. Is this true or is it just a way to get people to buy them?

 

[George Farmer]

They increase intensity. Obviously the power consumption (Wattage) of the lamp remains the same.

By how much intensity depends on the efficiency of the reflector - no reflector is 100% efficient due to re-strike i.e. light constantly bouncing back and forth between the tube and the reflector i.e. not toward the plants. This is why tin-foil and other DIY efforts are next to useless.

Juwel and Arcadia reflectors are good IME.

 

[digimac]

Ive got the arcadia ones on both my tubes and they do make a decent difference IMHO

 

[Luke_e]

Yea, i should of made it more clear, i knew the wattage i.e power consumption doesnt increase but thanks for mentioning it .

Would it mean that they double the intensity of the light, i.e if i have two 18w tubes i'll have the intensity of four 18w tubes (or just under as you state, they arent 100% efficient).

 

[George Farmer]

A good reflector will reflect most of the tube's light output downward, as for a % figure I have no idea. Keeping the reflectors scrupiously clean will help - window cleaner is great.

Any planted tank owner should have decent reflectors, they are the cheapest and easiest way to get more light.

 

[Luke_e]

Ok, cheers Gf225.