Printable View
Does anyone know the optimum positioning of a CFL. What I mean is, does a CFL's light intensity radiate parallel to the bulb (inline with the coil) or perpendicular to the coil. I don't know exactly how to explain my question, but I do not know if I should align my bulbs so that they point at my plants, downward vertically, or if they should be aligned so that they point outward, horizontally.
Does anyone know ?
I'm not sure with those coiled ones, but I would certainly get one of those cheap reflectors with clip thingees. That would solve the problem and use the light more efficiently.
My guess would be pointing down.
Cut some beer bottles in half and use them for reflectors. is that way your saying? Im so high...hope it helped haha
I hope you mean cans?:DQuote:
Originally Posted by CannabisCarl2134
HAHAHAHAHA he said bottles. quick get the glass cutting diamond blade McGuyver!
lol yea, im hoping you meant cans too, im going to try placing them horizontal in plastic tubs. ill get pics up when i have it done.
aluminum cans will most likely bounce the light back and forth in the can, and any that can get out will shine straight down, and not out at a cone shape that is desired. Just look at how reflectors are designed, and make something like that out of thin sheet metal or mylar covered plywood or something. Just 1/4" plywood painted flat white would do a good job.
Show me the plastic tubs you speak of.
lol, I know exactly how to answer your question though. :smokin:Quote:
Originally Posted by thex420
Here's the deal.
Fluorescent lights are all the same. They are a tube filled with pressurized gas that gets excited easily. The light generated from this shines out in absolute infinite direction. Meaning if the tube is round, it's shining out in all 360* of the tube, all the way down it. This is why the WHOLE tube glows...
The CFLs are EXACTLY the same. The only difference is they are smaller tubes which are coiled to achieve a better space to light ratio.
With almost any light, the only way to effectively "direct" the light is to have a non-spongey reflective surface OPPOSITE the side you want the light to affect and EVERYWHERE you want the light NOT to go...
I suggest MYLAR and some creativity.
Of course fluoros are not all the same, but yes they in general use the same technology. There are hundreds of types of fluoros, and many of them are mostly useless for growing.Quote:
Originally Posted by EXP13
What a cool way of describing how a reflector should be designed. I never heard it put quite like that, and what a surprise, it makes perfect sense. Have a little rep.
Heh, thanks. :jointsmile:Quote:
Originally Posted by Opie Yutts
Well yes, of course, not all fluorescent lights are "the same" so to speak but they all operate exactly the same, at least to my knowledge. Even on different ballasts. (electronic or magnetic.)
Thanks for the clarification man..lol.