It's not the reflector making the area warm, it's the bulb.

The reflector is going to directionalize the light downward toward the plant. Kind like a lamp shade...

I say keep the reflector in there and figure out a way to remove the heat, not just recirculate it.

Cheers,
Bob.
BobBong Reviewed by BobBong on . taking reflector off -ok?? its getting pretty warm over here. im using a closet with 250HID and one NL Fem in soil. the plant is growing quick. 4 weeks now and into the 12/12. the reflector makes things pretty hot...can I take it off? its a straight up ( bulb....not horizontal. Thanks! Rating: 5