CFL Light Intensity Question...

[thex420]

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 ?

thex420 Reviewed by thex420 on 10-23-2007. CFL Light Intensity Question... 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 ? Rating: 5

[Opie Yutts]

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.

[CannabisCarl2134]

Cut some beer bottles in half and use them for reflectors. is that way your saying? Im so high...hope it helped haha

[growbe]

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?

[420tea]

HAHAHAHAHA he said bottles. quick get the glass cutting diamond blade McGuyver!

[thex420]

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.

[Opie Yutts]

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.

[EXP13]

I don't know exactly how to explain my question,

Does anyone know ?

lol, I know exactly how to answer your question though. :smokin:


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.

[Opie Yutts]

Fluorescent lights are all the same...

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...

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.

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.

[EXP13]

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.

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:

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.