Reflective material?

[exhashsmoker]

Ok I have read a lot of threads and seen a lot of pics of different methods. Sounds to me like mylar is the best but I can't get my hands on any.

What is second best? My closet is bright white and kind of glossy (not matt) will this work well? (I plan on growing lowryder and using 6 20w - 42w cfls 3 warm white, 3 cool white)

If you dont think the closet colour is already sufficient would the white backing from posters work well? Or would the dull side of aluminum(tin) foil work well if I put it up really carefully so its not all creased?

Any info would be great!

EX

exhashsmoker Reviewed by exhashsmoker on 03-05-2007. Reflective material? Ok I have read a lot of threads and seen a lot of pics of different methods. Sounds to me like mylar is the best but I can't get my hands on any. What is second best? My closet is bright white and kind of glossy (not matt) will this work well? (I plan on growing lowryder and using 6 20w - 42w cfls 3 warm white, 3 cool white) If you dont think the closet colour is already sufficient would the white backing from posters work well? Or would the dull side of aluminum(tin) foil work well if I Rating: 5

[orangeman]

I think your walls might be good if they are clean and fresh white. Also you can just get a credit card or write out a money order and get some mylar from here. It's where I ordered mine from.

Discount Hydroponics - Mylar & Such

[GRB.4.Life]

Mylar is the best known reflective material for reflecting "photosynthesis-ready" light. Ergo, your best option...

Don't be discouraged though, you can use FLAT white paint to achieve the next best reflective element.

What you shouldn't use is mirrors, tinfoil or other aluminum objects (big no no), any type of glossy paint, and last but not least no shiny metal plating...These types of materials/objects DO reflect light, and even some usable light but they also reflect A LOT of heat and can actually cause the light to form condensed and focused light waves (like a magnifying glass and an ant) causing "hot spots" which will burn your plant/s...

Hope that helps you make some decisions...

[xxxhazexxx]

Mylar is the best known reflective material for reflecting "photosynthesis-ready" light. Ergo, your best option...

Don't be discouraged though, you can use FLAT white paint to achieve the next best reflective element.

What you shouldn't use is mirrors, tinfoil or other aluminum objects (big no no), any type of glossy paint, and last but not least no shiny metal plating...These types of materials/objects DO reflect light, and even some usable light but they also reflect A LOT of heat and can actually cause the light to form condensed and focused light waves (like a magnifying glass and an ant) causing "hot spots" which will burn your plant/s...

Hope that helps you make some decisions...

thats spot on :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: rep points

[exhashsmoker]

Thanks guys! im gonna stick with the white for this grow and try get some mylar for the next one!

[Dr.Hashman]

Good luck on the lowryders, mine are just sprouting!

[exhashsmoker]

Good luck on the lowryders, mine are just sprouting!

Thanks! what lighting are you using? im looking at 6-8 20-42w cfls or if i can find any higher wattage cfls i will get them but i dont think they go higher than 42w here.

[MOBABN]

i used emergency blankets from Wally World, cost about 1.99 each and its mylar.

[invision]

go to home depot,

they gave this stuff called reflectix, its mylar over bubble wrap and works freaking awesome and is super sturdy, it works just as good as strait mylar.

its cheaper too and can be seen in my thread if you wanto to get a idea of what it looks like

[latewood]

sounds like you have shiny walls, and that is what you were warned a bout. needs to be "flat" white. goodluck

I use panda plastic. comes in 10 foot wide rolls or by the foot. Best thing is you can just wrap your grow area, and it is almost as reflective as mylar.

having the black side on back of white helps for blacking out purposes, when overlapped. Peace