Are reflectors for lights a need?

Well i just went out and bought 6 new lights, and 3 dual sockets. But they wouldn't fit in the lamp, so i tore the reflectors off, i was just wondering if i need reflectors, or can i do without? And if i do need them, is there a way to make a homemade reflector out of somethin?

you dont need them but you are waisting light if you dont have them

420monster said:

you dont need them but you are waisting light if you dont have them

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Alright, i was thinking of using those aluminum cake things, making a hole in the middle and just usin that for a reflector, not sure how it'll work out tho.

Think of it this way....... If you have a jar with a light bulb in it, and half of the jar reflects light to the other side of the jar which is clear, you get 100% of the light on the clear side of the jar.

If you have a totally clear jar, then the light gets spread out so half is on one side and half on the other. Unless you grow from the ceiling down as well, the plants will lose out on a lot of light!

Mostly reflectors are used unless you are growing gigantic plants (We're talking 4 feet tall plus) and you can then hang them vertically to the sides of the plants instead of above them. Light above a plant, not to the side of them, need a reflector.

researchkitty said:

Think of it this way....... If you have a jar with a light bulb in it, and half of the jar reflects light to the other side of the jar which is clear, you get 100% of the light on the clear side of the jar.

If you have a totally clear jar, then the light gets spread out so half is on one side and half on the other. Unless you grow from the ceiling down as well, the plants will lose out on a lot of light!

Mostly reflectors are used unless you are growing gigantic plants (We're talking 4 feet tall plus) and you can then hang them vertically to the sides of the plants instead of above them. Light above a plant, not to the side of them, need a reflector.

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Thanks for the information. I also have another question, and would rather not spam the forum with threads. If I'm using a fan, would having it on high make the stem stronger? Or should i just keep it on medium?

Gmz said:

Thanks for the information. I also have another question, and would rather not spam the forum with threads. If I'm using a fan, would having it on high make the stem stronger? Or should i just keep it on medium?

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Depends on the fan size. I have a 16" Lasko fan that on high feels like the other 18" Lasko fans on slow. You want the leaves to flutter. Not a ton, but enough that it's a steady back and forth gentle spring breeze. If its too high, the plant can topple over.... The gentle fluttering makes stems solidly strong, it doesnt need to be a hurricane.

is your room completely panda film'd? you'll probably be ok, but 420 monster is right, you are wasting lumens, and paying for extra wattage..

If you mean that you have the clip lights with the metal shade type reflector, the smaller sizes will not fit a "Y" splitter UNLESS you were to add an extender to the socket. You can get one at Home Depot for about $2.50 - probably within inches of where they display the "Y" splitters. It will be about 2 inches long or so, and have an outlet on the side that comes in handy for powering fans, etc. Screw the splitter for the two bulbs into this extender socket, and it should allow them to clear the metal reflector enough to make it usable. I've got the small (8 inch?) clip light, and this socket extender makes it so I've been able to use the "Y" splitter just fine... -Mandi

Gmz said:

Well i just went out and bought 6 new lights, and 3 dual sockets. But they wouldn't fit in the lamp, so i tore the reflectors off, i was just wondering if i need reflectors, or can i do without? And if i do need them, is there a way to make a homemade reflector out of somethin?

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Yea not necessary but it does helpa lot