Fluorescent reflectors

Ok here is my question for the night.
I got a new T12 4' fixture and it has a stainless steel wide reflector, is that better than the ones with the white ones???

Any ideas on a better one?

I've seen a few people put regular aluminum foil over white fluoro reflectors and measuring the PPFD(PAR light meter). The aluminum foil was superior to the stock white coating(especially as the distance increases). Steel is not as good of a reflector as aluminum. However, steel can also be coated with high reflectance materials that exceed bare aluminum, which could very well be the case. I'd suggest leaving it as is. Yes, it's probably better than the white ones as far as photon intensity/density is concerned. While the white coating would give a better spread(and more even distribution) of less intense light.

Thanks much, I appreciate the input. I thought about covering them with mylar.....

Mylar might get distorted from the heat. It's also flammable.

It's your choice.

i just left mine white and it's fine



these are (4) 24" t-12's

I started using 6 2' T12's and went to the 2 4' ones