Cheap Fluorescent Fixtures

[Reganold]

do they fixtures work well for you guys?

 

[reptoman]

Be sure to line the fixture with aluminum foil. These fixtures have bad 'reflectors' if you can even call them that.

I saw on another site awhile back that showed the reflective quality was better with flat white paint than foil. I was surprised by that. Have you ever checked that with your meter?

 

[summoner12]

I saw on another site awhile back that showed the reflective quality was better with flat white paint than foil. I was surprised by that. Have you ever checked that with your meter?

Do you have a link? The point with the Lowe's fixture is that the reflector doesn't cover the lamps on the sides at all like the $20 fixture from HomeDepot. The foil is to keep light from going out the sides of the fixture.

I have not compared.... all I know is it's worth it in my mind to put foil on the thing since on other fixtures foil has nearly doubled the output.

 

[Reganold]

probably does make a difference

 

[reptoman]

Do you have a link? The point with the Lowe's fixture is that the reflector doesn't cover the lamps on the sides at all like the $20 fixture from HomeDepot. The foil is to keep light from going out the sides of the fixture.

I have not compared.... all I know is it's worth it in my mind to put foil on the thing since on other fixtures foil has nearly doubled the output.

I've seen the same thing about reflective percentages on a couple of bonsai lighting sites. 85% for flat white and 75% for foil. I agree that closing off the end is better than leaving it as is. I finally have a solar meter so I will need to check it out.

 

[Reganold]

you guys are so helpful here on the forum