reflected footcandles

[VickiC]

Thanks for your reply, Chris.....I appreciate your help.
Vicki

Originally Posted by HPS Chris

I would guess quite a bit. I do not use T5... but Any sort of extra reflection is a help... it is definitly hard to measure the light intensity with T5 or other flourescent bulbs as they're artificial lighting.

[VickiC]

Hi,
Thanks for your reply, Magnus.....I always appreciate your help.

Subject change: I was wondering how your new orchidarium project is coming along....I read some of your posts about it awhile back, and from what you have said, it sounds really nice. I hope it turns out good for you.

Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by Magnus A

VERY hard to say . but it does not lovering the lightlevel so it can only be goog. It seams that you already have some reflector for your T5 so you only gain the stray light. Here in Europe we can by quite cheap light meters (US$ 30). They may not be accurate but atleast they can give an relative value of the before and after value.

[VickiC]

Hi Becca,
I hope everything works out good for you!
Vicki

Originally Posted by Becca

Hi Vicki! I hope someone answers your question soon as I would like to know as well. I have been looking at adding some mylar reflective film inbetween my light fixtures and on the side of the orchidariums.

[VickiC]

Thanks again for your help. I also appreciate the link.
Vicki

Originally Posted by s1214215

Hi

I agree with Ross. The type of reflective material will count and will contain light.

I have seen this matter discussed on marine fish forums before. Some people line the inside of light hoods and tank backs. From what I have read, individual reflectors will give a better result in directing the light down instead of allowing it to beam out randomly. An individual reflector is going to be way sharper than an single wide one over several tubes and both more effective than none or using just reflective film

I did a Google and founf this link that shows a drawing of how light refraction in a single reflector works. They do discuss films vs painting a surface white. I will try to find some better diagrams and some of refraction in a tank with no reflectors/single for comparison.

Light Intensity in an aquarium - Page 6 - Aquarium Plants - Barr Report

This thread from a fresh water fish forum looks like it goes for miles on the topic of lighting. I know this is all fish stuff, but I think a lot is relevent to lighting a case or growing space..

Brett

[s1214215]

Hi Vicki

You have individual reflectors, so thats the best. Any extra oomph you get out of the reflective film is a bonus then.

Changing T5 light tubes: up to you on this one. I recommend using your light metre to check a few weeks after installing them new and start checking them after 6 months for degradation. I know people keeping coral reef tanks who change them out after 6 months, others at a year. Generally no longer than a year I think though. You start loosing to much PAR.

As for plants, I am not sure. I dont know how sensitive they are to light compared to corals. I intend to do similar though and change from 8 to 12 months depending on readings from a light meter.

I also will change my bulbs out half one months and half the next. The reason for this is so I dont burn my plants. T5 tubes have a burn in time. That is, they will be stronger when you put new ones in and take a week to calm down to normal level. I have seen reef keepers burn their corals changing them all at one time. So, generally it is good to sway half, let them burn in as it is said, then do the other half next month.

I hope this is of some help. I know it is aquarium advice, but I think it should be much the same.

Brett

[VickiC]

I haven't thought about changing bulbs out half at a time instead of all at once to avoid burning. Good advice.
Thanks again, Brett!
Vicki

Originally Posted by s1214215

Hi Vicki

You have individual reflectors, so thats the best. Any extra oomph you get out of the reflective film is a bonus then.

Changing T5 light tubes: up to you on this one. I recommend using your light metre to check when you buy them and start checking them after 6 months for degradation. I know people keeping coral reef tanks who change them out after 6 months, others at a year. Generally no longer than a year I think though. You start loosing to much PAR.

As for plants, I am not sure. I dont know how sensitive they are to light compared to corals. I intend to do similar though and change from 8 to 12 months depending on readings from a light meter.

I also will change my bulbs out half one months and half the next. The reason for this is so I dont burn my plants. T5 tubes have a burn in time. That is, they will be stronger when you put new ones in and take a week to calm down to normal level. I have seen reef keepers burn their corals changing them all at one time. So, generally it is good to sway half, let them burn in as it is said, then do the other half next month.

I hope this is of some help. I know it is aquarium advice, but I think it should be much the same.

Brett

[s1214215]

Quite ok Vicki

Good luck with it and keep posting how you go with your plants.

Brett

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by VickiC

I haven't thought about changing bulbs out half at a time instead of all at once to avoid burning. Good advice.
Thanks again, Brett!
Vicki

That's a good idea. The problem though, is remembering which ones to change! I put stickers with the date I changed it on my tubes, aquarium included.

[s1214215]

Hi Camille

I am thinking to use a waterproof black marking pen (use also on CDs). I just write on the date. I hope it doesnt wash off.

I think makers of T5 tubes for aquariums and plants should put a warning on them about burn in time. My opinion

Brett