reflected footcandles

[Ross]

I also agree with Brett. I had ignored the single vs common reflector part because just about all high quality, high output t5 reflectors have individual compartments for each tube helping to controll light scatter. You still get some (unavoidable with t5s, but less than something like a shop light. The high quality german polished alum reflectors are just about the most effecient. Mylar will help control the light spred (so you might think of this as increasing foot-candles, but it is more correct to say there is less loss of foot-candles (not really an increase). I lined my indoor garden (which has an 8-tube 48" fixture.) Before the mylar I measured 3600 foot-candles at 11". After installing reflective mylar on three sides (I left the front open for fan ventilation) I now measure 3500 foot-candles, but I have been running the tubes for several months. I translate this as no increase in foot-candles, but the light being emitted is being conatined and not wasted.