Lighint, reflectors: painting tubes

[4ptbuck]

I just bought some URI aquasuns and these have 'built-in' reflectors.
The top half of the tubes seem to be 'shaded' vs reflected.

This got me thinking, and I was wondering what would happen if the top 1/2 of a tube was painted? Say in a silver, or a white colour. Would this not be a good thing?

Anybody have a light meter (a lux meter) and an old tube that they would be willing to experiment on?

4pts...

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

What kind of paint were you thinking of using because the bulbs would get quite hot.

[4ptbuck]

didn't think about that.
NO bulbs don't get that hot. More of a warm.
The 135W bulbs are warmer, but I wouldn't say hot, cause I can still put my hands on them.

[takphan]

how about aluminum tape; the muffler/ducting repair kind.

Tak

[4ptbuck]

yeah,... but it would have to be inside out, or is the inside shiny?

[christyf5]

I thought those bulbs had internal reflectors (shiny bit on the inside), not external ones? The idea is to send all the light downward not block some of it from going upwards. Why not just slap a chunk of aluminum foil behind the bulb?

[4ptbuck]

yes the URI Aquasuns do. I was thinking about the other tubes....

[StirCrazy]

yes the URI Aquasuns do. I was thinking about the other tubes....

are you talking about trying to paint on a reflector? if you have reflectors in your lighting set up don't waist your time. paint in its self is not a good reflector but rather a difuser so I don't think the gains would be worth it.

Steve

[4ptbuck]

That's exactly what i am talking about.
Don't think it'll work?

I know that white paint is recommended as a reflector.

I know the best solution is a set of real reflectors.
I can really do it as my layout is like this


--------*****4''NO*****
******4''NO****--------
*****72''VHO*********
*****72''VHO*********
--------*****4''NO*****
******4''NO****--------

*** being the tubes
and between the 72" is the hood hinge.