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Re: Light Reflectors
>
>>From what I have been told by lighting experts, foil is less
>reflective than a plain white glossy surface becase it scatters
>the light. Polished metal reflectors don't scatter light the way
>foil does.
>
I also like the polished metal reflectors. Although the one marketed by
Aquarium Products is expensive, it is convenient to use and appears to
double the light output.
I am concerned however, by the recent comment of Wright Huntley. He said
that polished aluminum absorbs 20 % of the far red light. THis is something
that our eyes or a normal light meter will pick up. He suggests a painted
white surface, but I suspect that any white material would be roughly
equivalent.
He is probably right (<g>), since he was on the money regarding lighting and
depth. After I read his comments, I covered some of the interior surface of
my lighting assembly with white contact paper to increase the reflectivity.
I am still using the aluminum reflectors however.
Neil
Neil Frank Editor of "The Aquatic Gardener" Aquatic Gardeners Association
Visit the AGA home page at <http://blake.oit.unc.edu/~fish/aga/>