Fluorescent light question T12 vs T5

I wanna be you when I grow up, Marni. Your lab looks amazing. Thanks for sharing...really, it's an inspiration.

 

I'm pretty sure I read once, on an internet forum so it has to be true...that things like mirrors and mylar and silverish colors tend to scatter the reflected light. Whereas white tends to reflect more usable light back towards the plants. Maybe it is true?

 

Marni, what you're doing is truly great. THANK YOU for taking the time and energy to propagate so many species!

 

@Alexis - you took the words straight out of my mouth. Marni, what an inspiration. Personally this is important; it reminds me that although I'll have my career, I am fortunate to have a hobby that I love...Your setup reminds me there are endless directions to take my hobby, and that is a comforting thought.

Funny, I've come across the exact some conversation on a forum

 

I think that is true, but I suppose the benefit (or lack thereof) will depend upon your application.

For walls, especially north walls in greenhouses that would otherwise just "absorb" incident light, and for light fixtures intended to provide visual lighting, the scattering of a white surface is a benefit. For a plant light, however, the goal is to direct as much of the bulb's output to the plant, so a mirror-like surface shaped to take the light from the back side of the bulb and redirect it to the plant, rather than scattering it in all directions, would have the advantage.

 

Wow Marni!!! Any bulbos??

 

I second that!!

 

awesome thread guys