Easy question but I don't know the answer.

[awestruck]

I asked this somewhere else but want to ensure that someone can help. When people talk about getting really good reflectors (ie: ice caps) I am confused because, obviously, lights already come with reflectors. Are you saying that you should buy additional reflectors (really good ones) and replace those with the standard ones that already come with the lights? Or, do you mean that you should buy the canopy, and buy the reflectors, and also buy the lights, and then put these together to make a better lighting system? If so, is this difficult to do? TIA for help.

[Yinger]

only VHOs come with built in reflectors... T5s, metal halides and PCs don't come with reflectors and therefore you need to buy reflectors to intensity and spread out the lighting

[awestruck]

Thanx for your quick response Yinger! (now I'm really confused)! I have one 36" t5 over my 58 (in addition to two 36" Coralife pcs.). The t5 also is a Coralife (which I have since heard are crappy). And please don't shake your head at the stupidity of this next question: maybe I'm not understanding what a reflector actually is. Please, if you have time could you explain more? TIA

[ezcompany]

reflectors are anything shiny you see behind the light bulb fixture itself. T5s, Metal Halides, and PCs do come with reflectors, albeit they probably aren't the most efficient ones you can get. I'm sure your t5 has reflectors, be it individual parabolic reflectors for each bulb, or just one big reflector for all the bulbs. the individual reflectors will increase efficiency as much as 300% according to sunlight supply's tek-5 lights, where say the Current Nova extreme claims to increase efficiency by 99% using just one big reflector for all their lights.

I think what Yinger was talking about are the individual component parts you can purchase. say metal halide, if you made one of your own, you'll need a ballast, reflector/housing, and a bulb.

[Yinger]

thank you ezcompany for clearing that up. Yup, if you buy individual bulbs/parts, you will need a reflector. If you buy the entire lighting housing or unit, then they will have built in reflectors.

[awestruck]

Thank you so much. I just went and flipped my pc lights over and there are reflectors. It sounds as if it would be an absolutely excellent idea if I purchased new reflectors for the pcs and the t5 because I would get a MUCH brighter tank. And, I really can't afford an entirely new lighting system right now anyway. So, where should I go to buy the individual new reflectors--I was looking at a few places online but I'm not sure I know what I'm looking for. Sounds dumb I know, but lighting is difficult to understand. Again, thanx for any help!!

[mario_07963]

I just went and flipped my pc lights over and there are reflectors
Why do you want to change your reflector if you have some? It sounds like you have a light fixture and should be just ok for your set up...

[awestruck]

I know--I guess I'm wondering if there is a better reflector out there that would improve my lighting. And really, in general I'm not a stupid woman!!

[mario_07963]

I understand, is a fair question! not sure about the answer though...

[awestruck]

Thanx! I spoke with my LFS guy tonight, actually I took the whole light fixture in. He looked at it and said the reflector looked fine--suggested just cleaning it up a bit w/rubbing alcohol. Thanx everyone for your help, and happy reefing!!!