Here is a pretty simple guide to building a reflector for your grow to concentrate more light onto your plant.. Ive only used these on CFLs.
Supplies (Everything BUT the soldering iron and solder was purchased at a dollar store):-
- Hardware Wire (Wire tie)
- Wire cutters/Pliers
- Soldering Iron/Solder (Can be built without these, just more time consuming)
- Foil
- Tape (Duct)
Instructions above each picture:
Wire Tie:
1) Cut a piece of wire, enough to fit snugly around your bulb (if your bulb has ventilation holes, make sure the wire is below them to allow for cooling.
2)Determine how big you want your reflector/what shape. Mine are roughly a square measuring 7"x7" as seen -
3) You can either solder the wiretie or use a pliers and twist together. I found soldering to be easier - A soldering-iron can be bough in just about any hardware shop for ~$10. Shown here is the joints that have been soldered.. Its easier to twist the wire once or twice then solder.
4) Once you've got your frame, you should be able to slide it over your bulb, my bulbs have a small ridge for ventilation - the frame sits nicley on this. You can twist you're center circle to tighten it around the bulb, or use some tape to hold it on
5) Cutting your foil - As long as you want, i went to the bottom of my bulb.
For the top, make a square that can rest onto the frame with excess on the sides:-
6) Try to do the folowing without creasing the foil. A smoother surface reflects better. I used the shiny side on the inside. Wrap your frame with the long peice of foil you've cut, using small pieces of tape to hold in position:-
7) Make cuts in the top foil so it covers the sides/any gaps you have between your sides/top:-
8) Fold top around sides (without creasing) and secure with tape:-
9) You're Done ! You can poke small holes in the top to help dissipate heat.. Here are some finished piks
--- Remember, foil tends to create hot spots, so make sure to rotate/move your plants regularly ---
Supplies (Everything BUT the soldering iron and solder was purchased at a dollar store):-
- Hardware Wire (Wire tie)
- Wire cutters/Pliers
- Soldering Iron/Solder (Can be built without these, just more time consuming)
- Foil
- Tape (Duct)
Instructions above each picture:
Wire Tie:
1) Cut a piece of wire, enough to fit snugly around your bulb (if your bulb has ventilation holes, make sure the wire is below them to allow for cooling.
2)Determine how big you want your reflector/what shape. Mine are roughly a square measuring 7"x7" as seen -
3) You can either solder the wiretie or use a pliers and twist together. I found soldering to be easier - A soldering-iron can be bough in just about any hardware shop for ~$10. Shown here is the joints that have been soldered.. Its easier to twist the wire once or twice then solder.
4) Once you've got your frame, you should be able to slide it over your bulb, my bulbs have a small ridge for ventilation - the frame sits nicley on this. You can twist you're center circle to tighten it around the bulb, or use some tape to hold it on
5) Cutting your foil - As long as you want, i went to the bottom of my bulb.
For the top, make a square that can rest onto the frame with excess on the sides:-
6) Try to do the folowing without creasing the foil. A smoother surface reflects better. I used the shiny side on the inside. Wrap your frame with the long peice of foil you've cut, using small pieces of tape to hold in position:-
7) Make cuts in the top foil so it covers the sides/any gaps you have between your sides/top:-
8) Fold top around sides (without creasing) and secure with tape:-
9) You're Done ! You can poke small holes in the top to help dissipate heat.. Here are some finished piks
--- Remember, foil tends to create hot spots, so make sure to rotate/move your plants regularly ---
