Spectral Analysis of Various Reflector Designs in Combination with T8/F032 Fluorescent Lamps

[Greg G.]

Analysis of Various Reflectors and T8/F032 (48") Fluorescent Lamps

Designing/updating old hood designs from 4+ years ago prompted the
creation of these pages containing a variety of reflector designs and
their light distribution patterns. Intended use is on a 29 gal (30")
tank and a 75 gal (48") tank.

The 75 gal with 4 Sylvania T8/F032/850 5000K bulbs is pictured here:
http://webpages.charter.net/videodoctor/aquaria/aquarium01.jpg

Lamp length is not important when analyzing the cross section of
reflectors, so these example designs work using tubes from 24" to 48".

Reduced light loss and heat generation (increased efficiency) were the
primary goals. Several manufacturers now market 30" bulbs which match
the length of a 29gal tank. A medium light tank would include two of
the better designs and materials combined with T8-F025 (30") bulbs.
High light tank would require 3-4 tubes. Electronic ballasts are
highly recommended for all applications. Both 12" and 18" distances
have been charted.

http://webpages.charter.net/videodoctor/aquaria/Comparison18.htm

Also included are charts for a flat reflector, no reflector, and a 180
degree reflector bulb for comparison purposes. Something to ponder...

Enjoy!

FWIW,

Greg G.

[Gerardus]

Greg G. wrote:
> Analysis of Various Reflectors and T8/F032 (48") Fluorescent Lamps
>
> Designing/updating old hood designs from 4+ years ago prompted the
> creation of these pages containing a variety of reflector designs and
> their light distribution patterns. Intended use is on a 29 gal (30")
> tank and a 75 gal (48") tank.
>
> The 75 gal with 4 Sylvania T8/F032/850 5000K bulbs is pictured here:
> http://webpages.charter.net/videodoctor/aquaria/aquarium01.jpg
>
> Lamp length is not important when analyzing the cross section of
> reflectors, so these example designs work using tubes from 24" to 48".
>
> Reduced light loss and heat generation (increased efficiency) were the
> primary goals. Several manufacturers now market 30" bulbs which match
> the length of a 29gal tank. A medium light tank would include two of
> the better designs and materials combined with T8-F025 (30") bulbs.
> High light tank would require 3-4 tubes. Electronic ballasts are
> highly recommended for all applications. Both 12" and 18" distances
> have been charted.
>
> http://webpages.charter.net/videodoctor/aquaria/Comparison18.htm
>
> Also included are charts for a flat reflector, no reflector, and a 180
> degree reflector bulb for comparison purposes. Something to ponder...
>
> Enjoy!
>
> FWIW,
>
> Greg G.

Interesting !

What about using identical colour schemes for identical itensities ?


Gerardus

[g_i_n_k_o]

Greg G. > wrote:
:
: Analysis of Various Reflectors and T8/F032 (48") Fluorescent Lamps
:

....

Those are interesting numbers.

You might want to add a couple paragraphs describing the procedure used
to obtain the numbers. Items like describing the light measuring device,
the units the numbers represent, some numbers on the reflector diagrams
indicating distances would also add value.

Another thing that would be really interesting is to detail how you made
or obtained the reflectors.

Thanks for sharing your work.