CFL Reflectors--not so hot? (re: too hot)

Toppers

Well-Known Member
I bought the large reflector at home depot and I can fit 2, 26 watt bulbs in there on a splitter easily (and its bright as hell!)

If I run 3 or 4 of these in my grow tent, will they hinder airflow too much and get too hot?

I see many people just running the bulbs with no reflector.
 
If the metal is absorbing and radiating all the heat from the light than you might just have to keep the lights a little further away from the plant than you normally would

I think people have the lights without the reflectors because they either didn't buy the reflector in the first place or they have mylar above the lights
 
I assume your talking about the dome type reflectors, they can build up a little heat inside them if you don't have a decent oscillating fan circulating air in your growroom, you might have to raise them slightly, as Anne said. Simple way to find out is put your hand, palm down, at the same level as the top of the plant, if it's uncomfortable to hold your hand there, it will be too hot for the plant and you need to raise the lamp. If it's warm but you could happily keep your hand there all day, it's fine.
Idea I just thought of would be to drill some holes, 1/2" diameter or so in the reflector right above the base of the bulb, where no light is being emitted for the warm air to rise out of. Just a thought, couldn't tell you how well it would work.
 
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