Thread: DIY mylar reflector for my 65w CFL

Hey all, so I decided to make some home-made reflectors for my new 4 x 65w CFLs. Altogether the 4 reflectors will cost me about $3.00

The problem I am having is that my CFLs hang in my tent and are now horizontal. I don't have the room in the tent to add CFL reflectors due to the LED light, so I have to improvise. Most of the light produced by the spiral CFLs is emitted from the sides. This is why the professionally made hoods take the bulbs in the horizontal position. My new Mylar reflectors will act in the same way, only vertically. The light that is created on the opposite side of the CFLs will be reflected back towards the plants. The wall of the tent are also Mylar so I will lost only a small amount of usable light.

This really isn't rocket science or even pretty but it accomplishes the task.

The main thing in a grow tent is not to use something flammable, or something which reacts to heat, when building reflectors. So, I only use, wire coat hangers, tin foil, Mylar and a small tube of super glue. So here are the photos I took while making the first reflector.

http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/...r/IMG_0685.jpg

http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/...r/IMG_0687.jpg

http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/...r/IMG_0692.jpg

http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/...r/IMG_0696.jpg

http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/...edsideview.jpg

I hope this might help someone who also uses CFL bulbs like me. I really wouldn't advise anyone to make their own reflectors for the hotter bulbs, unless they are good at working steel. The reflectors I made here are not designed for powerful bulbs. Just small CFL.

Take Care All

S.L.