Using mirrors?

UnEmploymentDude

UnEmploymentDude

Well-Known Member
Well, last year in Physics I saw my teacher have a little cabinet with mirrors all around inside and a t12 florescent light at the top. just wondering, I might implement the idea, but will mirrors be a better reflector material than mylar? Or will it cause burn?

BTW my teacher said it was for sterilizing goggles when I asked if I could be it off of her.:? didnt work...

PICS:
Last one one the page:
Lab Storage & Furniture

http://www.steineronline.com/1/images/staticpage-uv-cabinet-onedoor.jpg

There's an exhaust at the top sides so yeah... Plus theres a lock.
 
mogie

mogie

Well-Known Member
Mirrors waste energy by reflecting only a small fraction of the light that falls on them.


When light, which, like radio waves, is a form of electromagnetic radiation, strikes a metallic mirror the electrons in the metal move just as they do when a radio signal strikes an antenna. Pushing electrons around takes energy, which dims the reflected image.
 
nongreenthumb

nongreenthumb

Well-Known Member
mogie said:
Mirrors waste energy by reflecting only a small fraction of the light that falls on them.


When light, which, like radio waves, is a form of electromagnetic radiation, strikes a metallic mirror the electrons in the metal move just as they do when a radio signal strikes an antenna. Pushing electrons around takes energy, which dims the reflected image.
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The mirrors still reflect light though, they dont absorb it.
 
skyb

skyb

Well-Known Member
the greeks used mirrors and the sun to burn roman ships, so in my mind it must reflect light
 
Drizzle

Drizzle

Well-Known Member
I think the question is the "type" of mirror. Probably the thickness and coating/material to it too.

If its a plane mirror, its flat and reflects light in one direction.

If it has a curve to it, it can focus or diffuse light.

If it has a diamond pattern to it(or other), it can reflect it in all different directions.
 
Gygax1974

Gygax1974

Just some idiot
Yeah I learned in school that mirrors do reflect light but a lot of it is absorbed. I guess I should have said that mirrors do reflect some light and they absorb a percentage of light. Now there are different shapes and types of mirrors that have different qualities so some are better than others. But as a general rule mirrors are not that great for growing with and they are exspensive white paint is cheaper and better.
 
SHOOT2KILL66

SHOOT2KILL66

The Gardener
would be a good way to start a fire in your grow room it would make to much heat i think
its hard enough keeping your room cool as it is were as flat white only seems to reflect light.
 
nongreenthumb

nongreenthumb

Well-Known Member
UnEmploymentDude said:
Ok, sounds good guys/gals, thats for the replies. I will switch out my white paper interior with mylar tomorrow!
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You dont really have to bother with mylard unless your going to get the diamond pattern mylar. Normal mylar creases easily and can be quite thin. This can create hotspots and potentially burn your plants.

If you dont want to go down the diamond pattern mylar route, best bet is to just paint the walls white.
 
UnEmploymentDude

UnEmploymentDude

Well-Known Member
Oh no, I dont want to deal with paint. I'd end up making a mess anyway!

Thanks for that warning, I'll look for the diamond patterns!
 
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