Adding a reflector to your lighting setup can double the output of your fluorescent lamp and prevent half of the light output from being wasted.

When a fluorescent tube is ignited, light is given off evenly in every direction, much of which is directed upwards into the lid of the aquarium. If a reflector is mounted behind the tube, this stray light is not wasted, but redirected back to where it is required, so that the efficiency of the tube is maximised.

- Reflector can be angled to direct the light into the vivarium or terrarium
- Made from a sturdy aluminium design
- Optimised reflector models for T8 (1") and T5 (5/8") lamps

The Benefits of using reflectors

Fluorescent lamps are cylindrical in design, this means that light is produced all around the tube and down the length of the lamp. By using the correct reflector, you effectively capture all of the light that is produced from the top and the sides of the lamp. This could be as much as two-thirds of its total output. This light will otherwise be effectively wasted to reflection around the enclosure; and not readily available to the animal.

By using a reflector you are able to focus the total light output, including the UV component, and generating a much more effective basking zone. The use of the right reflector with the right lamp can actually triple the amount of UV available to the animal. One high output T5 lamp will do the job of four separate Arcadia T8 lamps on its own. Reflectors certainly play their part in helping to achieve this huge improvement in efficiency. A D3 or 6% high output T5 lamp with a reflector will provide a massive 150+mws at 38cm (15in),compared with around 45mws from the T8 equivalent!