Considering building a rather creative structure for a first grow... (single plant I should add) I was wondering... I've been learning a little bit about the refraction of light in a physics class, and am curious as to how the effect of an enclosed mirror structure could improve lighting. I'll admit, I don't know much, but it would seem that it theoretically could improve lighting. I was thinking of an elongated (height-wise) triangular box. Maybe 3ft tall, with each of the three sides measuring 2ft. The lighting would be at each of the three points, inside the structure. 4" x 2" slits at the bottom of each side and at the top, a circular vent with attached outward-going fan to encourage airflow. The inside walls and roof would consist of mirror. My question: have any of you heard of such a contraption? Should I stfu and grow, or could this really work to improve lighting efficiency? I like building shit, so it wouldn't be a complete waste of time.
Mirrors absorb more light than they reflect, so they are a poor choice. Mylar or flat white paint are much better.
Also the glare and mirror-images can burn your plants... mylar or even white contact paper are better choices.
I don't know that they absorb more light than they reflect, I actually think they reflect more, but true that they do absorb a lot of light and reflect less than flat bright white paint or mylar.
ok... so mirrors are a no go. Thanks to everyone for the input. Mylar... I'll have to look into it. That makes building it easier too I guess.