nothing marijuana grow Q, foil?

[chronic_zhen]

Hello again guys!

another quick question....i know foil is usuall a nono cuz it can burn the leaves with the concentrated lil laser beam like light it refracts, but i was wondering if this only applys to higher wattage lighting systems? im only using 100w Flourencents sadly....i know i know thats really low lumens light source SAVE THE CRITICISM! im just in a real tight spot on money and cant buy ANYTHING and i really need some buds....so im just trying this cheap grow system....ANYWAYS do you think foil might actually help in my case to produce more light since its a weak source it might not burn?

[the_other_chap]

Should be OK. I used foil in my first 400W HPS grow a few years ago, and it worked well.
Use it dull side outwards for a more even spread of light.

[chronic_zhen]

thank you for the quick response, my seeds just germinated so they need to get in the soil, i will go setup some foil dull side out thanks , im also thinkin of makin a reflector to fit around the bulb out of a soda can PRAY MY PLANT LIVES THROUGH 100w GUYS!

[joey_megabucks]

either brilliant white paint or mylar works best. you can buy a small can of paint for cheap at Home De Pot. I'm not sure foil will give you much reflectivity.

[chronic_zhen]

well i still think im gonna stick with the foil 1. i have no money to get paint lol and 2. ive heard cases of the foil burning like i said so im sure it will help spread some light, like i said im running this real cheap heh but i might be able to get a second light fixture that would help alot when i transfer the 2 into bigger buckets when large enough

[Elf Salvation]

Originally Posted by joey_megabucks

either brilliant white paint or mylar works best. you can buy a small can of paint for cheap at Home De Pot. I'm not sure foil will give you much reflectivity.

An old timer told me yellow paint is actually the best.

[the_other_chap]

Originally Posted by Elf Salvation

An old timer told me yellow paint is actually the best.

Mmmm. probably not.
It will absorb blue light, which isn't necessarily a good thing. Might help during flower when a slightly redder light is good, but it's still wasting light that your plant could be using.

White should reflect all colours equally for the maximum light for your buck!

[Hippie3]

the real problem with foil is
that it conducts electricity, imho.
if it puts you in contact with
a] something wet
b] electrically grounded [the floor, wiring, fixtures]
and
c] electrically 'hot' [lights, ballasts, cords, etc.]

then you might get a nasty shock or worse.

[Hippie3]

btw
i found styrofoam panels to be great
and available at most major building supply chains
such as home depot or lowe's.
they insulate, reflect light [white ],
can be easily cut to fit, can be moved as needed.
better than paint for quick steath ops

imhfo, oc.

[smacked12]

cheap mylar can be found in the form of emergency blankets. i picked up 3 for 4 bucks at wally world.