Importance of Reflectors

[laddy00]

Thought I would throw this out there. Not only is light from the bulb sent up initially but any light hitting the water at a greater angle than ~48.8 degrees is reflected back into the hood. Thats alot of light lost if it goes up into your hood never to return, but with a good reflector that light can be reflected back towards the water to try to pass again.
This calc assumes clear seawater at 80F and salintiy of 35ppt.
More tidbits of science to come.

[Brooke]

That's why its nice that most VHO bulbs have internal reflectors. Cheap reflectors like white paint or mirrored acrylic work well in a crunch.

[Casey]

Brooke you forgot Aluminum foil