shape matters unless it is a white reflector (kasi white reflects by diffusion and not direction). White painted surface reflects better than mirror or shiny surface but not so in marine tanks because it scatters and diffuses.
the worst is the parabolic shape. Bent into an inverted U this thing when placed in a constricted manner reflects to the bulb. Heat baby heat.
The bulb gets cooked on its own light.
the best shape is the Mc Donals M with the light bulb in the center.
The less effective shape is the wide curve but it is better than the tight parabola inverted U shape.
shiny reflectors need shape control. hence Mylar (reflective plastic material) is the worst
On reflectivity -
Mylar 90-95
Flat white paint 85-93
Semi-gloss white 75-80
Flat yellow 70-80
Aluminum foil 70-75
these represent percentage of light reflected.
http://www.thekrib.com/Lights/reflectors.html
btw i failed to notice how reflective the plastic material in the BigBoy but you will notice this - on the left of the NO lamp is the reflection of the T5 holder. On the right is the reflection of the T5. Is this material mylar?
