T5 Flouro bulbs in box

[Supergoo]

1. 
   
   Hi I was wondering if when putting one of these t5 tubes in my box wether or not I should keep the tube cove on or take it off so that just the bulb is exposed. will i lose lumens or light penetration if I keep it on?

 

[Papa]

take it off. the lumens will stay the same, the lux on your plants will increase.

let's leave "penetration" out of lighting questions, it has no valid meaning in this context.

 

[Supergoo]

Ok. I was just worried about it being unsafe as i am using it in a 30'x16'x12' box so the leaves of my two ladies would be very close to touching the bulb. And I just read a little bit about lux, I think I understand it at least a little bit, so I know it would be more beneficial but how much more i have no clue im sure you would be able to tell me more.

Thank you for the quick reply btw : )

SG