Metal Halide reflector question

[Christofari]

Hello everyone,

I'm a relatively new member and wanted to introduce myself and ask a quick question about reflectors. I just got a good deal two 400 watt MH's and I don't like the reflectors that came with it. Is there a way to buy a flat metal reflective surface that I can screw into my hood? Maybe from Home Depot or another hardware store. What should I call it when I'm asking around for something like that? I have VHO's along the side and would like to have a flat reflector so I don't sacrifice lighting from the VHO's.

The tank I'm currently trying ot set up is 180 gallons with 640 watts of VHO super actinic and now the two 400 watt 10000K MH's, 40 gallon sump, HSA-250 Skimmer with a mag 12 powering it, dual over the back overflows which should run 1200-1400 gph. I'm trying to hook up a tiny might pump for the return, but I'm having some trouble finding the proper connections for the pump (I bought the pump from another SCMAS member during the last frag swap). I still need to get a calcium reactor, then I can start thinking about rock and sand. I would also very much like to get a Neptune aquacontroller.

I think that's about it if anyone has any comments or suggestions about my setup that woud be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to take it one step at a time and get everything set up properly before I start adding any creatures.

Thanks, Chris.

[ravennareef]

I would use a polished aluminum piece,its hard for me to say with out seeing your set up, I also have two 400 watt in a 6 foot canopy with VHO's too it just has white aluminum inside ,I got a good deal on it . I will be making changes to it by adding polished reflectors and moving my VHO's down closer to the tank

[AquaticCo]

You are correct about the reflector material. It's typically.025" thick polished aluminum and has a reflectivity of about 93-95%. This cannot typically be bought at your local Home Depot.

How Big of a piece are you looking for? I have heard of people using tin foil before.

Doug

[Christofari]

Thanks for the replies. I've lined the entire hood with reflective mylar, my biggest worry is that the heat generated from the Metal Halides will be too much and possibly burn or scorch the mylar. I'm going to try and attach a picture with the VHO's and the space I have in between where I'm trying to put the MH's.

Thanks again.

[R1Bill]

Chris,

These are the reflectors I use:

http://www.1000bulbs.com/shopping/sh...arium+Lighting

It's the one on the top right. I have 2 x 36" reflectors. These are really efficient and also allow you to mount PC or VHO bulbs. Don't forget to get cooling fans!

Bill

[R1Bill]

Check this out:

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/a...ct/default.asp

I think that this is where I got mine:

http://www.customaquatic.com/customa...ubCatID=lt-rf#

Part #

lt-PF36-PR-R 36 inch Parallel Reflector, PFO.…

$39.99

[Avonlea,PA]

Check out http://www.reflect-a-light.com/

Call them and ask for Bertha. Inquire about their Enhanced Aluminum. They will cut it to the exact size you need.

I just bought a piece that was 16" x 27" and it only cost $9.00 plus shipping. This stuff is like a mirror. I couldn't believe the price!

[Christofari]

I'm definately going to have to give Bertha a call. Thanks for that great lead!!! I've been working on the lighting tonight and here is a picture with the MH's installed with a not so reflective reflector.

[Tonto]

Nice! I bet you can’t wait to get it running. Keep the pictures coming.