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Old 03-21-2006, 04:28 PM   #1
wolfie
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DYI Reflector


I have an 50GL tank with an canopy and need to put in a Reflector.

I been using an build in reflector for my VHO lights, but my new order come in wrong and they all does not have an build in reflector.
I could send it back and wait for them to send me the right 1, or I could try and make a new reflector and save on the cost of a build in reflector.

I am thinking it is going to be better to just buy/build my own reflector and save me the time now and money later on the road.

I try to search for DYI reflector and nothing come up.

Thank
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Old 03-21-2006, 04:32 PM   #2
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Can you post some pics?? I have built a reflector for my VHO lights from sheet metal at home depot.



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Old 03-21-2006, 04:37 PM   #3
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what kind of metal is that? Is it safe to place "as is" or would you need to put a coating on it? Just wondering cause I need to make a DIY reflector as well and was going to Home Depot this weekend.
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Old 03-21-2006, 04:37 PM   #4
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if you want to go really easy then just get a cardboard tube and cut it in half. then paint the inside Matte White.
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Old 03-21-2006, 04:40 PM   #5
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If you mean pic of the inside of my canopy then this is the best 1 can can come up with.
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Old 03-21-2006, 04:43 PM   #6
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studies have found that painting the inside white reflects more light than using a mirrored surface.

example

the big difference is the fact that it is difficult to keep the reflector clean of salt. on a white surface this is not as big of a deal.

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Old 03-21-2006, 04:46 PM   #7
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I have done both. Painted the inside of my canopy glossy white and using a reflector. I didnt coat it with anything.



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Old 03-21-2006, 04:47 PM   #8
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so you mean I can just paint the inside of my canopy white and that it?

Sound easy
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Old 03-21-2006, 04:50 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfie
so you mean I can just paint the inside of my canopy white and that it?

Sound easy
Yep its that easy......but!!! There is one thing you have to do that is the hard part. Well not really hard but a lot of people dont like doing it.

































You have to promise to take pics!!


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Old 03-21-2006, 04:51 PM   #10
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yup. remember the optic properties of white. it is absent of all color hence it reflects all colors back into your tank. the best seems to be a matte white, not a glossy for some reason.
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Old 03-21-2006, 04:53 PM   #11
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hmm what kind of white?
Gloss or Metalic white?
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Old 03-21-2006, 05:05 PM   #12
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are we talking about regular latex paint here or something special?
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Old 03-21-2006, 11:14 PM   #13
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Coffee tins cut in half and bolted to the top.
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Old 03-22-2006, 12:32 AM   #14
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good ole latex paint. it does two purposes. it not only reflects the light it protects the surface from moisture.

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Old 03-22-2006, 12:52 AM   #15
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Sound easy. Guess I am going to have to drop by the paint shop tomorrow.


THANK
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