Making Reflectors

[Ben M]

Hi, i would like to make a pair of reflectors for my 4ft rena tank, as it has low t8 lighting. i was wondering what metals are safe to use, and if anybody has a rough design to make them (how to attach them to the light)?

cheers

 

[walkers101]

Hi, i would like to make a pair of reflectors for my 4ft rena tank, as it has low t8 lighting. i was wondering what metals are safe to use, and if anybody has a rough design to make them (how to attach them to the light)?

cheers

I have used normal tin foil in the past mate

 

[simonas]

I just use the shiny side of tin foil
staple it in the hood works a treat

 

[Ben M]

so do you mean cut a piece of foil to the size of the hood and stick it to the underside of the hood?

cheers

 

[Aqua Tom]

so do you mean cut a piece of foil to the size of the hood and stick it to the underside of the hood?

cheers

Yes

 

[UNV_Rasta]

See if you can get some aluminium, reflects light better than foil

 

[BigC]

I have made them out of 3" drainpipe cut to required length & split down the centre (lengthways, circular or table saw required) and lined with mylar. These can then be drilled & screwed to the canopy.
Regards
C

 

[Mikaila31]

I use aluminum sheet.

 

[BackToTheFishes]

I used guttering and signmakers chrome vinyl from ebay,£10 got me enough for 4 4ft reflectors and works great

 

[raptorrex]

old, CD's, cut in half make excellent reflectors. there is also some "sticky backed plastic" ( lol, for the older reader) from Fablon, at a reasonable price. i think it came from Wilkinson.

 

[the biffster]

i use plastic profile guttering
spray trim tack and aluminum foil
and a micro fiber cloth
i have made them like that in the past
for myself and few other people

 

[Ben M]

thanks guys. i'll ask my dad if he can get some aluminium sheet from work. how would you suggest i make it? i'm guessing it needs to be a bit above the light tube, so how would i fasten it?

cheers

 

[raptorrex]

thanks guys. i'll ask my dad if he can get some aluminium sheet from work. how would you suggest i make it? i'm guessing it needs to be a bit above the light tube, so how would i fasten it?

cheers

I'd use a waterproof epoxy. there is probably not enough room to do anything more than line the hood with it.

 

[Ben M]

hi, i've been thinking of a design. do you think this would work?

above the ballast there is gap of 2mm before the hood, so if i got some 2mm aluminium sheet, and then layed it over the ballast, and have the ends bent downwards over the tubes. like /------\. and then i wouldn't have to stick it on, i could just lay it on top. what do you think?

cheers

 

[raptorrex]

hi, i've been thinking of a design. do you think this would work?

above the ballast there is gap of 2mm before the hood, so if i got some 2mm aluminium sheet, and then layed it over the ballast, and have the ends bent downwards over the tubes. like /------\. and then i wouldn't have to stick it on, i could just lay it on top. what do you think?

cheers

lol, i was trying to think how to put that in words, when i wrote my post. so didnt.

that look good!