Reflective Material And Cooling

[tony2501]

Hi

Was think of coating the inside of a hood i'm about to build with a reflective material.

I'm hoping to put 4 40W lights in the hood, so i'm a bit worried about temperture build up in the hood, and was thinking of using some PC fans for cooling.

Anyone had experience doing this and could share the this and the material used, i'm assuming using Kitchen foil would not be a good idea.

Its a 48*18*18 tank.

Thanks in advance

 

[BigIan]

i "aquired" some insulation tape from work, its basicly silver foil with one side thats adheasive....

its non toxic dosent corode ect, and is nice and shiney...
I`m sure if you ask your local buildersmerchants they should be able to point you in the right direction... its used to seal the joints in kingspan insulation.

 

[fishman 1]

There is nothing wrong with using kitchen foil within the hood.

I have just lined all the internal walls and ceiling in my fish house with it. I used a strong PVA (unibond)
I have also applied it to the wooden underside of the racking to act as a direct reflector. I did not thin it too much to keep the moisture content down for drying purposes.

I have tried using tapes in the past but was disapointed with the results as the heat affected the glue on it.

Remember though if you are using adhesives like the ready mixed wallpaper paste (strong enough to do the job and are also PVA based) that they do contain fungusides so ensure that the adhesive is thoroughly dry before using it. Also remember that it will not dry out, only in. This is because the moisture will not pass through the foil.

 

[tony2501]

Thanks for the replys, will look into using the tape method, I was going to use aquarium sealant for bonding the material to the hood.

I'm thinking of using a molded perspex to make the hood. I will be experimenting with a scrap peice I had left over from another project. Hopefully this weekend, I'll let you know the results.

 

[Matthew5664]

Go to your local tip/land fill site and have a look around the metal your more that likerly to fine some old reflectors from factory or business light refurbs.


Or if in doute 'borrow' some from work

 

[tony2501]

Did concider borrowing some from work, but decided someones bound to notice me wandering around with a 10 foot ladder, a set of bolt cutters and a hacksaw.

You can just hear the questions....