DIY reflectors

[nlutfi]

has anyone had experience in making diy reflectors? I'm trying to make some and was thinking to by sheets of aluminum and paint them white for something like http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~CP5715~idCategor y~FILTACRAFL~category~Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies-Lighting-Accessories-Reflectors-For_Flo._(VHO__PC)~vendor~.html not sure if it would work or anyone has better ideas. let me know! thanks!
-Nick

[Amphiprion]

It depends upon the application, but normal aluminum isn't going to be very ideal. I suppose it would be better than none at all, but you'd still likely have to compensate a bit. If you want to undertake this, you need to look for a source of high-reflectivity aluminum as opposed to others.

[Squawkbert]

Or use Al flashing material and a bench grinder-mounted buffing wheel & rubbing compound, jewelers' rouge, polish - in that order. Try not to burn your fingers or launch any sharp-edged hunks of Al.

[archer772]

I believe you wanted to do this for your T-5's if so the Ice Cap reflectors have a total of 9 bends in them and they are only about 2 inches wide and that is the type of reflector that is needed to get the maximuim out of T-5's.

[TropicalNorth]

I agree with archer, if your talking about T5's, buying individual parabolic reflectors is your best option. Because of the specific design it increases the amount of light going into the tank by a large percentage, they're well worth it and can be clipped directly onto the tube (easy to retrofit). All in one reflectors don't really do that much compared with individual reflectors.

[nlutfi]

yea right now i have a current t5 system that just has 1 big reflector built in, i want to take it apart and mount it in the new hood i'm building. the problem is i have 8 lamps that i will need reflectors for and they go for about 30-35$ each, so i was trying to find a cheaper method. but i may not be able to it seems. for now i may have to mount it with just the 1 reflector and wait till i can save up the money to buy the ice cap ones. also would the kind of metal mater if i was to paint it white? seeing as the white would cover up to reflective surface. just curious let me know what u guys think!
-Nick

[7faces]

might wanna look into stainless steel...it can be pricy, but if you look for scraps on ebay, you will find what ya need..
it polishes out like a mirror if you put the work into it, and it wont tarnish, even in saltwater....

[nlutfi]

i think i'm just going to stick with the one reflector for now, i took it apart the other night and it will just be easier to mount in the new hood like that for now. when i get some more money i will get a mh/t5 retro fit kit and mount that in the hood. i will take some pics once i get it all done! thanks for all the help.
-Nick

[Danyal]

how long is it? you can get 4' icecap reflectors for about $25 ea iirc, so if you've got a 2' fixture then it's cheaper to just buy 4x4' reflectors and cut them in half than to buy 8x2' reflectors.

[nlutfi]

its a 75g so its 4' long. i got the hood and old light all installed today, when i do decide to get reflectors i think im just going to get a mh/t5 retro fit that i will install into it. for now the 1 reflector will have to do. but eventually i will upgrade. thanks for all the input!
-Nick

[Squawkbert]

No price handy, but I know Tek makes really nice T5 reflectors too - very efficient.

[Sploke]

Here's one of the Tek ones

http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-idproduct-SL2715.html

[fsn77]

Unless you're very proficient in metal crafting and buffing / polishing, have access to the proper tools / machinery, and can get the raw materials very inexpensively, the amount of time and effort put into making DIY individual reflectors for T5 lighting is likely to greatly exceed the dollar value of buying quality reflectors. I'm sure people have tried and some have succeeded, but I won't ever be one of them.

[Amphiprion]

The IceCap reflectors are actually a better than the Teks, but they still work very well. The Tek2 reflectors also work well, but the span is a bit broader and more diffuse than the IceCaps.

fsn77, I am with you among the people that could never pull that off. Besides that, I could see all the cuts, etc. on my hands by the time I'm done...

[nlutfi]

ok so if i go with the ice cap reflectors what else would i need besides the clips to hold the laps in? here are some pics of how its installed in the new hood. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z313/nlutfi/Picture006.jpg?t=1209021620
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z313/nlutfi/Picture005.jpg?t=1209021714 let me know!

[nlutfi]

found these for only 20$ http://www.aquacave.com/slr-t5-reflectors--brby-ice-cap-1851.html look good to u guys? comes with clips too! also these http://www.aquacave.com/t5-reflectors-withbr-clips-by-sunlight-supply-1065.html but not sure on the quality.

[archer772]

I am useing the tek Reflectors and have been happy with them and when I need more I will probably stick with them.