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  1. #1
    Ltspd
    Guest

    Question Material for reflector

    What do you consider the best materail for a hood light reflector is? I can use stainless steel or aluminum or even galvanized. I should be able to get the SS and Al in a polished grade. How shiny should it be? I have read a article or 2 that suggest that really shinny isnt always better.
    I will have the inside of the hood painted white but also need this reflector. It will be reflecting mh's and VHO's
    I will be doing this DIY, I have access to a large metal brake at work so all I will have is the material cost.

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    Paul C
    The important thing is not to stop questioning.
    Einstein

  2. #2
    ReefHog
    Guest

    Post

    I used a standard shop light reflector and applied aluminum tin knockers tape to it. Very reflective and able to withstand the heat also.

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    Art
    Art's Aquariums

  3. #3
    PerryinCA
    Guest

    Post

    I would recommend highly polished aluminum. I don't think there is a problem with it. Thats what the spiderlights and reeflectors are made out of.

    -Perry

  4. #4
    REAL BIG FISH
    Guest

    Post

    Polished aluminum worked the beas for mee and it's easy to work with!

    Jamey[img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

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    "If at first you don't succeed, well so much for skydiving"

    Check out my reef at REAL BIG FISH'S REEF

  5. #5
    Ltspd
    Guest

    Post

    Polished to the point of a mirror surface? I havnet ever seen the spider light reflector except in a picture which is hard to tell how shiny the shiny is.
    Thanks


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    Paul C
    The important thing is not to stop questioning.
    Einstein

  6. #6
    PerryinCA
    Guest

    Post

    Yea, its like a mirror. Its spectral aluminum so it has like a 98% reflectiviy when new. I don't really believe in the need for dulled, or dimpled reflection, unless you are trying to diffuse the light. But I think you want to return all the light you can.

    -Perry

  7. #7
    JamesB
    Guest

    Post

    After several tries with all sorts of stuff (glass mirrors, mirrored lexan, etc.), spectral aluminum is the clear winner! I got it cut to fit from http://www.aquatictech.com/lighting.html

    Later, James

  8. #8
    Ltspd
    Guest

    Post

    Thanks James. I am not sure I can get highly polished stuff from the steel companies I do business with. I would say its not a standard item. I will keep this one book marked.

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    Paul C
    The important thing is not to stop questioning.
    Einstein

  9. #9
    7Seas
    Guest

    Question

    James~

    What problem did you run into using the glass mirrors?

  10. #10
    JamesB
    Guest

    Post

    Unless you're successful at completely sealing the mirror, the salt creep will corrode the reflective surface on the back of the glass.

    Later, James.


 

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