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Custom Reflector Idea (1 Viewer)

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Guest

Just thinking about different ways of creating a neat, effective, well priced reflector. Anyone ever considered creating one using plexiglass and buying some reflective mirror tint? I think thats what I'm going to try and do, what could be a better reflector then something almost like a mirror. Anyone ever tried it or seen it? Please post any comments, etc..
 
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G

Guest

you can get mirrored plexi at www.selectproducts.com ( i got it right this time), but with a flat reflector you have less surface area than a reflector that is cut at several angles.. the more angled surfaces on the reflector = more surface area = more reflection
 
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G

Guest

I thought about using aluminum flashing bent to follow the curvature of the bulb. It's not mirror like but it's much better than not having one.
 
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darrin

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i tried the flashing... it rusts.... at least the one i got from lowes did...

i thought about using mirrors, since it reflects way more than shiney aluminium... and it gives specular light reflections like the sun... i posted it on reef central but most people thought i was an idiot...

darrin the photographer who uses mirrors for reflections but is not appreciated by the masses...
 
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Guest

mirrors can rust too, I think that's why some may look at you crazy 8O . It's glass which has it's own down falls. but if it works even for a while I would say "go for it" you can only succeed or fail if you try. I don't think failure brings heavy consiquences in this case. I'm curious if the mirror could handle the heat coming off a metal halide.
 
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G

Guest

That mirrored plexiglass sounds like a good idea, but it costs more then if i wanted to purchase a reflector hehe.
 
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Guest

hahah ooops.... ive used 2 way mirror plexi in cars so many times... i love that stuff... just gotta figure out a use for it in the tank...
 
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scottk

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Two things:

I used heavy industrial grade aluminum foil for a reflector. Never had a problem or corrosion. Only problem is that I get the occasional rattle from vibration from fan blowing. Just a minor annoyance.

I've seen mirrored plastics (like eggcrate and plexiglass) peel after a short time due to temperature and salt spray. It would have to be something bonded solidly to whatever it was on. Something to think about...
 
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G

Guest

I use mirror finish Stainless Steel for my reflectors. I've also made some for Quak.

The problem with the Plexi is the amount of heat developed by your lighting, esp MH lighting, may warp or melt your reflector which would then drop down on your lights and start a fire.
 
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G

Guest

I gave two square-bottomed, pyramid-shaped
polished stainless steel light hoods with holes at the
apex. Perfect for reflectors. Maybe she will snap a picture
of them and post it on this site. I have dozens of them.
 
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