DIY Reflector
 

Okay, not something I did, but I found a good link. I was searchin' around on the net for a home made reflector, and came across this link below. PLEASE keep in mind, this is not sites that I frequent at ALL, it was a google search I swear!

http://www.overgrow.com/edge/showthread/t-266469.html

What lovely tomato plants!!!

I like white paint as a reflector.

white paint isn't much of a reflector but it is one heck of a diffuser.

Steve

White paint is one of the better reflectors actually.

Andy

andy you are talking about paints, a plastic film that will melt with MH and kitchen supplies. compare them to my home made reflectors that have a reflectance of 98.9%. there were actualy some real tests done that included paint and such as well as professional made reflectors. paint was one of the worst I will try dig up that article also for you but here is another that shows paint is not as good as any of the popular designed reflectors and a quote

"The total light incident on the three different areas 3’ X 3’ ft, 2’ X 2’ and 1’ X 1’ at 6” from the lamp using a flat sheet reflector with white paint is shown in the table 4 below. As can be clearly seen from the data, having any of the above mentioned reflectors is better than just having a painted hood."

the article is
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...03/feature.htm
now this is just showing comercial one but I will try find the link to the other one that tests all kinds of stuff.

Steve

Would you happen to have any pictures, or howto on how you made yours?

yup, lots of pictures if you want to search. but here is a link to my out dated DIY page, if the thumb nails don't show up click on the picture name.... got to redo this page hehe.

http://members.shaw.ca/s.l.s/diy/lights/index.html

Steve

Of course a properly designed reflector is going to work better than a white painted box - I was just providing numbers as to the actual reflection off a surface material. White paint is still one of the better reflective surfaces.

I doubt your 98.9% number though looking at your reflectors. More than 1.1% of the light is going to restrike the bulb - resulting in losses...


Andy

Anyone ever try a thin piece of aluminum; or even stainless? This can be bent to shape quite easily, and is easy to clean, won't flake or damage by saltwater-shouldn't cost that much if you source it out at a sheetmetal shop in your area. Just a thought-I've tried this before and it worked good.