Reflector Question
 

If your tank is 15" inside to inside how wide should your reflector be? I am trying to do a canopy so I can setup a tank with VHO bulbs, and maybe eventually 2 halides

I found a reflecter at www.reefsolution.com which is 48" long and can expand from 5 1/2 inchs in width to 8 1/2 inchs wide, is this enough?


Should I use a Metal Reflector? or jjust some good old white paint? I want to do this right the 1st time//


Jim

At least use a polished aluminum reflector, Jim. The adjustable one just has to go wide enough to fit the number of bulbs you plan to use - how many is that? :wink: Is it going to work with a couple of MH mounting brackets down the line?

White paint would likely disappoint, unless you're after that really diffuse, office-fluorescent look. :mrgreen:

I definatly looking at MH for the future,, Just have to find a decent place to get a reflector that would fit my 77g properly.


Jim

i'm a fan of the white paint. gives a nice overall general lighting pattern :D

make one. there are enuf of you calgarians that want them in that you could get a sheet of spectral aluminum and bend your own. there are several posts on here about making them.. a quick search will reveal all :mrgreen:

Steve

jmho but I believe the best reflector going is the pfo type. easily mount halides as well as vho`s. They might be a little more money but the improvement you will see is well worth it. I bought mine from J&L.

I ahve looked at thoseproblem is they do not have them in 46" to 48" lengths (or do I really need it that long.. never done my own canopy still trying to research everything..


jim

The pfo`s come in 12, 24, 36, and not sure about 48 but I think so. I built my 72" hood and used 2 - 36" reflectors. I`ll see if I have a pic. of the underside and I`ll post it.

Ya if you can get a pic that would be perfect


jim

pic.s are on the home page and I can`t get them to come over to this page.