DIY Reflector

[Gujustud]

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

[Bryan]

What lovely tomato plants!!!

[Invigor]

I like white paint as a reflector.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Invigor

I like white paint as a reflector.

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

Steve

[AndyL]

White paint is one of the better reflectors actually.

Stolen from http://www.thekrib.com/Lights/reflectors.html#8

These figures are from an old hydroponics source. Unfortunately I
know longer have the URL. These figures, represent the percentange
of light reflected.

Mylar 90-95
Flat white paint 85-93
Semi-gloss white 75-80
Flat yellow 70-80
Aluminum foil 70-75

Andy

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by AndyL

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

[Gujustud]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

... compare them to my home made reflectors that have a reflectance of 98.9%. ...

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

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Gujustud

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

[AndyL]

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

[Majestic_Aquariums]

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.