Reflector material

ganowicki · #1 06-28-2003, 09:19 PM

My Uncle owns a sheet metal shop and so I was going to get him to build me a light reflector for my tank. The question is What type of metal should I use?? Polished Aluminum? Polished Stainless Steel? white powder coated sheet metal (like the hydroponic shops use) or what about Mirror??

Thanks

Jack · #2 06-28-2003, 09:48 PM

Steve was getting the sheets of Spectral Aluminum. I believe that's what it's called.

If you want I will go in on a sheet with you to save money. I would like to try the polished finish because I've just got the gloss white reflectors.

Anyone know if it makes a huge difference?

Btw Gord. I will be up next weekend to drop off your damsels and shrimp and to check out your tank. I'd like to look around for a macro algea eater while I'm down, tang?

StirCrazy · #3 06-30-2003, 04:53 PM

If he can get Spectral aluminum at a good cost this is by far the best option.. it has a higher reflectivity than a mirror, and will not corode.. any other type of sheet metal will require aditional maintanice to retain its shine and if you pollish it you might as well add polishing it to the monthly tank cleaning.

Steve

ganowicki · #4 06-30-2003, 06:01 PM

Jack, I would be interested in going in with you to buy some Spectral Aluminum. Do you know how much it costs for a sheet?? what size sheet does it come in?

newreefy · #5 06-30-2003, 11:22 PM

I would be interested as well to go in on a sheet. I need two reflectors and will be buying them anyway.

Van down by the river · #6 06-30-2003, 11:52 PM

I have about half a dozen reflectors that will fit two 48" tubes. they are all like new. I'm in Vancouver but they are light so shipping would be cheap.
I was thinking $25 each

Jack · #7 07-01-2003, 12:48 AM

Gord,

Steve was quoting 6.50$ sq/ft for the Spectral Aluminum. I think it only comes in 4'x8' sheets.. that is why he wanted a guaranteed list of buyers before he purchased it. I would want two MH reflectors and one for my refugium... probably one more for a future frag tank.

Are you looking for MH reflectors?

Newreefy,

Are you serious about this because we should get something together.

Steve,

Can you point us in a direction to find this stuff? I will do a search after this post. Thanks.

newreefy · #8 07-01-2003, 02:57 AM

Jack,

Yes i am serious about the reflectors. I would be in no doubt if we can get the material.

Jack · #9 07-01-2003, 04:47 AM

Newreefy,

Ok, great. Lets wait for Gord to chime in.

ganowicki · #10 07-02-2003, 01:30 AM

Hey Jack
Sorry for the delay on the response. I was away for the weekend in Kamloops. I am going to opt out of buying. My uncle just made me a complete MH reflector out of Polished Stainless Steel.