DIY Reflector?

[TheReefGeek]

Anyone made a DIY reflector before?

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

Anyone made a DIY reflector before?

yup.

Steve

[TheReefGeek]

What kinds of bulbs was it for? What kind of material did you use?

[StirCrazy]

I have made them for VHO, PC, and MH. I would recommend using spectral aluminum and nothing else for a few reasons, one it doesn't corrode, it is way more reflective than anything else, and it is easy to work with.

[muck]

I made my reflector out of flashing.
Its maybe not the best material to use but it gets the job done till I have time to find some better stuff to use.

[TheReefGeek]

Thanks guys. For now I am going with PFO, if it was summer I would have investigated building my own out of aluminum, maybe next time, would be a fun project.

[Static]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

I have made them for VHO, PC, and MH. I would recommend using spectral aluminum and nothing else for a few reasons, one it doesn't corrode, it is way more reflective than anything else, and it is easy to work with.

Any hints about where to find the spectral aluminum? I've asked a couple metal suppliers over here, but haven't had any luck yet.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Static

Any hints about where to find the spectral aluminum? I've asked a couple metal suppliers over here, but haven't had any luck yet.

metal supermarket can get it but you pay more. there are several different names for it depending onthe brand. I actualy found a place that will sell me prebent reflectors made of spectral aluminum for a deicent price.. it is a matter of me looking and seeing if they have what I want at the time.

Steve

[Bartman]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

I actualy found a place that will sell me prebent reflectors made of spectral aluminum for a deicent price.

Steve

Can you tell us the name of this place?

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Bartman

Can you tell us the name of this place?

Ok wouldn't be cost effective to get it from my place but I can tell you how to find a place of your own

look in the phone book under lighting contractors and then look for one who specilizes in office lighting upgrades. these reflectors are made for putting into floressent fixtures to increase the light output. they come in various sizes and shapes, so the trick is finding a place that will let you go through them and find what you think you need.

Steve