canopy reflector

[budhorse775]

I am looking to add a reflector to my PC canopy. The question is should I paint the inside white, buy a pre made reflector from the LFS, or buy some reflective aluminium from Lowes? Obviously painting the inside white would be the least expensive but would the reflectivity be good enough? If I were to buy the reflective aluminium should I line the whole canopy or just under the bulbs? Any suggestions

 

[dwdenny]

The bad thing about PC is the a lot of the light is blocked by the bulb itself. I would paint the canopy just to protect the wood(if it is wood) but also use a good reflector to help. A good parabolic reflector look at www.ahsupply.com. I got one from there are it worked good for my FOWLR. HTH

 

[PelagicMagic]

buy some mylar sheeting. works great

http://www.discount-hydro.com/mylar.asp

 

[Catharsis70]

Doesnt mylar yellow from the heat? Also isnt hard to get it completely flat etc? Would an awesome cheap way to go if it works in this environment,

 

[PelagicMagic]

mylar is used in all applications including hydroponics where 1000 watt MV lamps disperse tons of heat. For the pc's it will work great. I never had a problem laying it flat either.

 

[Catharsis70]

Thats great to know. Talk about a cheap way to go. What do you use to tack it in place?

 

[PelagicMagic]

DS tape, glue, wallpaper cement, etc.

 

[Catharsis70]

Do you have a glass top on your tank? Is the glue ever a problem with the humidity and such? I would worry about somethin maybe getting into the water.

 

[PelagicMagic]

remove the canopy to install the mylar

 

[budhorse775]

cool thanks for the tip.

 

[budhorse775]

Can mylar be purchased at Lowes or HD?

 

[Catharsis70]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7031949#post7031949 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PelagicMagic
remove the canopy to install the mylar

I assumed so much. I meant is there any concern of chemicals leaching etc from degradation and moisture, condensation falling back from the canopy into the water.

 

[PelagicMagic]

you can use 100% silicone to attach the sheeting, that way you wont have to worry about chemicals. I used krazy glue gel. I have only seen mylar on ebay, local hydroponics stores, and aquatic ecosystems. Check your yellow pages for a hydroponics shop. You really want the dupont brand, there are alot of clones out there now who say its the same thing, but it isnt. but If you cant find the dupont brand it wont kill you to buy a knock off brand

 

[Catharsis70]

Awesome info. For the budget controlled members (like me) that is a nice option to have. Thanks for all the replys

 

[budhorse775]

Do you think that putting PC bulbs less than an inch next to it may cause any problems?

 

[PelagicMagic]

double check when you order our buy the roll. I wouldnt think so but I had my pc's right on the surface of the water and the mylar 6 inches apart.