<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8996934#post8996934 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rustybucket145
When did I ever say anything about placing all the bulbs in a single reflector?
You didn't. My comments were with regard to the fact that you SHOULDN'T. My comments further regarded the fact that bending a reflector for the VHO is kind of pointless and that for the PRICE you will pay to DIY a MH reflector, you will be better off buying one.
I think I'm starting to see why you are against DIY reflectors.
No Honestly, I do not think you have a clue as to why I am against them. I am NOT anti-DIY and am NOT against trial and error. Rusty, I am TELLING YOU that others have already been down this road. That is why we have computer designed reflectors now. That is why we can get 60% more usable light of a fluorescent tube. That is why my 150 DE pendants outperform my neighbors 175W "spider" lights.
The link you provided takes you to a $21.95/ea reflector that a two year old with a brake and a $5 sheet of aluminum could make. If your fabrication skills couldn't produce that I see why you would want to spend $129 on a reflector.
Why do you keep taking personal shots rusty? It is getting kind of old and childish. Yes Rusty, anybody can use a sheet metal break. The question is WHAT SHAPE and HOW ACCURATE is that shape. The questions is WHAT MATERIAL and HOW IT REFLECTS lights.
As I mentioned, that is a CHEAP example of a useable reflector Rusty. You seemed to have missed that point. It is not perfect, but it is cheap and usable. In most cases, cheaper than DIY and certainly more efficient.
The simple fact is that light reflects. And it does so in a VERY predictable manner. I plan on using this basic and elemtary fact to design my reflectors to give my tanks a proper coverage without too many shaded spots or any hot spots in the space I have provided.
and there lies the problem. Exactly how do you plan on doing the calculations? Exactly how do you plan on bending a shape to fit those calculations. Rusty this is not one of those "close will get it" projects. That $29 reflector you lauged at is much more advanced than anything you will design without the proper tools and understanding. No, I am not talking about your rivet gun and sheet metal brake.
Let me ask you a couple of questions: Would you DIY a pair of eyeglasses? Would you DIY a camera lens? Would you DIY satellite dish? What would your expectations of success be? All of these products are use bounced electromagnetic waves to operate. All are VERY predictable and all are rather simple in concept. An "aquarium" reflector is no different. You just want it to be so that it will fit the DIY model.
I understand that you are against my DIY of this project so.... If you don't have anything constructive to add please leave this thread so that it is not cluttered with our bickering.
Last I checked, I was one of the only people helping you other than the "hey nice idea" passerbys. You are the one bickering. With each post I have offered you insight into reflectors and also information to help you along with your project if you so desire to continue.
I didn't post this thread with intentions of getting anyone fired up. I just wanted to get some ideas on a light reflector.
I have given you IDEAS. I have also explained why it is not the best route to go. You posted in a public forum Rusty, be prepared to get answers that you do not agree with or that do not support the basis for your idea.
I thank you for your 'insight' into this highly complicated and technically advanced subject of light reflection. I didn't mean for it to get this out of hand.
Rusty for somebody that does not want things to get out of hand you certainly do take personal shots and make off handed comments with regularity and ease. Regardless of what "you" understand about reflectors, they are complex and technical. I suggest some further reading on your part, it may save you some time and money.
Rusty, did you ever wonder why T-12 fixture were so HUGE? Because the correct shaped parabolic reflector is at least 6+ inches wide. Why? Because of the diameter of the bulb and the restrike. That is what makes T5 so great, the narrow bulb and almost non existent restrike. That is why VHO bulbs have a built in reflector, it eliminates the restrike and does a better job at getting the light into the tank compared to a 6" wide SLR.
Start with Sanjays Articles:
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/articles.htm
And the search for more from there. Here are a few more to get you started:
http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/month.200008/msg00069.html
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.aquaria.freshwater.plants/browse_thread/thread/3395156ac84af84a/3b4e78dddc1d71d7?lnk=st&q=reflector+restrike&rnum=3&hl=en#3b4e78dddc1d71d7
Those will get you started. Notice the last link has links to a parabolic design for t-12 lamps. Please read the text from the designer. Notice that it is 5.5" wide... read why.
A shat with Andy from IceCap, or any of the Sunlight Supply folks would also help to change your perspective somewhat.
You mentioned SPACE in the hood as a design constraint. You simply can not have your cake and eat it too. If space was not an issue and DIY was the desired route, then I would look into the DIY lumenarc style lamps. There are several threads here on teh subject, some with plans and dimensions. Somebody even has a PDF pattern you can download.
Again, I have offered you plenty of information and links and I certainly do not appricaite your attutude or the way in which you have responded. The only reason I continue to reply is so that others who are willing to learn, may have the opportunity to do so. You may think you fully understand and do not need to learn (the thread illustrates otherwise) but there are other people who certainly do not feel that way.
