Pvc t5 reflector

[knap_123]

Anyone used a pvc t5 reflector? I found some old info online of it being done. Can use Mylar to get a mirror reflector. But I've read the white is good also. https://www.marineaquariumsa.com/threads/diy-t5-reflectors.24921/

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yea you can.

Might not be the most effective however.

The store reflectors are angled so that if you point the light at yourself you see the tube in each of the surfaces. Or directing the light downward.

With the curve of the pipe it's not focused that way and kinda blows it back into the tube and some into the tank.
Were it me (and it has been), is use a softer reflective materiel , the same kinda soft like aluminum foil on either side. That way it blows around the tank a lot more.
Like the difference between a mirror and white paper does when it reflects light.

I used to coat the inside of my canopys with aluminum foil with power compacts.

 

[knap_123]

I found also some info during Mylar as a reflector. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013LUKR...t=&hvlocphy=9012450&hvtargid=pla-343191228634

 

[knap_123]

The price of reflectors is high. If I can make some for cheap that wouald be awesome! I have a couple of ballast to use. 2 workhorse 7 and 2 odyssea ballast. Home depot also some Phillips t5 ballast. I'm not sure if I want 39watts or 24watts.

 

[knap_123]

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yup. It can be done!
If you lived close I'd just give you the reflectors in my garage.

San Diego.

 

[knap_123]

I have this old reflector. I'm going to try and cut it down to either 36" or 24". My tank is 36x18x17 rimless. My buddy has the same and went 2 kessils 2 24" retro t5. It looks really awesome.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I have this old reflector. I'm going to try and cut it down to either 36" or 24". My tank is 36x18x17 rimless. My buddy has the same and went 2 kessils 2 24" retro t5. It looks really awesome.

Oh that's a total score!!

 

[knap_123]

It was a old tek light, totally rusted fixture. I gutted it and saved the ballast and all. Needs new endcaps. Workhorse 7 ballast. I can run 4 39 watt bulbs with 1. But I want 6 24watts I think. So I'll have to order the right ballast. Going to build a wood houseing for it all.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It was a old tek light, totally rusted fixture. I gutted it and saved the ballast and all. Needs new endcaps. Workhorse 7 ballast. I can run 4 39 watt bulbs with 1. But I want 6 24watts I think. So I'll have to order the right ballast. Going to build a wood houseing for it all.

Sweet. Don't forget to vent them.

 

[knap_123]

I've got a few computer fans I can use also