Looking for a T8 Metal reflector

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epond83

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Nov 10, 2009
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Duvall, WA
So i'm building my own hood using T8 48" bulbs and i'm looking for good reflectors. I've found them for T5 bulbs not T8, do they make them?

I could use something else like mirrored acrylic or make my own but thought it would work better if i bought one.
 
I don't think you will. the most reflective material I've ever seen behind a T8 is white paint.
mylar sheet with spray contact adhesive would probably be your best bet for the best reflectivity. reflective tape would probable be easiest. both would let you us a standard (thereby cheaper) hood or fixture.
Personally I'm using old Oven Maid aluminum foil baking sheets from the 50's. I found them buried in my grandmothers basement.
 
epond83 said:
So i'm building my own hood using T8 48" bulbs and i'm looking for good reflectors. I've found them for T5 bulbs not T8, do they make them?

I could use something else like mirrored acrylic or make my own but thought it would work better if i bought one.
Click to expand...

Check out Simkar's Reflect-a-Bay lights. They have them in T5 and T8s with four, six and eight lamp configurations. When I saw a T5 four lamp on, all my plans for halogen/LED lighting were thrown out. I had to have the Reflect-a-Bays for my tank and for my garage. They also have a Mirro 4 Reflector series that is supposed to be 10% more reflective than the Reflect-a-Bays.

http://www.simkar.com/reflect/reflect-a-bay.html

Simkar's lights are just beautiful.

It's hard to get pics of mine--the plastic is still on four of them. Acrylic lens covers are available for these lights, which we needed since the lights are only 2 feet from the top of the tank.
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I think the Simkars will provide more than adequate lighting for my tank. We can turn two/three/or all five of them on. Here's a pic more than 15' away from the tank. The black showing behind the paper is the back wall, 4' behind.
034.jpg
 
i just bought a t8 metal 48'' light for only 20 bucks at home depot
 
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