Another crazy Cap'n Pete idea

[cap'n pete]

Has anyone ever painted the top of a PC bulb with chrome paint? Much like URI VHO bulbs, it would serve as an internal reflector, forcing all light to the bottom of the tube with no loss of light from the top. I have put aluminum foil on NO flourescents before with no problem. My concern with PC's is that they run so hot, I don't want an exploding bulb. The reflectors I currently have stink to say the least and have to be directing a lot of light back into the bulb (lamp re-strike). If it would work it would be great, freeing up a lot of room in my canopy.

 

[cap'n pete]

Here's something that looks like what I'm talking about.
Reflected Power Compact

 

[jarvis]

I would be concerned about the paint heating up and flaking off into the tank. Some fish arn't the brightest and might just eat it.
I am kinda curious. Keep us posted

 

[yetex]

It can't be worse then me eating the green lead based paint chips when i was a kid

 

[krux]

aside from the paint changing size, i would worry primarily that the paint would restrict expansion and contraction of the glass as it heats and cools, causing the glass to shatter. one of the reasons you dont want finger prints on a light bulb (of any kind) is the oils from your fingers change the expansion rate, so im thinking paint would be a problem even more so.
If it works though, i think its a great idea, i would just pain a bulb and dry run it not over water for a week or so, and see if there was any stress on either the paint or the glass before i trusted it over water.

 

[cap'n pete]

Krux,
Very interesting information, I did not know glass contracted and expanded due to temperature. I always thought oil from your finger caused the bulb to become hotter in that spot and that's what made it blow. I guess in essence it makes sense. A search on the subject nets some interesting low expansion glass products, non of which are used in the manufacture of aquarium light bulbs I'm sure.
As far as the paint flaking, I've already taken that into consideration. Would be using high temp spray paint (rated to 1200 degrees F). White seems to be my only option with the high temp paint though.
Looks like I'll just have to try it and see what happens.

 

[krux]

there is such a ting as light bulb paint. my girlfriend worked in an art store, and while they didnt carry it, people did ask for it occasionally. might try a search for that and see if it comes in silver. HTH keep us updated.