DIY Reflectors

[kas2247]

I have T5 lighting and was wondering if there is anything I can buy at Lowes that I could use for a DIY reflector for each bulb? I don't want to limit the reflectivity by getting cheap stuff, but I also know that things can be WAY cheaper if you DIY. Has anyone tried this?

 

[f14peter]

Haven't done it, but some very reflective sheet material (essentially bright chrome) is usually available at a larger arts & craft store (Such as the Michael's franchise). Don't know how it would stand up to any heat generated by a lamp, but it's pretty cheap and a test run would probably be pretty easy to conduct.

 

[kas2247]

Hmm... well I'm going to Lowes tomorrow, so maybe I'll see what I can find. I guess it couldn't hurt to try, right?!
Thanks for the reply!

Anybody else have any suggestions or experience w/this?

 

[chipmaker]

Unless the reflectors are made for T5's your not going to get the realbenefits out of the lights no matter how nice it may look. The one lfs here sold a heap of T5 lights and el cheapo reflectors made for other type tubes, and w hile it looke fine, it ws anot anywhere near as efficieint as it should have been. One person bought proper reflectors, and after a lot of bashing and tantalizing the shops owner that its a heck of a note to sell high end lights and cut corners on reflectors, he finally sprung the $$ for propper reflectors, and needless to say its like an entire new light system allover again. There is a diference in usuing the right reflectors......and not just a material or reflector for another type light.

 

[kas2247]

Ok, thanks for the advice. Maybe I'll make my own for a temporary fix right now, just for looks. It'll be a good while before I'm ready to keep any corals or anything, anyway.

 

[bojik]

Look up tek's single t5 reflectors they are some of the best there is (that i know of personally)