How To Get Cheap Reflector?

[euphoria]

Hey guys,
How can I get a cheap reflector to go on top of my lights? Is there anything I can maybe buy from Home Depot or other stores that is real cheap and can be used as a reflector?
I was thinking of using aluminum foil and just making it in the shape of a U and putting it on top of the lights. Will this work?
:help:

 

[therealtoddius]

In my new canopy I am using mylar as a reflector for my VHOs and got some metal hailde reflector from a local electrical contractor for free. You should check with your local contractors, very often they have them left over from remodel tear outs.

 

[reefnut]

I used pipe insulation aluminum jacketing.

 

[euphoria]

What the hell is that? Does it work? And where do I find some?
In any case, will regular aluminum foil work?

 

[rangermonroe]

reef nut...that looks awesome!
al foil will work, but will look trashy. I used mirror tile from home depot...my fish have a mirrored ceiling...

 

[euphoria]

you placed the mirror tile around the light tubes or just upside down on top of the tank?

 

[daniel411]

Reefnut, that was a really nifty idea!
I wonder though what the efficiency of aluminum foil, pipe jacketing, etc. is vs. the high priced reflectors.

 

[reefsoe]

Im wondering the same about mirrors....
They should stick to the wood of your canopy with some cement glue. They must reflect well but can they handle the heat of halides?

 

[reefnut]

The spider reflectors are great for MH. They have great reflection. Polished aluminum is the way to got if you can... It has a mirror finish and reflects great. That said, I like the way mine turned out but I do think I'm loosing light vs a nice spider reflector.

 

[niger12]

ONe of my LFS ha a large 240g reef setup with 2 MH on one side and VHO on both. They stock each side differently depending on lighting needs. He told me he mounted a 1/2" mirror for a relector in the top of the canopy and the heat cracked it. What he did not tell me was how it was installed or what wattage the light were.

 

[1journeyman]

I tried a mirror once. MH shattered it in about an hour.

 

[enosmeanus]

what is a spider reflector and where can i get one?

 

[reefnut]

http://www.hellolights.com/methalparref.html

 

[rangermonroe]

I used silicone to attach the mirrored tile dirrectly to the wood of my canopy. One of the tiles cracked. It did not shatter or even fall down. Just a hairline crack from one side to the other. It is still up there 2 years later.
On the down side, the glass of the mirror does conduct the heat rather well, so the top of the canopy gets quite warm.
I have a mirror mounted directly over each bulb and one on each end of the canopy, mounted vertically.

 

[stapler]

I have heard good things about the spider reflectors, just ordered one for my MH....cant wait till I get it.
Just my .02

 

[lonestar]

The big name local hardware store has 48" shoplights (stainless steel) for 9 bucks. I am considering buying 1 and cutting it into 3rds and use as a reflector. I am not sure how good it will work but for 9 bucks, it is worth a try.
Jeremy