metal halide reflector

[txmike]

Looking to change up lighitng on my 130 going to go with 2 X 250 w MH and LED for supplemental lighting .I have the stuff to make reflectors just cant decide what style to go with .pic of the two types I have made .If you have used one style or the other or bolth let me know what you think of them .The one on the right is a bit eaiser to make then the one on the left.

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx7/txmike2/IMG_20110727_204703.jpg

[allan]

Good work. I have the style on the left, but your right side job looks much better... except...

Not trying to snipe your work, both look great... but the final angle on your right side piece seems a bit perpendicular in relation to your water's surface. Unless the light itself is placed significantly higher than that plane it seems to me that you will be angling a lot of light right over the top of the tank, rather than focused to the surface itself.

Take it for what it's worth, I can't tell the depth of the reflectors, but it looks like you're going with a SE MH, they're fairly large. Placing it may be difficult if you have to put it right up near the apex in order to get that reflected light off the last bend and into the drink.

[Troy Valentine]

I've used both, and here is my experience:
Luminarc(left)= Great light spread at 8", use three over my 240(8x8x2) Love'm
Lumenbright=More focused beam of light, higher par value within beam, not much spread at all. I tried mounting them 12" over the water, and the light spread was very minimal.
If your 130 is short and deep go with the lumenbrights, if it is long and shallow go with the luminarc.

Nice DIY job Mike,

[txmike]

Thanks guys

Diy for this is no big deal for me been working metal most of my life from the machine shop to the fab shop not much in metal i don't know how to do .I am also ok with wood.

Allan ,

I see your point on the last bend on the one on the right .And yes I will be running SE lamps .I think I may make a 3rd style a mix of the two .The one on the right is just much easier to make as it is 8 of the same part and the hex disk at the top .

Troy,

My tank is 48" X 24" 27" deep .I lean to the luminarc style as it is a better reflector but it is a PITA to make .After I am done I will post the plans for all the reflectors I come up with .I would love to setup a few styles with same lamp and check the with par meter .

Any other input would be great .

Thanks Guys

[txmike]

ok how about this try 3

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx7/txmike2/IMG_20110808_202556.jpg