Making reflectors.....at SkOoL

SaM dA MaN · 11-17-2003, 02:18 PM

Well I do metal work at school and have finished my project and am now allowed to make something of my choice.
So I was wondering about how I can go about making some reflectors for my new tank. Parabolic ones would be good, possibly the the 'gull wing' types because I've read they're good for compacts.
I really have no idea where to start.
There is a machine used to bend metal and I'm sure the school would supply the metal.
I can bend the metal, but I'm really not sure how to get the angles right and such.
Any info would be great.
Cheers.

**GulfCoastAquarian** · 11-17-2003, 03:33 PM

Here are some good topics on this site about building your own reflector...

http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2749
http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2914
http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=911

SaM dA MaN · 11-19-2003, 09:31 AM

Well it seems my school is too cheap to supply me with metal so I'll have to buy some metal and bring it in to metal work (ironic?). I'll see if I can pick up some polished aluminium or somthing on the weekend.
What are the advantages of the "gull wing" reflector any way?
So far I like the type posted by Gomer, I made a sketch.

does this look right? (I take no credit for design)

SaM dA MaN · 11-19-2003, 11:27 AM

Another alternative is the AH supplies inspired reflectors.
I think it goes a little some thing like this, not too sure about lengths yet.

**GulfCoastAquarian** · 11-19-2003, 01:26 PM

The gull-wing or "spider" reflectors are a bit more efficient because they eliminate restrike directly above the bulb. A small flat on top is still a very efficient design, though. I'd stick with something simpler like the AH Supply reflector.

SaM dA MaN · 11-19-2003, 11:02 PM

Ok, I think I got the angels sorted, is there any specific length that each side has to be? Each reflector will have one 55 watt inside it and there is going to be 4 x 55 watts over my new 70g. Can I just use any measurements as long as they are symetrical on both sides and in proportion to each other?
thanks

**GulfCoastAquarian** · 11-20-2003, 12:59 PM

The length of each facet is very critical to how the reflector functions. The distance from where the bulb sits in relation to the reflector is also critical. You have to calculate the angle if incidence and the angle of reflection from the facets and determine how much emitted light will restrike and how much will be directed at the tank.

Honestly, though, you're talking the difference between 80% and 90%. Overall, you're probably not going to be able to tell the difference and if you're close enough, it'll be a heck of a lot better than without a reflector.

SaM dA MaN · 11-21-2003, 10:48 AM

Since I wont have the lights until well after xmas and I will be making the reflectors within a month or less I cant really work out any of that stuff yet, so I was wondering if i could just base it on other peoples lights.
What are the measurements of the ah supply reflectors and how far are the globes to be position from the reflector? And did I get the angles right in the previous diagram.
Anyone?

11-17-2003, 03:33 PM	#2
GulfCoastAquarian Planted Tank VIP (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6/100%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 3,577	Here are some good topics on this site about building your own reflector... http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2749 http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2914 http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=911 __________________ - Sam P - plantedtanker in limbo - all tanks currently in storage

11-19-2003, 01:26 PM	#5
GulfCoastAquarian Planted Tank VIP (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6/100%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 3,577	The gull-wing or "spider" reflectors are a bit more efficient because they eliminate restrike directly above the bulb. A small flat on top is still a very efficient design, though. I'd stick with something simpler like the AH Supply reflector. __________________ - Sam P - plantedtanker in limbo - all tanks currently in storage

11-20-2003, 12:59 PM	#7
GulfCoastAquarian Planted Tank VIP (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6/100%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 3,577	The length of each facet is very critical to how the reflector functions. The distance from where the bulb sits in relation to the reflector is also critical. You have to calculate the angle if incidence and the angle of reflection from the facets and determine how much emitted light will restrike and how much will be directed at the tank. Honestly, though, you're talking the difference between 80% and 90%. Overall, you're probably not going to be able to tell the difference and if you're close enough, it'll be a heck of a lot better than without a reflector. __________________ - Sam P - plantedtanker in limbo - all tanks currently in storage

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11-17-2003, 02:18 PM	#1
SaM dA MaN Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 45	Well I do metal work at school and have finished my project and am now allowed to make something of my choice. So I was wondering about how I can go about making some reflectors for my new tank. Parabolic ones would be good, possibly the the 'gull wing' types because I've read they're good for compacts. I really have no idea where to start. There is a machine used to bend metal and I'm sure the school would supply the metal. I can bend the metal, but I'm really not sure how to get the angles right and such. Any info would be great. Cheers.

11-19-2003, 09:31 AM	#3
SaM dA MaN Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 45	Well it seems my school is too cheap to supply me with metal so I'll have to buy some metal and bring it in to metal work (ironic?). I'll see if I can pick up some polished aluminium or somthing on the weekend. What are the advantages of the "gull wing" reflector any way? So far I like the type posted by Gomer, I made a sketch. does this look right? (I take no credit for design)

11-19-2003, 11:27 AM	#4
SaM dA MaN Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 45	Another alternative is the AH supplies inspired reflectors. I think it goes a little some thing like this, not too sure about lengths yet.

11-19-2003, 11:02 PM	#6
SaM dA MaN Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 45	Ok, I think I got the angels sorted, is there any specific length that each side has to be? Each reflector will have one 55 watt inside it and there is going to be 4 x 55 watts over my new 70g. Can I just use any measurements as long as they are symetrical on both sides and in proportion to each other? thanks

11-21-2003, 10:48 AM	#8
SaM dA MaN Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 45	Since I wont have the lights until well after xmas and I will be making the reflectors within a month or less I cant really work out any of that stuff yet, so I was wondering if i could just base it on other peoples lights. What are the measurements of the ah supply reflectors and how far are the globes to be position from the reflector? And did I get the angles right in the previous diagram. Anyone?