where to buy specular/reflective aluminum

[SoonerFan51]

I am thinking about replacing my old MH reflectors and doing some DIY's. Does any one know where I can find specular aluminum in the okc/norman area. If so please let me know.

[Travis L. Stevens]

I'm not sure where or what you even have in mind, but have you looked at Mylar? It's highly reflective and pretty readily available.

[SoonerFan51]

Thanks Travis, Mylar might work, but I am looking for something thicker. That I can cut and bend into a reflector

[Prater]

Are you interested in polishingit yourself? I know you can get aluminum flashing at the hardware stores. Polish and fabricate it yourself.

[Travis L. Stevens]

Well, in worst case scenario, you could use both Prater and my ideas. Bend some aluminum flashing in to the shape of a reflector, and then stick Mylar on the inside

[aquasena1]

Would mirror backed plexiglas work or do the lights generate too much heat?

[Travis L. Stevens]

I would worry about two things. First would be the heat that you already mentioned. I wouldn't even try it with plexiglass. Second, as nice and reflective as a mirror looks to the naked eye, it actually cuts light intensity fairly drastically. You have to remember that the light has to travel through the glass to get to the reflective surface, bounce, and then travel back through the glass before even reaching the water's surface.

[Prater]

Travis,

How does the Myler's polyester film hold up with the heat of MH lights? I have never used it and dont really know all its properties.

[bryon0508]

i got a friend that took a pice of acrilic and glued aluminum foil to it to make a reflector it works quite well

[SoonerFan51]

Prater, If i could get a decent gloss from aluminum flashing I would definately give it a try. I have some in the garage I'll give it a try

Travis, as long as the mylar could hold up to the heat I would give it a try and attach it to the flashing with some 3m spray adhesive.

thanks for the suggestions everyone. -

[SoonerFan51]

I am afraid acrylic would melt even if it was covered with a reflective coating.

[Prater]

What kind of polisher do you have? Doing it by hand will take a while.

[SoonerFan51]

its an electric sander/polisher with a cotton mitt. I would hope it would work fine. I have some mothers nano metal polish for aluminum. I can give it a try atleast

[Travis L. Stevens]

I haven't tested it, but I've read multiple things about it being highly heat resistant. I was looking on wikipedia just to get more indepth information and came across this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate
"Clear boPET film is used as lidding for fresh or frozen ready meals. Due to its excellent heat resistance, it can remain on the package during microwave or oven heating. "

I didn't realize that boPET (basically Mylar) was the same thing. I think as long as you didn't make a blind purchase, it would be highly doubtful that you would find someone that would melt on you if it can be heated in an oven.

One of the best parts about Mylar is that it is often used in the agricultural industry; predominately hydroponics.

I original came across the idea of using Mylar to line the inside of my canopy when I saw it came in sheets while I was looking for some cheap 250w metal halides. Inside Sun carries it, but I haven't done any pricing to see how their price stands or how hard it is to find locally
http://www.insidesun.com/ea3011f6aec...1cc47ef59.dept

Just think, I always thought it was just used for tying fly fishing flies and woven cords

[SoonerFan51]

Thanks Travis, I dont guess the mylar would melt then Any idea where I could find it locally?

[Prater]

Its melting point is 489.2 Degree Fahrenheit

[SoonerFan51]

I would guessi would be safe using myar then? or not? I am going to try polishing the flashing first and if I am not happy with that the I could easily add the mylar.

[Travis L. Stevens]

Originally posted by SoonerFan51
I would guessi would be safe using myar then? or not? I am going to try polishing the flashing first and if I am not happy with that the I could easily add the mylar.

I would try polishing if it isn't going to be much of a hassle. It would be one less cost. If it doesn't work or is too labor intensive, then I would look for Mylar. With Prater's little tidbit, I wouldn't have a problem using Mylar in my tanks, and I'm actually thinking about lining the inside of my 10g now.

If you're going to look for Mylar, I would hit up your Agriculture, Gardening, and Automotive stores. I know that Mylar is sometimes used as a type of window tinting. It might even be limo tinting, just under a different name. I would have to check on it.

[SoonerFan51]

travis, good call on the window tinting, I'll check the local agg place too. I do appreciate all the help and good luck with your ten gallon tank

[Travis L. Stevens]

Thanks. Now I need to finish the 75g, 2x 2g, and now a 26g

[SoonerFan51]

Well I polished up a piece of old flashing and it looks suprisingly reflective. Now off to buy flashing and create a masterpiece.

[Travis L. Stevens]

Originally posted by SoonerFan51
Well I polished up a piece of old flashing and it looks suprisingly reflective. Now off to buy flashing and create a masterpiece.

Though flashing is cheap, as you know, it isn't very sturdy. Most hardware stores carry thin sheet metal. I've seen all the way up to 16 gauge. You might check there to see if they have any aluminum.

[SoonerFan51]

It doesnt have to be too strong I am doing a design similar to the lumenarcs. I think normal flashing will work I will let you know.

[Serra]

I have four 48" reflectors that have lost their reflectability that I will sell real cheap or trade for a frag if anyone is interested in trying the Mylar or something inserts or can figure out a way to make them like new.

Here's what happened but you have to promise not to tell anyone how I had a blonde moment...it's so embarrassing for a redhead-like person.

When I got them they had this clear plastic cover. Like I was suppose to know that? Later...as in months...it started coming off in pieces but the glue was stuck so I scraped and used chemicals trying to get it off.

Finally with the last one, I soaked it in water and the stuff came right off. Whodda thunk it? So I have some non-reflective reflectors that would make a great form for something reflective. Pieces of Mylar and a glue gun? I use that for everything.

Anyone interested or any ideas?

[aquasena1]

If you want cheap mylar search eBay for mylar blanket. For about $3 you can get a 7' x 4' emergency survival mylar blanket. I hung one behind my back-up tanks to keep salt spray off the wall and increase light.