Adding aluminum flashing inside a canopy

We are always looking for ways to increase reflected light back into the water of our aquariums. So..will this work? I know many people just paint the inside white so it is easy to see.

Could I get aluminum flashing from my hardware store and nail it to the wood? Thus increasing reflected light, going back into the water.

Shop aluminum flashing at Lowes.com

Would this create too much heat?

 

The salt water will corrode the aluminum in short order, your asking for trouble in my opinion.
Better option is some pure white enamel paint, find Jwin & Triplemom's 46 bowfront canopy build for specific recommendations.

 

or go cheap and use aluminum foil

 

for $2 at most places you can get a HUGE "RESCUE" blanket. which is paper thin foil basically that is very reflective and used in alot of various applications.

id imagine if you found a staple that was made of something that would not corrode or rust from the saltwater, you could line the whole canopy with a rescue blanket. i suppose you could use other things beside metal to affix it.

i dont believe the material its made from will rust. but im not 100% sure, trying to find out more now. i was going to use one in my cichlid tank canopy so id have more light into the tank for the plant growth.

 

What are reflectors in light fixtures made out of?

 

Aluminum.

 

the ones i bought for my DIY setup appeared to be made of polished aluminum. but they're also in a sealed fixture that has a acrylic shield from the water.

 

hhmmm..ideas. I'll keep looking.

 

Is there a type of sealant that would help prevent corrosion but not block the reflection of light?

 

im no metal worker, but i make plenty of trips to home depot to know that ive not seen anything that would be a clear-non-corrosive sealant for metal.

i know for aluminum boats they have to use epoxy paint coats on them to insure they wont corrode. and if it comes down to paint, well glossy white paint is your best bet.