MH without reflectors?

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by patrick824, Jan 26, 2010.

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  1. patrick824

    patrick824 Montipora Digitata

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    hi so i am getting 2x175 watt MH ballasts and sockets. as far as i know these have no reflectors. i already have 4x54w T5 and 2x40w T12 over my 90, and it just isnt dutting it. I am planning on adding the sockets to the canopy without reflectors (due to space constraints). i realize that i will be losing a lot of light and some will spill, but besides that, will i have any problems? any space saving (3 inches) reflectors? DIY? thanks all
     
    patrick824, Jan 26, 2010
    patrick824, Jan 26, 2010
    #1

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  2. patrick824

    patrick824 Montipora Digitata

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    bump
     
    patrick824, Jan 26, 2010
    patrick824, Jan 26, 2010
    #2
  3. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

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    Tin foil. All else fails cover the area above them inside your canopy with tin foil. It's not the best, but at least it will bounce some light back where it belongs.
     
    mikejrice, Jan 26, 2010
    mikejrice, Jan 26, 2010
    #3
  4. bama

    bama Humpback Whale

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    go to a glass shop and get a mirror to put above it.. It would work well..
     
    bama, Jan 26, 2010
    bama, Jan 26, 2010
    #4
  5. bje

    bje Long-fin Bannerfish

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    you can get 'rescue blanket' kits at your local big box shop for $1-3. should be a big huge square of mylar reflective material
     
    bje, Jan 26, 2010
    bje, Jan 26, 2010
    #5
  6. patrick824

    patrick824 Montipora Digitata

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    will these burn? because something tells me that would not be good
     
    patrick824, Jan 26, 2010
    patrick824, Jan 26, 2010
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  7. hender

    hender Fire Shrimp

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    I'd assume they'd burn with the heat MH can generate, Best stick to a more solid (non -flammable) material. But just m2c.
     
    hender, Jan 26, 2010
    hender, Jan 26, 2010
    #7
  8. NeighborTomita

    NeighborTomita Banned

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    I would reconsider, no joke. You don't want to house MH's in such a small canopy without proper ventilation, you will be asking for trouble(not trying to be mean). Can you redesign the canopy at all, maybe increase the height of it?
     
    NeighborTomita, Jan 26, 2010
    NeighborTomita, Jan 26, 2010
    #8
  9. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    Yea, I don't think that will work. MH get very hot. Without proper ventilation, you could set the canopy on fire, and if you don't get proper reflectors, you're wasting your time with MH completely. One bulb can cover a 2x2 foot area nicely. With no reflectors, you won't get much at all concentrated into the tank and you're expending all that energy for nothing and with that setup / no ventilation presenting a serious fire hazard.
     
    ZachB, Jan 26, 2010
    ZachB, Jan 26, 2010
    #9
  10. jkat21

    jkat21 Bangghai Cardinal

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    Do a search for halide reflectors.you can find DIY metal reflectors that are flat and you bend/cut to size your self
    Should be what ur looking for.sorry I don't have the link,I'm on my phone..
    EDIT...as long as you have at least 9-10 inches above the water.if not as stated above halides might not be good for you right now...
     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2010
    jkat21, Jan 26, 2010
    jkat21, Jan 26, 2010
    #10
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