T5 reflectors?

So this may sound dumb but I looked at my fixture as I don't have individual reflectors. So I got to thinking, my unit gets hot when I run all 4 bulbs, if I did make shift reflectors in theory would that deflect more light into the tank and that would cause my fixture to stay cooler?

 

Most of the heat is coming from the t5 ballasts. You could try running a fan lengthwise down the bulbs to help dissipate most of the heat.

 

No the reflectors will not lessen the heat. The previous suggestion is good except you should aim the fan below the bulbs on the end with the bulb data and perpendicular to the bulbs to get the best performance and life out of your bulbs.

 

Where can I get the fans?? I only have about 4-6 inches from my fixture to tank

 

What's the advantage to individual reflectors? Much of a difference? Mine is a large continual piece that looks like to interconnected "M"s.


Something like this: mm

 

Individual reflectors direct the light into the tank which results in a better light source so you can get more light demanding corals and such

 

I understand that. Im asking relative to my design. It's essentially 4 individual reflectors welded together to form a continual piece.

 

What you would want to use are 'muffin fans' or the type of fans that are typically used in computers. You can get them at newegg or other places that sell computer parts. In fact you could just reclaim some from an old pc. Keep in mind that they are usually DC fans and will likely need 12v DC.

Dont electrocute yourself!

 

I have an old pc I can get the fans out of but they connect to the motherboard so I'm not sure how I can wire them...

 

It's going to take a little re-wiring. You will need to get a 12V DC power supply, find one on ebay or radio shack, or just use an old left over wall wart. The fan should show the polarity of the wiring on a sticker on the hub, it should also confirm the correct voltage. You will have to snip off the connector on the fan, and the connector on your DC power supply and connect them together. Remember to match the polarity. Beyond that advice, I would suggest you do a little Googling or check out YouTube. The 12v DC the fans run on wont hurt you too bad, but the T5 ballasts will hurt you if you you arent careful.

Dont electrocute yourself!