reflectors are they worth the cost?

[twhitt]

I am changing from vho's to metal halide i have reflective mirror in my canopy. but would like to know if the parabolic individual reflectors are worth the thirty dollar cost. need to know soon the sale at hellolights is over 12/31.

 

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't spend the money since you already a mirrored reflector.

Louey

 

[npaden]

Definitely worth the cost IMO & IME. I've tried my own DIY reflectors and didn't have near the success with SPS corals until I upgraded the reflectors (I made several other changes at the same time so it is hard to say it was just the reflectors but it sure seems to have helped) A flat reflective surface won't even come close to the parabolic reflectors. The key is the angles to reflect the light back into the tank rather than let it bounce around where ever. Hopefully Sanjay's lighting information that he showed at MACNA will be available soon on Advanced Aquarist. A good reflector can get 30 - 40 percent more light to the surface of the water over a flat reflector if I remember correctly.

FWIW, Nathan

 

[Anonymous]

I didn't know that Nathen. I thought I had read otherwise. I'd go with Sanjays recomendation for sure. I think I'll add them to my setup!

Louey

 

[Jeff Hood]

When I first bought my Spiderlight reflectors I took one and held it over the 400 watt MH radium bulb I already had installed under my retrofit aluminum reflector.
When I put it above the bulb the light on that side looked at least twice as bright and the colors looked better. Since I was holding it with my hand I could move it back and forth and It made such a differance that I think it should be a standard feature with all MH bulbs.

Definatly get the reflectors, you will regret it if you don't.

Jeff

 

[Anonymous]

Can the reflector be bent to reduce the height? I have 4-3/4" from top of hood to the top of the tank. I need to squash the reflector a little to get it to fit in there.

Louey

 

[Mac1]

Can the reflector be bent to reduce the height? I have 4-3/4" from top of hood to the top of the tank. I need to squash the reflector a little to get it to fit in there.

Louey

You can, but it may affect the performance of the reflector.
What you would want to do, is try and minimize the number of bends you add to the reflector, and place them such that it has minimal impact on the performance of the unit.

- Mac