DIY Lumenarc Kits

[2dawghouse]

Anyone know where I can buy the DIY Lumenarc reflector kits, I heard that there are some out there, you just assemble yourself?

[2dawghouse]

I am not looking for the ballast, lamp...I guess socket and wiring would be a plus.

[suphew]

Why do you need a kit? The only parts are the Ali reflective material and rivets to hold it together. There are plans about for how to cut the correct shape out.

I got the plans from here

http://www.reefdiversity.com/DIYPage/DIY_HTML/DIY_ReflectorIndex.htm

Heres some pic's of the ones I made.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i109/suphew/Image0022.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i109/suphew/Image0092.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i109/suphew/Image002.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i109/suphew/Image017.jpg

[JCR's Reef]

Turned out really nice Suphew!!! How much would you say it cost to build one?

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12983988#post12983988 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by suphew
Why do you need a kit? The only parts are the Ali reflective material and rivets to hold it together.



Where did you get the reflective material?

[alpine]

IIRC the lumenarc reflectors have a patent on them.So selling any kind of diy kit would be illegal.

[SWINGRRRR]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12984689#post12984689 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mfinn
Where did you get the reflective material?

Lowes or HD.

[tundra1000]

If anyone is interested I have the layout for the 14" reproduced in autocad as a dwg file. You would need autocad or the free reader but it could be printed out to full scale. (save a lot of layout time.)

[2dawghouse]

Problem is I dont have autocad poster printer, so the print wont be printed to scale.

[alpine]

You could take it to a kinkos or something to get printed out.

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12984773#post12984773 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tundra1000
If anyone is interested I have the layout for the 14" reproduced in autocad as a dwg file. You would need autocad or the free reader but it could be printed out to full scale. (save a lot of layout time.)

I would be interested

[tundra1000]

Autocad has a plot window feature so you would print out 4 standard sheets and tape them to get your full scale print. You also really only need to make a template of one leg of your main piece and one smaller corner piece.

[spleify]

You don't need autocad, follow the link suphew supplied, print off the plans take them to Kinkos or office depot/max, like suggetsted and have them blown up. Materials can be bought at Lowes or HD, like already mentioned. It cost me about $45 total including the mogul socket. I suppose it will differ in different area's of the country on the cost of materials. Took a couple of hours.

HTH

Spleify

[SWINGRRRR]

I did one also. It was really easy. Just take your time.

Also, maybe it was just the Kinkos I went to, but its best to have the drawings or whatever already scaled and ready to print. I copied the plans from a site thinking they could scale it up no problem. It really ****ed them off having to work. The first couple were the wrong size and they got ****y with me. The manager came out, told them to drop the attitude and do it correct. Whatever it takes, make it right. After about 6 tries they got it right. Only cost me about $1.78 total.

[tundra1000]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12985742#post12985742 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spleify
You don't need autocad, follow the link suphew supplied, print off the plans take them to Kinkos or office depot/max, like suggetsted and have them blown up. Materials can be bought at Lowes or HD, like already mentioned. It cost me about $45 total including the mogul socket. I suppose it will differ in different area's of the country on the cost of materials. Took a couple of hours.

HTH

Spleify

You don't need autocad, that is correct. I was merely offering the file to anyone interested and it will save you a trip to Kinkos and save you the trouble of scaling it up. Maybe sure you read all the posts clearly-

[tundra1000]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12985793#post12985793 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SWINGRRRR
Only cost me about $1.78 total.

Autodesk .dwg viewer is a free download and the cost of 4 pieces of standard printer paper is, well, pretty cheap.

[SWINGRRRR]

So,, we are going to argue whether someone should print it themselves or take it to Kinkos?

I was just relaying my experiences with them.




2dawg- you can have my templates. You got a PM.

[spleify]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12985794#post12985794 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tundra1000
You don't need autocad, that is correct. I was merely offering the file to anyone interested and it will save you a trip to Kinkos and save you the trouble of scaling it up. Maybe sure you read all the posts clearly-

Calm down pal, you are pretty quick to jump the gun and think I am attacking you. I did read it and I do understand what you were saying. And after READING the reply of the OP, statinig that he didn't have autocad, I offered my experience.
I understand it is hard to get someones point sometimes over the computer, but don't snap at people.

Spleify

[tundra1000]

No snap intended, just merely offering a useful file and making sure that people understand they do not need autocad to view and plot this and it is fairly simple. My apologies if you choose to take it as offensive-

[2dawghouse]

Okay, now that we have settled that....

Our next question? When yall made your lumen. did you use tin sheers, I heard that they leave an uneven edge, better to score/cut the sheet metal? And what was the average cost of materials per reflector?


Swing, thanks, I sent you another pm

[spleify]

Yes tin snips, the yellow ones(straight cut). Didn't bend it at all.
Here is a link to my build thread, hope it helps.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1343381

Again it cost me $45 total with the mogul socket.

Hope this helps.

Spleify

[tundra1000]

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100007578

I'm sure there are some more cost effective materials than this but this has excellent reflective properties and can fit 2 of the 14" with some to spare. I also have seen a 24" tube at lowes for less than $30 but I could not find a link to it. I believe the manufacturer was velux.

[SWINGRRRR]

Youll need 2.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=101898-665-101898&lpage=none

[tundra1000]

My apologies to all who requested a link to a viewer via pm. I sent out the wrong link. The viewer that is needed is for dwg files and can be found here:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=6703438&siteID=123112

[mfinn]

Using the jpg pattern, could this be used to make a 12" reflector?

[JCTewks]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12987044#post12987044 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mfinn
Using the jpg pattern, could this be used to make a 12" reflector?

theoretically, you should be able to scale it down and still have a good reflector!

[tundra1000]

I could give you a scaled down version and was going to make a pattern for an 18" The only problem with going smaller is without having a mogul and bulb in front of me, which I don't, I am not sure of clearances.

[JCTewks]

I've also heard of people "stretching" the design some to be able to cover slightly longer tanks using 1 MH...like making a reflector 14x24 to fot over a 30breeder :D

[mfinn]

I was thinking I could take the copy I have that is printed on a 8.5x11 piece of paper, take it to kinko's and have them scale it up till the measurement on the right side ( 14") is,, say 12".

[spleify]

FWIW, when I took in my 8.5 X 11, and had it blown up it was 281%. That was at Office Max. I don't know if all stores and all printers are the same or different, but that was the size that worked for me and gave me the standard mini size 14.5" X 6.5" tall I believe.

HTH

Spleify

[mfinn]

So your finished reflector was only 6.5" wide?

[spleify]

??? No, 14.5 Wide and 6.5" TALL......

Spleify

[2dawghouse]

spleify, that is the size of the mini, correct? What would you say the blown up % for a large reflector would be (19.25" width)?

[ReefEnabler]

spleify, I remember seeing pics of your DIY lumenarcs in your thread, and thinking how rediculously professional they looked.

you should post some pics in this thread :)

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12988447#post12988447 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spleify
??? No, 14.5 Wide and 6.5" TALL......

Spleify


6.5" tall,,, ok:o

[spleify]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12989192#post12989192 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 2dawghouse
spleify, that is the size of the mini, correct? What would you say the blown up % for a large reflector would be (19.25" width)?

Yes I believe that is the correct size for the mini, that is why I went with that size.
I wish I could tell you what percentage you would need. Try going larger and have then print it, bring a tape measure with so you can check it. I don't really know if all printers are the same either.

Thanks Ryan, they really arn't hard to make. And you should be talking, your system makes me drool when I look at it, now that is sick. I love you're set up.
I am curious to know what the comparison is to the real ones, as far as PAR goes.
Using a a Radium With my light 13" off the water, and 26" deep tank, I have 430 at the surface, about 200-250 half way down, and 150-200, on the sand bad. I also checked the PAR with a Hmilton 14K They were almost Identical. Not different enough to note. I also have a SPS 20K and those readings were, 200 at the surface, 100 or so half way down, and 90-100 on the sand bed.
I ran the Radium for a little while, but man is that bulb BLUE, I an currently running the 14K Hamilton, and really like it.

Please feel free to go and check out my build thread, as there are LOT of DIY in there.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1343381

[siropa]

tundra1000, how did you get the autocad file to print out onto multiple sheets? I've never used that program and don't see an obvious option to do that.

[runningstix]

that wont work. Here are your options, print on 8.5x11 and take to kinkos to enlarge or print 4 out and puzzle them togther with tape.

Option 1: check the box fit to paper under plot scale in the print dialog. Select 8.5x11 paper size and printer.


Option 2: Under plot area select window after you have selected 8.5x11 and you can print a bunch of papers til that fits. Use preview to make sure you get the whole thing. my guess would be 4 prints. then tape them together to get 1. It will be pretty ghetto but it will work.

[tundra1000]

runningstix is right on the money. It is kind of a pain but does allow for accurate full scale print out. I did this once and then made posterboard templates so I could throw away the taped up mess.

[siropa]

just as a followup on the printing... I used this program

http://www.cadsofttools.com/en/products/abviewer.html

and it has an option to do a tile print. the dwg file printed out onto 9 sheets at the correct scale. worked really nice.

[yrema]

hi all,

could you pm me a copy of the diagram? TIA. :D

[One Dumm Hikk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13119021#post13119021 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yrema
hi all,

could you pm me a copy of the diagram? TIA. :D

Post #3 in this thread will lead you to this diagram:

http://www.reefdiversity.com/DIYPage/DIY_HTML/DIY_Reflector/Drawings/Reflector14.jpg

I just want to know if polished aluminum would work to make the reflectors out of. And, how to determine what size the reflectors need to be for my 250MH bulbs.

[yrema]

yup, seen that. would that work on the abviewer (tile print)? :) thanks again.

[mflamb]

http://thebrian.net/reflector/

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p117/mflamb/DSC00203.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p117/mflamb/DSC00207.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p117/mflamb/DSC00217.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p117/mflamb/DSC00214.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p117/mflamb/DSC00224.jpg

[mfinn]

mflamb
what material did you make your reflectors from?

[Zestay]

anyone think they could make some sorf of rectangle reflector ?
i want a 6 inch wide 12 inch long reflector..

[mfinn]

Using this pattern, taking it to kinko's and having it lenghtened to make a 14"x26" reflector, would the corner pieces be stretched to fit also?

[jmigchelbrink]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13122560#post13122560 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mfinn
mflamb
what material did you make your reflectors from?

yeah, that looks way more reflective than the others. where did you get it and how much did it cost?

[peter1]

Hello everybody!

Here is some picts. from my DIY lamp:

http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/DSC00726.jpg
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/DSC00728.jpg
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/DSC00730.jpg
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/DSC00731.jpg
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/DSC00828.jpg
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/DSC00826.jpg
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/DSC00827.jpg

The lamp parameters:

-160x70 cm= 62,5"x27,3"
-3x400W CV Reflux 12.000K HQI single ended, 4x80W T5 / 2 ATI Blue and 2 Corallenzuht Fiji Purple/ bulls
- the body is 15x15mm ~2/3" Aluminium "L" profile
- the ballasts: Coral Vue dimmable and Osram 2x80W T5 ballasts

The tank's picture:
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/Art/peti1_806l/peti1/DSC01422_ocsi.jpg

[orcafood]

So are you guys just buying regular aluminum from home depot and buffing it, or are you using something else?

[orcafood]

dp

[orcafood]

tp

[iCon31]

peter1

Thats some nice DIY..

[peter1]

Hello.
I live in Hungary , East Europe. It is possible to buy it here of two kinds aluminium table. German and Spanish made. These thickness is 0.4-0.5mm , 1500x1250mm the size of the table. These are laser polishing tables with defender foil, that if you take off, you found under it the mirror surface.

[peter1]

Thanks iCon31!

[peter1]

Here is some picts:
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/P10100811.JPG
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/P1010077.JPG
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/P1010085.JPG
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/P1010080.JPG
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/P1010082.JPG
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/DSC00731.jpg

[spleify]

NIce work Peter1, did you make these for different tanks? Or just to try 2 different fixtures on one tank?

Spleify

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13215873#post13215873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by orcafood
So are you guys just buying regular aluminum from home depot and buffing it, or are you using something else?


I bought a product called Tubular Skylight made by ODL.
I bought a extension tube, at Lowes.

[peter1]

Thanks Spleify,
I did made the first lamp two years ago. I made nine lamps for my friends here in Hungary and two for my Swiss friend.
This is my first lamp:
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/egyeb/P1010067.JPG
That was 3x150W doubble ended BLV 10.000K buls and 4x 54W ATI Blue + T5's. Then I was only 400 liters / ~110 gal/ tank for me.

This is my lamp now above my 1,5 yars old 800 liters tank:
http://www.korallszirtes-akvarium.hu/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/blogger/DSC00731.jpg

[mfinn]

peter1 very nice work.
looks like you may have some sheet metal experience :)

[peter1]

Mfinn,
thanksof the kind words!For me this only hobby and I like to do some DIY. Not easy to obtain good techniques here Hungary. So, I and my frends is like DIY!:)

[iCon31]

B]mfinn[/B]

Im planning to build the 19.5 X 19.5 reflector. Should i get the 10" x 20" or the 14" X 20" extension tube? or just get the 14"x48"?

[tundra1000]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13221518#post13221518 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by iCon31
B]mfinn

Im planning to build the 19.5 X 19.5 reflector. Should i get the 10" x 20" or the 14" X 20" extension tube? or just get the 14"x48"? [/B]


If the proportions are the same as the 14" you would need a piece of aluminum 30"x30" for 1 reflector. The 14"x 48" tube gives you a piece about 44"x48" 1 per reflector with a bunch of waste.

[iCon31]

If thats the case, I be better off buying 2 Lumenbright right?
The cost would almost be the same.

[tundra1000]

I have only looked at sun tubes big enough to do a 14" reflector. Those run about $30 so IMO are worth it. But your right, unless you just really want to DIY, your materials and hassle will outweigh the savings eventually.

[yrema]

awesome work, peter! :D

[peter1]

Thanks yrema!

[iCon31]

K, Im done with mine.

[Joshua618]

Does anyone know how small you can scale this design down and still fit a single-ended mogul metal halide bulb? I am working with limited space in my canopy.

[reef_only]

Only a few measurements are needed that you can easily create your own template. The width of center square, the width of the whole piece square and the length of each edge of the whole square after you cut the corners. and then the width of the corner .

[Joshua618]

I understand how I can scale down the plans to make the reflector. Has anyone built this style reflector smaller than the 14" (mini) size and were still able to fit a normal metal halide bulb in it?

[antonio_mota]

Hi everibody.It's the first time i'm in Reef Central forum.First i apologise for my English,witch ,i hope ,won't be full of errors.I wonder if someone can helpme whith the project expanded for a reflector 19"x19".I have triede to expand the diy project from reefdiversity,but i don semm to be getting to an executable one

[JCTewks]

antonio_mota:
[welcome]


The Luminarc Large is 19"x19":D

[mflamb]

I used spectral aluminum. I googled it and found it at one of the online reef sites. Then some folks in my club bought a 300 pound roll of it and we've made LOTS of them.

[REEF-n-Chicago]

I made a few of these out of regular aluminum for 30 gallon breeders to use with 250 watt halides. I know they will not put out nearly as much reflection but with 250's don't you think 30 gallons will be getting enough light?

[JCTewks]

It depends on the bulb and ballast you are using!

If you are running crappy ebay 20K's on cheap electronic ballasts....you prob won't be getting as much light as you think. Now, If you are running a good bulb/ballast combo, then, Yes, you should be able to "waste" a little light from the reflector and still get plenty of PAR into the tank.

[REEF-n-Chicago]

Thats true... I am running reeflux 12K's on pfo ballasts (electronic). I would like to upgrade the ballasts but these will do for now.
I also have reg M80 ballasts but I have heard these do not run the the reeflux well?
Any opinions?
Also, any idea how much light is wasted? I have reg "bat wing" reflectors but asume these are way below the aluminum reflectors. Although they are made from the better aluminum.

[JCTewks]

I'd venture to say that a luminarc reflector painted white would put more light into the tank than a 100%reflective (hypothetical) batwing reflector :D

If you've got the M80...look into the Radium 20K!

[REEF-n-Chicago]

Will take a look at those bulbs.
That is what I thought on those batwings> trash :)

[skoomamonster]

tundra1000,
I would also like the dwg files I could have my brother cut it on his shops plasma cam then I can weld them up and cover them in mylar film.
Thanks,
Nick

[Joshua618]

I scaled down the plans to 14" x 14". This allowed me to get two reflectors out of the extension tube from Home Depot for $40:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100065052

They are in my hood and make such a difference over the old spider reflectors. Thanks everyone for your posts.

[reefmanmike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12984773#post12984773 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tundra1000
If anyone is interested I have the layout for the 14" reproduced in autocad as a dwg file. You would need autocad or the free reader but it could be printed out to full scale. (save a lot of layout time.)
i wouldnt mind a copy of that if possible
thanks
mike

[mfinn]

For me it was easier to get the file as a .jpg, print out the file on a stardard piece of paper, and take it to Office Depot and have them print it to the scale I wanted. approx. 281%

[reefmanmike]

i have a cnc machine tho so i wanted to make one for my tank . im lazy i rather have the machine cut stuff then do it by hand .

[scaryperson27]

By all means... Use that machine to it's potential! I love CNC machines. They pretty much build anything for you!

[Redbellyjx]

Just a question... because I too am lazy. If I went to a metalworking shop, how much could I expect to pay to have these patterns cut out? Would a machine shot even do this?

[reefmanmike]

with out a dfx file(autocad) you would be paying alot more right off the start . from what i have seen most machine shops wont even qoute you with out a dfx file . this may be different in the U.S i dunno .

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13447326#post13447326 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Redbellyjx
Just a question... because I too am lazy. If I went to a metalworking shop, how much could I expect to pay to have these patterns cut out? Would a machine shot even do this?


A pair of Wiss offset tin snips will cost about $18

[cj hill]

does anyone have some plans that they can send me i want to make some of these

[Kenzy]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1434493&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

Go to the first link, everything is there.

[jh2pizza]

Are the plans anywhere already in a .dxf file (auto-cad)?????

[johnl69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13614285#post13614285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jh2pizza
Are the plans anywhere already in a .dxf file (auto-cad)?????

I have plans for a 19" luminarc in dxf format if you want them sed me an email by PM and ill send them to you if you need them scaleing up or down jst let me know what size you need.

john

[johnl69]

I also have dxf files for the 6 sided reflectors, I cant remember what there called but they are the ones used on this tank
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1008279

john

[jh2pizza]

Thanks for all the help John. We ended up deciding to go with 3-16" acress the 180.

Cant thank you enough.

Joe

[jh2pizza]

Thanks for all the help John. We ended up deciding to go with 3-16" across the 180.

Cant thank you enough.

Joe

[cj hill]

thanks for starting and adding to this thred this kind of stuff keeps me in this hobbie

[jh2pizza]

We are ending up with 3 - 18" similar to the Lumen Brights, but with 32 Facets versus 24. Cant wait to see what these things do.
Question?

I just picked up a couple of the Blue Wave 7s at a local frag swap. What type of Ballast are these? Will they fire my Reeflux 12k single ended bulbs?
http://www.sunlightsupply.com/aqua/products.aspx?request=AQUA_BW7&title=Ballasts&type=product

[BenjieC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13670277#post13670277 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jh2pizza
We are ending up with 3 - 18" similar to the Lumen Brights, but with 32 Facets versus 24. Cant wait to see what these things do.
Question?

I just picked up a couple of the Blue Wave 7s at a local frag swap. What type of Ballast are these? Will they fire my Reeflux 12k single ended bulbs?
http://www.sunlightsupply.com/aqua/products.aspx?request=AQUA_BW7&title=Ballasts&type=product

Yes, but they will overdrive them and make them look whiter than a standard mag ballast would.

[runningstix]

Here are my diy lumenarcs in the back portion of my canopy. They are on drawer slides so I can push them back out of my way and reach in the tank

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee29/runningstix/Stand%20Build/58%20Oceanic/DSC_0890.jpg

[amstar]

what size would you want to make these if there were to go on a 150 gallon tank. its 72" long and 18" wide. would like to put three on the tank

[jh2pizza]

Well, if you are oinsetting it in the wall like mine where the tank glass is totaly flush with the drywall, you depth will be 4.5" less. This will have a huge impact on the size. Also if you are planning any supplimental such as vho or t5, that will be another issue.

[amstar]

wow good points. yes it will be flush with the drywall.

I would want to put vho actinic lighting on the front and back of the tank.

[derek4real]

Very interested in this, I am about to do this soon hopefully.

Questions:

How high are you mounting these from the surface of the water?

What did you change your Photo-period to when introducing this to your corals?

I was thinking after doing this small DIY project, changing my MH to 2 hrs with a 3 hr break in between (1hr ON, 3hr break, 1hr ON) for the 1st week and bump it up an hour each week until i hit my original photo-period.

Any suggestions?

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13726867#post13726867 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by derek4real
Very interested in this, I am about to do this soon hopefully.

Questions:

How high are you mounting these from the surface of the water?

What did you change your Photo-period to when introducing this to your corals?

I was thinking after doing this small DIY project, changing my MH to 2 hrs with a 3 hr break in between (1hr ON, 3hr break, 1hr ON) for the 1st week and bump it up an hour each week until i hit my original photo-period.

Any suggestions?


Sounds like a pain.
Switching lights on and off, on and off, etc.
Why not leave the lights on for the full period, but shade the tank with 3-4 layers of window screen material. I like to support the window screen material with eggcrate.
Then every 4 days or so take off one layer of window screen till all gone.

[runningstix]

not necessarily if you have a timer that will do that. The timer I have on my lights will do 24 on/off per day or I can set it to only do it for 1 day of the week and leave the rest normal and so on

[mfinn]

A timer will work, true, I've been using timers for my lights for many years. But having your tank lights off much of the time doesn't seem like it's very enjoyable.

Whatever, each to his own.

[derek4real]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13727152#post13727152 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mfinn
Sounds like a pain.
Switching lights on and off, on and off, etc.
Why not leave the lights on for the full period, but shade the tank with 3-4 layers of window screen material. I like to support the window screen material with eggcrate.
Then every 4 days or so take off one layer of window screen till all gone.

I have a AquaController and program easily.

^^^Still would like to know how you guys did this (couple posts up)

[new2sw776784]

I am also curios to know the answers to derek4real's question.

[Milez803]

pretty sure someone said it before..but what is what is the material call. and do they have it at home depot.. i plan to make one for my tank, but for 48 in long and 30 width..i'm debating if i should make one reflector or just 2..to spread through the tank?

[Joshua618]

It is called a skylight extension and its made by ODL. Search for "skylight extension" at Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HomePageView?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053)

[derek4real]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13736800#post13736800 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by new2sw776784
I am also curios to know the answers to derek4real's question.

tick...tock...tick...tock...

I have plans of taking this DIY to the extreme. I am thinking of doing a DIY Lumenarc that will house 2 Moguls instead of one. Similar to this one.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/derek4real007/Twin_400W_MH_sm.jpg

After building this want to add T-5s, kind of like this.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/derek4real007/Infinty_XR4_1.jpg

The above with the dual MH lumenarc.

Whata you think?

[ReefEnabler]

I think its a cool idea..... but man you better have some good fans blowing on that pendant if its going to have TWO MH bulbs and then T5s in it...... but that will be a ton of light!

[GreenReefer77]

Anybody already making a DIY for them self that would be open to making a couple more for me?

[ReefEnabler]

probably a better question for the selling and trading forum but Im not sure.... i think even "making something for somebody" would fall under sale of goods since it involves money and labor..... unless you find somebody who will do it for free :)

[GreenReefer77]

k, I haven't seen anybody selling one so I thought I'd ask here incase someone had some extra material, but I didn't think about using the WTB section. sorry I'm kind of new here.

[derek4real]

if your willing to pay shipping, in exchange for some exotic corals i might be interested in making a one for you.

PM me me and we can make arrangements

[runningstix]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13744842#post13744842 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by derek4real
if your willing to pay shipping, in exchange for some exotic corals i might be interested in making a one for you.

PM me me and we can make arrangements

Id be very careful doing this for anyone beside yourself. Lumenarc is serving lawsuits left and right for patent infringement.

[derek4real]

note taken. I withdraw my offer, for legal matters.

[1234]

Any one with a scaled drawing of the 18" version, can I get a copy. And no I don't want to go to Kinkos, I can print it on my home printer.





TIA

[winland]

What tool or device is used to make the slight bends on the edges of the reflective material?

Thanks,
winland

[hyperfocal]

A sheet-metal brake

[winland]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13997060#post13997060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hyperfocal
A sheet-metal brake

Anything smaller, less expensive, or something that the average guy might be able to have & use?

winland

[hllywd]

Chuck, Look up DIY brake ideas, you can build a usable garage model for fairly cheap, or there are sheet metal hand tools you could get by with. Some places that rent brakes will allow on-site minimal use. The reflector would probably qualify as more than minimal uless you're really fast and know what you're doing....

Tim:cool:

[biecacka]

i too would be interested in purchasing a few of these from someone who has a few "extra" ones around.
pm me if you have some :)

[biecacka]

hllywd- where in ohio are you?

[hllywd]

Findlay

[biecacka]

oh ok. my brother in law is from findley? i see you like golf as well, red hawk is an amazing course!!!
about how much did you have wrapped up in these after you bought the material and how long did it take to do them?
corey

[biecacka]

where can i get the materail for these from, is it solar tube?

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14004763#post14004763 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by biecacka
where can i get the materail for these from, is it solar tube?

Yes it is.

Lowes or Home Depot.

[winland]

Will this work to do the bending of the reflector material?

hxxp://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=39103

replace "xx" with "tt"

winland

[biecacka]

is it in a roll or in sheets?

[biecacka]

ill ask again anyone interested in building a few of these for sale to me or sale of ones they already have. im in columbus ohio

[mfinn]

It is rolled up, but can be flatened fairly easy.

[winland]

I am looking for a brake or other tool to bend the edges of the cut pieces as shown in this photo on PAGE 1...


http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i109/suphew/Image0022.jpg

winland

[new2sw776784]

http://www.reefdiversity.com/DIYPage/DIY_HTML/DIY_Reflector/PutItTogether_build.htm

Check out the pictures in this page. HTH

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14005013#post14005013 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by winland
I am looking for a brake or other tool to bend the edges of the cut pieces as shown in this photo on PAGE 1...

winland

You could get one like this.
This is about the cheapest I've seen them.http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100010993


A 6" hand seamer would be better, but they are alot more.

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14004827#post14004827 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by winland
Will this work to do the bending of the reflector material?

hxxp://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=39103

replace "xx" with "tt"

winland



This should work.

But you would have to buy c-clamps for it

[winland]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14005169#post14005169 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by new2sw776784
http://www.reefdiversity.com/DIYPage/DIY_HTML/DIY_Reflector/PutItTogether_build.htm

Check out the pictures in this page. HTH

Can anyone tell me what this tool/device is?

http://www.reefdiversity.com/DIYPage/DIY_HTML/DIY_Reflector/BuildPhotos/RealBuild/007a_BendingToolBruce.JPG

winland

[mfinn]

Looks like a diy hand break/seamer

[mfinn]

I looked on ebay and found a hand seamer/break for $20.
It's auction # 310103873403

I don't think RC allows direct links to ebay.

[winland]

Any one know how to contact the guys that own reefdiversity.com

winland

[juan bueno]

i did the 15'' reflector for my 22'' cube

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mushrooms369/reflectordone003.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mushrooms369/reflectordone007.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mushrooms369/reflectordone001.jpg

[goldenmacman]

damn ^^ thats nice! good job

[juan bueno]

winland
use this
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100137508&N=10000003+90008+500061

[redmarble]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14006543#post14006543 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by juan bueno
winland
use this
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100137508&N=10000003+90008+500061

HD shows nothing

[juan bueno]

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/92/922be65c-5b3a-4b65-8083-734aeeba4830_400.jpg

try "12 In. Long Folding Tool," search

[biecacka]

pm juan

[biecacka]

is the solar panel under another name or do not all HD or lowes carry it?

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14019492#post14019492 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by biecacka
is the solar panel under another name or do not all HD or lowes carry it?

I found mine at a Lowes.

[CoralCaps]

How exact do the bends have to be? Once everything is bent pretty close to how it should be, shouldn't be too hard to get together right?

Really looking at doing this since I need 3-4 of these built.

[juan bueno]

this is how mine looks
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mushrooms369/reflectoredec001.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mushrooms369/reflectoredec002.jpg

[biecacka]

that looks really good

[erics3000]

Looking good

[winland]

Would it not be better/easier to cut a hole in one of the sides for the mogul socket, before you rivet it together?

winland

[dngspot]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14020104#post14020104 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by juan bueno
this is how mine looks
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mushrooms369/reflectoredec001.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mushrooms369/reflectoredec002.jpg Is that made from solar tube?

[fodupos]

home depot no longer carries it... however www.aquatictech.com/lighting.html does carry it... it is at the bottom of the page... this is also thicker....

[hllywd]

I especially like how it multiplies how much BL you have...:beer:

Seriously though, I don't know about HD, but Menards will order Velux tube extensions and I think Sola Tube too. I know Lowes used to carry Sola Tube, but I'm not 100% sure now, they stock a cheaper brand in the stores. I have some older Sola Tube extensions that have a mylar coating, with time it burned off, not a great solution. I believe they have changed the material they use.

Tim:cool:

[erics3000]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14027847#post14027847 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by winland
Would it not be better/easier to cut a hole in one of the sides for the mogul socket, before you rivet it together?

winland

Thats the way I did mine. But either way it still looks good and they work pretty good too. I noticed a bigger spread on mine.

[x2uranium]

http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=809&rn=3771&action=show_detail

[juan bueno]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14028453#post14028453 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dngspot
Is that made from solar tube?

no i used a 24''x48 panel from natural lighting

[juan bueno]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14027847#post14027847 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by winland
Would it not be better/easier to cut a hole in one of the sides for the mogul socket, before you rivet it together?

winland

i used this
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/productIndex.shtml?from=Search&newSrch=yes&operator=keywordSearch&search_type=xrefmodel&action=Go%21&QueryString=hole+punch

[winland]

Does anyone have the dimensional drawing/layout for a larger reflector, 19" size?

winland

[jjoos99]

Here is the supply that I got my sheets from. they come in 24x24 and are shipped flat. Perfect for making the mini 14 in model.
www.mcmaster.com Search for item # 8202k51. Each sheet sells for $39.26. Nice thick stuff .032in. comes with the mirror polish and taped over for protection.
Jeff

[juan bueno]

you can practice with construction paper from walmart like i did to biuld my 15''

this is my reflector with bracket
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mushrooms369/1227007.jpg

[erics3000]

Here is the info where I built mine from.

http://www.reefdiversity.com/DIYPage/DIY_HTML/DIY_ReflectorIndex.htm

[fishoutawater]

Is there any reason not to lengthen into a rectangle and house a bulb in each end rather than make 2 reflectors? I'm planning to put it over a 40 gal breeder and was going to make it about 30" long.

[michealprater]

tag

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14097101#post14097101 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishoutawater
Is there any reason not to lengthen into a rectangle and house a bulb in each end rather than make 2 reflectors? I'm planning to put it over a 40 gal breeder and was going to make it about 30" long.

I made one and then split it in half and added a center section to make it 14"x28".
I only used one bulb in mine.
Seemed to get pretty good light spread in a 30"long x 18 wide" tank.

[michealprater]

please show a pic.

[michealprater]

Would anyone be willing to send me the CAD file via PM?

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14103990#post14103990 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michealprater
please show a pic.

sorry don't have a picture of it.

[winland]

OK, this is my very FIRST attempt at any type of sheet metal work.
This is a 19" version that I hope to use with a 400w mh setup.
I had a 6' x 4' sheet of hammered aluminum, so that is what I used for this project.
Once I get the light installed and hung over the tank to see what it looks like, I hope to build a couple more reflectors.

http://www.comwavz.com/~winland/Fish/reflector1.jpg

Has anyone else used "hammered" aluminum or have any comments regarding it verses "flat"?

winland

[michealprater]

I got some regular aluminum from work and I was going to try this out. Any ideas on how to polish it up?

[jh2pizza]

I wondered about the hammered material versus the smooth. I beleave some of the new lumen arcs use the hammered material

[skoomamonster]

Lumenmax Elites use hammered aluminum, they are some of the best reflectors too.

winland,

Where did you get the hammered aluminum, that looks really good, how much did it cost?

[ReefEnabler]

I think the hammertone metal will diffuse the reflection slightly, scattering rays along more or less the same overall shape, but with more randomness at every point.

I haven't seen Lumenacs with hammertone metal, but AA has a review comparing the spread of the Lumenarc and Lumenmax Elite. You can kind of tell how the hammertone gives the lumenmax elites a VERY smooth symetrical output, while the lumenarcs graph has more imperfections (most likely to do with very slight mis positioning of the bulb in the center of the reflector, with hammer metal it has less pronounced effect).

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review

Lumenarc 3:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review_album/figure8_lumenarc_iii_par.jpg

Lumenmax Elite
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review_album/figure2_lumen_max_eliite_par.jpg

I am pretty sure that the hammertone metal is responsible for the much smoother output graph, while the lumenarc has some minor hotspots. Obviously they are very different reflectors, other than the visual appearance. The Lumenmax elite is more like a Lumenbright mini than a Lumenarc (but I dont think the lumenmax has to be quite as high as a lumenbright).

I'd love to see some readings off of a Lumenarc with Hammertone metal!

[michealprater]

What is hammertone metal? Picture?

[winland]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14257617#post14257617 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skoomamonster
Lumenmax Elites use hammered aluminum, they are some of the best reflectors too.

winland,

Where did you get the hammered aluminum, that looks really good, how much did it cost?

I paid $100 for a 4'x6' sheet from another reefer in the Cleveland area. It was presumably purchased from this place...
http://site.quickshipmetals.com/decorative-sheet-metal/decorative-stainless-steel/decorative-stainless-steel-bh.html
I think I got a good deal:rollface:

winland

[skoomamonster]

That is a good deal, you could make 6 of them for less than $17 each.

michealprater,
Go back a few posts and look at winland's reflector, it is made out of hammertone metal.

[michealprater]

Got it. Thanks.

[ReefEnabler]

winland, when do you think you'll fire up your hammered lumenarc?

I bet its going to perform very well. the hammered aluminum should help average out any minor imperfections in the overall shape of the reflector - from say, dropping and warping the physical form, or from the lamp's arc tube not being perfectly centered in the reflector.


I wonder if its any harder to clean out salt creep or dust from hammered aluminum? anybody with experience on that?

[therealbobbyt]

I finally found a supplier of the Alanod Miro IV Extra Bright. They're out of Canada (Larry Bloch). They ship 24"x48" sheets as their standard size, and only $40 each. The kicker is the shipping however. They ONLY ship via FedEx Priority Overnight, which for 1-5 sheets is $122. HOLY SCHNIKES!!!! For 5 sheets shipped, that comes to $64.40 per sheet.

[michealprater]

How did you determine what degree to bend the angles? I did not see that on any of the blueprints.

[TIMMYE]

Just out wondering how you guys are bending these? Are you using a sheet metal brake? I know Harbor Freight makes a small 24 or 36" brake for a a fair price. I am not sure if any of you have have picked up one?

I guess I am lucky, since I have a full sheet metal fab shop to use. I am just waiting to find a good source for 90%+ reflective hammerered alum.

[michealprater]

I used a brake at work.

all the bends are 33 degrees and 45 degrees.

[Drake1]

forgive me if i am wrong here but doesn't a white surface reflect more light then a polish surface. you could use any material then paint with high temp white. This leads to the next question of why you don't see any commercial light fixtures what are white...
jeff

[michealprater]

Because polished is much more reflective then white. Sanjay did a study on reflectors, but I cant seem to find it. Lumenarcs smoked the competion.

[freddy4130]

According to the manufacturer of the stuff, the white finish is more reflective than the hammertone.
http://www.anomet.com/reflective_products.html

[Drake1]

but did he do a comparison of the SAME reflector, one polished and one white
jeff

[michealprater]

According to the link above, all the miro-silver mirror finish have higher reflectivity ratings than white. I am not sure what you are getting at.

By all means, if you think it will work, try it. But white reflectors are not being commonly sold in aquarium lighting for a reason.

I think it would be neat if you built one of each, one white, one 94% reflectivity miro-silver, then installed each and took par values with the same bulb and ballast. Would definately be a neat study.

[Drake1]

i am trying to find a par meter but i have my ideas on why they use mirrored aluminium instead of high gloss white but i will see if i can find one this will tell if i'm right or wrong but like most things in this world copy protection is important and its alot harder to find mirrored aluminium versus white...you can even buy white aluminium at home depot..hopefully someone will have a par or lux meter

[michealprater]

Check with your local club. Sometimes they have things such as par meters and fish traps and such.

I would like to see the experiement, it is definately warrented.

[ReefEnabler]

white painted reflectors will diffuse the light MUCH more, while reflective metal will reflect the light like a mirror, in a specific bounce direction.

big difference. the white will be way less intense but spread out more.

[freddy4130]

I am not getting at anything. I posted the link in reference to "hammertone" reflectors. The link says that the white surface is more reflective than hammertone. That's all. IMO they are all pretty darn good if you ask me. 90% is great if you really think about it. I mean, after all you are only trying to reflect the light that comes from the back side of the bulb. The side of the bulb that is facing the water is a 100% direct hit. So you're getting 100% of one side and 90% of the other from nothing more than white paint. I like.

[ReefEnabler]

I question the validity of the page you linked.

It does claim that white is more reflective than just about every kind of aluminum.

I've seen tests before showing that TINFOIL is more reflective than white paint.

[ReefEnabler]

trying to find a better source, but you may be right. but it highly depends on the type of white paint used. somebody on another forum said that white enamel paint is 97% reflective because of the high glossy finish?

so maybe certain kinds of white paint get the specular and diffuse going?

wonder if those high glossy paints can stand the heat of being right next to an MH bulb....

[mflamb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14263784#post14263784 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michealprater
What is hammertone metal? Picture? http://www.horticulturesource.com/product_info.php?products_id=1134

[freddy4130]

Somehow I doubt a company that sells shiny metal for reflecting light would let the cat out of the bag like that. I mean, if they were going to put false info on there I would think it would be falsified in their favor right? In other words, they have no reason to say the white painted aluminum is so effective. It actually is a bad thing for them.

[ReefEnabler]

youre right, I dont doubt that the numbers are wrong the way they tested them.

I was just wondering if the white paint would be more diffused and so the intensity would fall off faster, making it less ideal for focusing light into tanks. I'm probably overthinking it..

is the glossy surface really able to achieve the same specular as the mirror like finish of polished aluminum?

I'm curious why all the diffuse and specular properties are omitted for the white painted aluminum.

[michealprater]

I still have to go back to the point, NONE of the major reflector manufacturers in the world sell a high gloss white reflector.

[Drake1]

i disagree look at commercial reflectors, like the ones 3m sells..there white, just our fish tanks go silver I have to believe 3m does alot more testing with good equipment. 2 points here one if hammered metal is that much better then the standard luminarc then this makes for a problem since hammered is diffusing light everywhere instead of reflecting. but to settle this I will call 3m on monday and see what they have to say. if you want to build a cheap reflector with crappy aluminium and put one of the MOST reflective surfaces on it then you could just use 3m's coast guard tape located here http://www.identi-tape.com/solas.html to build 4 reflectors and add the tape it would cast arounf $30 a reflector. they have 2 types of surfaces flat and grid, the grid will give more of a diffuse angle to the deflection which i think would be more like the hammertone of the newer luminarcs. i will call monday and see what i can find out though
jeff

[mflamb]

We have almost one hundred 1000 watt lights in our shop. All are polished aluminum inside. Walmart, HD, and Lowes lights are all polished aluminum reflectors.
PAR numbers on the hammertone metal reflectors are higher than the flat polished metal reflectors.

[michealprater]

I was refering to aquarium reflectors in my statement.

[Drake1]

funny how long this has gone but i do have nothing against polish reflectors I'mjust stating what i learned in astronomy when we did some reasearch in reflectors hopefully 3m can shed some light onto the question. the lowes and home depot light i don't think you can count them since there cheesy plastic metal paint reflectors. I was talking about the huge reflectors they build for outdoor use in the minning industry
jeff

[tkeracer619]

here are mine I made over a year ago with another local reefer. We got the hammertone with free shipping HERE (http://www.specialty-lights.com/reflective-sun-sheets.html) . Cost about $25 a reflector and are simply amazing.

Construction paper Templates, yup looks good to go.
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/492/68jc9.jpg

Using my metal break to bend and cut the sheets (huge time saver)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7765/70sj5.jpg


The cut peices.
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/1281/69uj5.jpg

Finished Product!
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3096/71ad3.jpg

[Pneumatic]

I have the pieces ready to go to build 3 of them (with extras to 'practice' with). I know what I NEED to do but was wondering the best way to go about it.

First, I need to bend the tabs but I want them to be nice crisp lines. I am going to go to Harbor Freight tomorrow and see what kind of hand tools they have but is there a way to do it and get better results without a brake?

My second question has to do with drilling and riveting. I saw the rivet gun at Lowes for $19.00 so that's no big deal but I need to know the actual process. Do you drill before you bend? If so, how do you make sure everything lines up? If you bend before you drill, how do you hold everything tight while you drill through both pieces?

I have read all of the DIY threads but they all seem to skip the bending, drilling, and riveting part. Any suggestions?

Here is the material I am using:

http://www.dsck.com/tank/reflector.png

[Drake1]

well i am still waiting to hear back from 3m but talking to them last week they said that the white would asorb some of the spectrum that we are tying to get into the tank, he was going to the check on what spectrum isn't reflected so well and let me know when he gets the data. He also said that certain whites are just as reflective though when you are talking about visiable spectrum
jeff

[DodgeDude99]

is the Autocad file for the pattern still being handed out?

[Drake1]

PNEUMATIC just assemble tape them together with masking tape and drill, i found it easier to drill the outer layer first before taping together that way you only have to drill the inside metal when its taped..goes alot faster..remeber your corner bends will 45 degrees and the slope bends will be 33 degrees...use a protractor
jeff

[Drake1]

dodgeDude99 pm if you want it

[DaveG99]

I want to build one too pneumatic. Lets get the group build going for our club. I am sure others would be interested

[Pneumatic]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14522252#post14522252 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Drake1
PNEUMATIC just assemble tape them together with masking tape and drill, i found it easier to drill the outer layer first before taping together that way you only have to drill the inside metal when its taped..goes alot faster..remeber your corner bends will 45 degrees and the slope bends will be 33 degrees...use a protractor
jeff

That's the tip I needed on the drilling part. Drilling the corners first will definitely make the whole thing easier. Thanks! :)

The corner bends are 45 degrees??? I would have assumed they would be 22.5 degrees since there are two of them to make the turn. I guess having the EXACT angle isn't as important as getting it close and having a nice crisp line to work with. They could be bent slightly in or out as needed.

[Joshsmit56001]

What does everyone think of reflective paint such as the kind used on traffice signs?? How much do you think this would reflect?

http://www.globalindustrial.com/gcs/prod/30137767/i/productInfo.web?utm_source=google_pr&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=AerosolPaint-google_pr

[ReefEnabler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14522062#post14522062 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Drake1
well i am still waiting to hear back from 3m but talking to them last week they said that the white would asorb some of the spectrum that we are tying to get into the tank, he was going to the check on what spectrum isn't reflected so well and let me know when he gets the data. He also said that certain whites are just as reflective though when you are talking about visiable spectrum
jeff


This is very interesting, thanks!

[myaerica]

I just got done building one of these out of A piece of heating duct trunkline. polished the metal looks great cost 7$ this was A great idea and easy to. going to build A few more.

[jkeating2005]

does anyone have the cad file for the Lumen Bright reflectors?

i just sold my lumenarc mini DIy and want to make these for my tank

[awesomefam]

looks like something I might want to try in my free time. subscribed

[spllbnd2]

Tagging along. Very cool thread too.

Cheerrs,
Alex

[bullterrier2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14617162#post14617162 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jkeating2005
does anyone have the cad file for the Lumen Bright reflectors?

i just sold my lumenarc mini DIy and want to make these for my tank


http://diy.rioshk.com/?p=261
check this out im thinking of doing this too i just cant find the measurements

[spllbnd2]

Does anyone have a full sized template of these available?

Thanks,
Alex

[Joshsmit56001]

I e-mailed the guy and I am waiting to hear back from him. Hopefully he will e-mail me back with a cad file.

[lombard0]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13122422#post13122422 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mflamb
http://thebrian.net/reflector/


Site has multiple graphic files for reference.


Cheers!

[spleify]

Heres mine, I used the extension skylight solar tube.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s16/spleify/IMG_2063.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s16/spleify/IMG_2061.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s16/spleify/IMG_2060.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s16/spleify/IMG_2059.jpg

[Joshsmit56001]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15102595#post15102595 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lombard0
Site has multiple graphic files for reference.


Cheers!

I have this one already. The one that was posted a few spots back has more sides to it.

[spllbnd2]

Question on printing the DWG file or the DXF file, how do you print it to correct size?

I know someone had mentioned they used the JPG file and expanded it 239% (?) which I did in photoshop and it looks like that might work, but unsure.

Cheers,
Alex

[Joshsmit56001]

It is kind of trial and error getting the right size. Best thing to do is put it on thick construction paper first to see if it will work and then make it bigger or smaller before going all out and cutting the metal. I am working on one and will post the jpeg file sometime soon.

Josh

[Joshsmit56001]

Here is the DIY lumen bright file that everyone can use. Just blow it up to the size you need and it should work. This is different than the other files on here as it has 8 sides. Let me know if you have questions.

http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu291/joshsmit56001/diylumenbright2.jpg

Josh

[arc eye]

I was looking for an adjustable mogul socket and I came across this.........

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~CP5751~idCategory~FILTACRAMH~category~Metal_Halide-Reflectors-Accessories-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

looks perfect for a DIY lumenarc! Unfortunately it does not say anything about the quality or thickness of the material

[spllbnd2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15105221#post15105221 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by arc eye
I was looking for an adjustable mogul socket and I came across this.........

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~CP5751~idCategory~FILTACRAMH~category~Metal_Halide-Reflectors-Accessories-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

looks perfect for a DIY lumenarc! Unfortunately it does not say anything about the quality or thickness of the material

Someone else had mentioned that they used that for their lumen build and they said it turned out great and good quality.

It seems to bbe a bit pricey compared to the HD or Lowes stuff. Have to remember that there is shipping involved. :D

Cheers,
Alex

[Joshsmit56001]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15105221#post15105221 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by arc eye
I was looking for an adjustable mogul socket and I came across this.........

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~CP5751~idCategory~FILTACRAMH~category~Metal_Halide-Reflectors-Accessories-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

looks perfect for a DIY lumenarc! Unfortunately it does not say anything about the quality or thickness of the material

Good thing about this is that it is flat, not rolled up like the solar tubes.

[arc eye]

I thought at first it also came with the mogul socket, but I don't believe it does.

By the way, does anyone know where I can buy adjustable mogul sockets like the ones that come on the ..........dare I say it............. "real lumenarcs"

[zaraemna]

Here is a streched out version I made today. I used the 95% German hammertone metal that comes in a 2' X 4' sheet. I called up one of the local hydroponics stores in town and they sell it by the sheet for $40. The reflector ended up being 15.5" X 27.5"

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/zaraemna/Reflector-pattern.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/zaraemna/Stretch-Reflector.jpg

[MSX-Jeff]

That looks good :)

You are the first I've seen to implement the "stretched" reflector...lots of folks have talked about it, but you did it ;)

I'd love to see a pic of the coverage once you get it all fired up.

[SFeST]

^^ dude, that's awesome!

Is that for housing two bulbs in one reflector or is it to get a wide spread on one bulb?

[spllbnd2]

Now that is one sweet looking reflector. Any idea on how you might center the bulb in the reflector? That is if you're only going to use one bulb.

Cheers,
Alex

[Pacific Reefs]

Very cool limo reflector. Please post pics after you mount the socket.

[zaraemna]

Here are some pics with the bulb. I made this to cover a 50 gallon rubbermaid frag tank. I already had a 400W ballast and bulb. The water isn't very deep in the 50 gallon stock tanks so I figured I'd be ok with a large reflector to spread the light out.

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/zaraemna/Reflector-bulb.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/zaraemna/Reflector-socket.jpg

[spllbnd2]

Now why didn't I think of that. Very cool, can't wait to see how it is lit up and over the frag tank.

[mflamb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15106758#post15106758 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MSX-Jeff
That looks good :)

You are the first I've seen to implement the "stretched" reflector...lots of folks have talked about it, but you did it ;)

I'd love to see a pic of the coverage once you get it all fired up. Go back a couple of pages and view my 14" x 18" reflectors.

[mfinn]

I also did a 14"x28" reflector last year.

[Joshsmit56001]

How does everyone end up bending their metal? I do not have a brake so is their ways that will work without one?

[spllbnd2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15108827#post15108827 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mfinn
I also did a 14"x28" reflector last year.

Hi Finn,

Did you get your reflector locally? I am thinking I might have to do two of these for the 65 gallon that I am working on right now. *lol*

Cheers,
Alex

[mfinn]

I bought the solar tube from lowes

[zaraemna]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15108968#post15108968 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Joshsmit56001
How does everyone end up bending their metal? I do not have a brake so is their ways that will work without one?

Just clamp it between two pieces of wood. Then use another piece of wood from underneath to bend the metal up. Harbor Freight had an 18" metal brake but it wasn't wide enough for the size I made. It was very easy to do it with the wood and clamps. I did buy the metal bending pliers for the small edges on the corner pieces. The pliers were $5 at Harbor Freight. They were in the welding section.

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/zaraemna/Metal-bend.jpg

[KevinYates]

thats the way i used to bend my reflectors to bad, because now i have a 14foot sheetmetal break benderd im keeping for the neighbor... doh!

[zaraemna]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15106758#post15106758 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MSX-Jeff
That looks good :)

I'd love to see a pic of the coverage once you get it all fired up.

I'm not sure how to take a good picture to show the light spread, but here is what it looks like with the light on:)

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/zaraemna/Light-spread-1.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/zaraemna/Light-spread-2.jpg

[Felipe_Caetano]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15109707#post15109707 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zaraemna
I'm not sure how to take a good picture to show the light spread, but here is what it looks like with the light on:)

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/zaraemna/Light-spread-1.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/zaraemna/Light-spread-2.jpg

Is this a refuge?
I liked the idea, gonna make one these for me as a refuge!

[zaraemna]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15109835#post15109835 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Felipe_Caetano
Is this a refuge?
I liked the idea, gonna make one these for me as a refuge!

This is going to be set up as a frag tank. The top tank is a 50 gallon and the bottom is a 100 gallon. The bottom one will be a sump and refugium.

[Felipe_Caetano]

zaraemna, what bulb are you using on the reflector for the frag tank?

[spllbnd2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15109191#post15109191 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mfinn
I bought the solar tube from lowes

Thanks for the info. I am planning a trip out to Lowe's this week anyway so I guess I should pick one of those up too. *lol*

Cheers,
Alex