Polished reflectors...

[clintyiu]

Hello,

Has anyone read anything about the use of polished stainless steel for reflectors? I can't find any articles regarding its efficiency in reflecting light.

I have an old polished stainless steel incandescent canopy from the 70's and this material looks like a good alternate for polished aluminum. I called around a few shops in vancouver and thin gauge (24ga) polished stainless sheets are only about 2-3$ per square foot (depending on quantity), it's readily available and doesn't oxidize/pit as easily as alumninum.

If you have read any articles on this please share.

TIA
Clint

[StirCrazy]

that will probably be better than polished aluminum but not quite as good as spectral aluminum. Spectral aluminum is actualy coated with a highly reflective finnish and suposidly better than a miror for the reflectivity.

maby thats why the spectral aluminum is almost 7.00 per square foot.

Steve

[clintyiu]

Hello Steve and Shane,

I read in your other thread about the spectral aluminum. I would buy some even at that price since all I need is 1 square foot. Just to wrap around the top of the MH bulb and act as a heat shield for the mirror plexi on the rest of the canopy. Plus aluminum is so much easier to work with. I cannot find any company on the mainland that carries this stuff.

If the polished SS is only 10 15% less efficient as the spectral Al then it's good enough for me!

[Reefmaster]

i would prefer SS over aluminum. good score you found i say.
shane

[Mak]

I have read that actual mirror is the absolute best, for it does not change the spectrum of the light, while polished alminums and others change. I thinking I might try this. Its easy to find and fairly cheap.

[DJ88]

Jay,

If you do a search you will find out why mirror is not a good type of reflector..

It will corrode and go black in essence. I can't remember it all and have to run.. but do take a look.

[StirCrazy]

Jay, like Darren said there are several reasons why a miror is not good to use, but when you talk about pure reflectance it is right at the top of the heap but spectral aluminum is a tiny bit better and much better suted for our use.

you can check out a good article that talks about it here (http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/nov/features/1/default.asp)

Steve

[Mak]

Well I guess mirrors are out the question redface.gif . I guess i'll go to the Hydro. shop and see what they got!!! Sounded pretty damn cool though!!! :D

[Mak]

What do you guys think about aluminum flashing? Is it worth considering? 18'' by 12'' piece $2.50. Sorry guys!!!