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	Aluminium Foil
loulou Hobbyist Posts: 81 Kudos: 74 Votes: 0 Registered: 05-Nov-2005	Just wondering what difference in reflectiveness between proper reflectors and Aluminium foil? i couldnt afford to get reflectors so lined my hood with foil.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:45
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004	Foil is better than nothing, but it doesn't compare to good reflectors. Reflectors have calculated angles to properly reflect light towards the tank. Foil doesn't, but still reflects some light. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:45
jasonpisani Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 5553 Kudos: 7215 Votes: 1024 Registered: 24-Feb-2003	Foil will go a good job aswell & if you lined your hood well, it wouldn't give you any problems. As you know, reflectors are rounded & so they give an equal reflection. http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/s8xi5heh/my_photos http://www.geocities.com/s8xi5heh/classic_blue.html http://groups.yahoo.com/group/buzaqq/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/ Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970. http://www.maltaaquarist.com
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:45
czcz Hobbyist Posts: 62 Kudos: 37 Votes: 0 Registered: 24-Nov-2004	Aluminum foil is more of a diffusor than reflector. Painting the inside of your hood white will likely reflect more light. --- http://justanothertank.com
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:45
Callatya Moderator The girl's got crabs! Posts: 9662 Kudos: 5261 Registered: 16-Sep-2001	White paint is definately better. tried it myself, the foil had so many tiny crinkles and variations that it threw the light everywhere. For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:45
LITTLE_FISH *** Little Fish *** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005	I agree that painting the inside is better than using Aluminum foil. Foil would throw the light everywhere, in particular if it is wrinkled, but not focus it towards the tank. Ingo Last edited by LITTLE_FISH at 14-Nov-2005 09:42 Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:45
loulou Hobbyist Posts: 81 Kudos: 74 Votes: 0 Registered: 05-Nov-2005	white paint hey, i might do that then. ive never heard that one. this place is great ive picked up soo many tips from you guys thanks.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:45
upikabu Fish Addict Posts: 591 Kudos: 393 Votes: 44 Registered: 08-Jun-2005	You can also get reflectors that attach to the light tube using plastic clips - something like this. I have one and it works well. I got mine (a locally made one) at the LFS for $9 (for 24" tube). -P
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:45
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	If you decide on paint use all oil based paints and check with the paint shop (not a chain store) as diferent finishes can refelect beter than others. I recently painted inside all wide pelments to reflect the Fluro lights which was behind the pelment. I can assure it made a big difference. Have a look in [link=My Profile]http:// www.fishprofiles.com/interactive/forums/profile.asp?userid=6741" style="COLOR: #00FF00[/link] for my tank info [link=Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tanks]http://photobucket.com/albums/b209/keithgh/Betta%20desktop%20tank/" style="COLOR: #00FF00[/link] Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:45


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