mirror as a reflector

drudude · 06/25/2007, 01:59 PM

hi guys,
this may have been discussed in a different thread but i cant seem to find it.

Why don't people use mirrors as reflectors instead of pollished alumuimum? Im sure theres a good reason but i cant seem to figure it out.

One would think that it would give way more light then any other flat surface. and why not use it on the inside of your hood instead of painting it white as i see people doing to get more light into the tank.

??

skwirl · 06/25/2007, 02:03 PM

would be better to use mylar. it like a flexible mirror. its used alot in small indoor horticulture applications (wink) lol.

pacificfloor · 06/25/2007, 05:00 PM

The reason a reflective surface like polished metal is *better* than a mirror is due to the fact that a mirror actually allows light through - there is some reflection, and some refraction. However, I suspect that's not the main reason metal reflectors are used...

It's much less expensive to produce a custom polished metal surface than a mirrored glass surface, especially if it is a curved surface (in fixtures, for example). There's also a weight savings, and it's more durable. Additionally, it's easier to mount a light metal reflector than mirrored glass.

I do think your idea of using a mirror on plane surfaces instead of white paint would result in better light intensity in the tank.

skwirl · 06/25/2007, 06:20 PM

mylar is a thin film that is flexible, light, and is completely opaque. it basically looks like a flexible mirror. do a search on ebay. im sure you will find it. i dont know why its not used in this hobby. thats what i would use. it does not store heat either.. seems like it would be perfect.

geoxman · 06/25/2007, 06:21 PM

I see bean popping up some time soon

Musho3210 · 06/25/2007, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by skwirl
mylar is a thin film that is flexible, light, and is completely opaque. it basically looks like a flexible mirror. do a search on ebay. im sure you will find it. i dont know why its not used in this hobby. thats what i would use. it does not store heat either.. seems like it would be perfect.

price?

pacificfloor · 06/26/2007, 05:43 AM

I might give the mylar a try sometime!

Geoxman - who's bean? Lighting guru?

06/25/2007, 01:59 PM	#1
drudude Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tropical Island Posts: 114	mirror as a reflector hi guys, this may have been discussed in a different thread but i cant seem to find it. Why don't people use mirrors as reflectors instead of pollished alumuimum? Im sure theres a good reason but i cant seem to figure it out. One would think that it would give way more light then any other flat surface. and why not use it on the inside of your hood instead of painting it white as i see people doing to get more light into the tank. ??

06/25/2007, 06:21 PM	#5
geoxman Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: in my office Posts: 3,848	I see bean popping up some time soon __________________ "Why do you necessarily have to be wrong just because a few million people think you are?" F-Zappa Current Tank Info: an ice cube tray with brine shrimp in each cubicle

06/25/2007, 02:03 PM	#2
skwirl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: tn Posts: 872	would be better to use mylar. it like a flexible mirror. its used alot in small indoor horticulture applications (wink) lol.

06/25/2007, 05:00 PM	#3
pacificfloor Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 30	The reason a reflective surface like polished metal is better than a mirror is due to the fact that a mirror actually allows light through - there is some reflection, and some refraction. However, I suspect that's not the main reason metal reflectors are used... It's much less expensive to produce a custom polished metal surface than a mirrored glass surface, especially if it is a curved surface (in fixtures, for example). There's also a weight savings, and it's more durable. Additionally, it's easier to mount a light metal reflector than mirrored glass. I do think your idea of using a mirror on plane surfaces instead of white paint would result in better light intensity in the tank.

06/25/2007, 06:20 PM	#4
skwirl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: tn Posts: 872	mylar is a thin film that is flexible, light, and is completely opaque. it basically looks like a flexible mirror. do a search on ebay. im sure you will find it. i dont know why its not used in this hobby. thats what i would use. it does not store heat either.. seems like it would be perfect.

06/26/2007, 05:43 AM	#7
pacificfloor Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 30	I might give the mylar a try sometime! Geoxman - who's bean? Lighting guru?