improve the amount of light getting into the tank?

[murgus]

My tank is a Hagen Tropiquarium 68 (http://www.theaquariumshop.co.uk/hagen-tropiquarium-o-14.html).  It has 2 x 15W bulbs (NO) integrated into the hood.  However, the area above (behind?) the bulb is a very dull off-white.  I was wondering:

(1) if I could improve the amount of light getting into the tank by changing the back?
(2) if yes, what to use?  reflectors?  paint?  good old tinfoil?

Looking for any procatical idea that might increase the amountof light getting into the tank.

Thanks,
Andrew

[PaleoFishGirl]

Tinfoil doesn't work so well - it's hard to keep it completely smooth and all the little crinkly bits will reflect light all over the place. 

[Rudy00]

white paint?

[invisibleshopper]

Mirrors will also work as long as they are angled /~\ (don't forget behind the bulbs too).

KLT

[BigDaddy]

For the DIY'er... flat white paint is the most effecient reflector.  Better than DIY polished aluminum reflectors, better than mylar...

[murgus]

For the DIY'er... flat white paint is the most effecient reflector.  Better than DIY polished aluminum reflectors, better than mylar...

Any special type of paint other than flat?  The lights , and hence the reflective surface, are behind a gasket sealed plastic shield.

Thanks,
Andrew

[artw]

I find it interesting that flat white paint reflects more than mylar or even glossy white paint.

[babblefish1960]

I'm sure he didn't mean flat, as flat paint surfaces lack much in the way of ability to reflect, insofar as homemade reflectors go however, you cannot beat white paint, I would think that semi-gloss is what he meant, he being Big Daddy, and according to fire code, you can't use tinfoil anyway, as it is combustable, mylar is a lot of fuss to attach without special adhesive, and paint is so easy it is criminal.

I can't cite the report right now, but I have read a test on this very subject, and hands down, excepting the custom multiple angled reflectors from Germany, white paint was the most effective means of transmitting light.

Just don't paint it over the tank while in operation.

[murgus]

Just don't paint it over the tank while in operation.

You laugh but I just looked at the lid and there is no discernable way to remove the lid with cutting off the plastic hinges

Looks like I might be in the market for some T-8 reflectors

Andrew

[artw]

A google search for Reflectivity,  White Reflectivity, Reflective and various incarnations of the word White makes the mind boggle.

[babblefish1960]

Now boggle is a good time passer if you like word games, otherwise, you should just use a dictionary. If you want real fun, use the Shorter Oxford, you will find meanings that really boggle the mind.

I know that aquaria canada carries parabolic reflectors fro attachment to t-5 tubes, they may have other sizes, or it may be adaptable, worth a look anyway.

[artw]

A google search for Babble,  Babblefish, Babblefish1960 and various incarnations of the word Verbose makes the mind boggle.

[babblefish1960]

I'm sure that the amount of information you found there could keep youreading for years.

[BigDaddy]

I'm sure he didn't mean flat, as flat paint surfaces lack much in the way of ability to reflect, insofar as homemade reflectors go however, you cannot beat white paint, I would think that semi-gloss is what he meant, he being Big Daddy, and according to fire code, you can't use tinfoil anyway, as it is combustable, mylar is a lot of fuss to attach without special adhesive, and paint is so easy it is criminal.

I can't cite the report right now, but I have read a test on this very subject, and hands down, excepting the custom multiple angled reflectors from Germany, white paint was the most effective means of transmitting light.

Just don't paint it over the tank while in operation.

Nope, I really did mean FLAT white paint 

[babblefish1960]

How could you mean flat white paint, it seems so, well, flat?...and boring.

[mseguin]

If its like th Tropiquarium I sold you, the hinges can be pulled straight up, out of their housing.
Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for damage to unit while following thse instructions :-)

[artw]

Babble we can't question Big Daddy. if he says flat paint has the highest level of reflectiveness,  then so be it.  hehe
but I agree with you,  murgus needs to be careful that he doesn't paint the canopy glass flat white,  and then no light will penetrate at all.

[Julie]

I'll vouch for flat white, the back of my house eastern exposure is flat white vinyl, and if I hang clothes out to dry it's like they've been dipped in bleach.
The reflection will literally change a dark red to a pink on an october day.

[murgus]

If its like th Tropiquarium I sold you, the hinges can be pulled straight up, out of their housing.
Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for damage to unit while following thse instructions :-)

I did not know that, I will have to check that out!

Andrew

[BigMomma]

Babble we can't question Big Daddy. if he says flat paint has the highest level of reflectiveness,  then so be it.  hehe
but I agree with you,  murgus needs to be careful that he doesn't paint the canopy glass flat white,  and then no light will penetrate at all.

That's right ... do not question him ... however he could have back it up with some scientific evidence 
Here we go ...
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/feature.htm