Arcadia Lamp Reflector

[jibba]

All,

I am after the Arcadia Lamp reflector in 24".

Exactly the same as the following link.

http://reptilekeeping.net/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=11&products_id=1184

Anyone have 1? Or can tell me where I can get one from, prefer Online Shopping

You would be surprised with the UV re-direction this can provide along with a good fluro tube. I am now using a Repti-Glo 10 24". Shingles seems to like it.

Take a read:

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/fluorescenttubereflectortests.htm

Thanks,

 

[Serpentor]

I wonder if you could replicate the effect by finding a paint that is suitable for glass at those temperatures.

 

[jibba]

I was thinking of making my own, but I doubt I could make it look pro as it is in the pic below:

 

[Kirby]

i use foil, or the Aqua one fittings have similar.

 

[jibba]

any1??

 

[jibba]

I took off the holders cover, wrapped it with foil and installed again.

How effective is this compared to a smooth much more reflective Arcadia Reflector??

 

[gomeztime]

I tried everywhere to find the arcadia reflector and gave up. In the end I got some aluminium sheet from bunnings for $15, and beat it into the shape of a reflector. Attach two curtain rail holders and put heat shrink over the curtain rail holders. I've got a UV meter (solarmeter) just like Francis from UV Guide and the results are about the same (ie double the normal lamp output) with the aluminium sheet.

I have seen reflectors recently at a pet shop, but not arcadia. Keep your eye out at the aquarium shops if you choose not to make one like I did. I've made two now. It's not that hard. About an hours worth of preparation and you'll save yourself hours searching for the arcadia

 

[MaRkAS]

I run a couple of marine aquariums as well and the best place to buy lighting bits is "guppies".
I think these are the reflectors your after http://www.guppysaquariumproducts.c...-t5-anodized-aluminum-reflector/prod_627.html

Just remember never touch the reflector, as this will dull it and you can't polish it out

Browny

 

[jibba]

Thanks guys.

Markas, is that for a double fluro tube? Either way thanks for the link, as I think that may be it.

 

[MaRkAS]

single lamp, but what we do for our tanks is to trim the side off each one. But I think you can get a "W" which is a double. just email Andries

 

[Duke]

I can't recall any real info off the top of my head, but you need to do some research to see if foil will indeed reflect the UV rays, or will it simply absorb it?

Maybe contact a glazier and see if they have any glass mirror offcuts.

 

[jibba]

Duke, check this link out, it certainly does make a signifcant difference.

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/fluorescenttubereflectortests.htm

Thanks,

 

[Duke]

Oh I fully understand that the branded ones work I've read that article in the past, too.

I was just inquiring about those that have made them themselves with standard catering foil.

 

[MaRkAS]

Mirror has less reflection than the posished aluminium, the light must penetrate the glass twice before it's reflected back.
Also the glass absorbs the UV content of the light.
The aluminium foils works but, but all the creases and wrinkle make the reflected light shoot off in all different directions.
What ever reflector you install, make sure you earth it to th lightfitting, I've seen some of these "liven-up".

 

[jibba]

Yeah it sounds logical to earth the reflector.

Re: Foil Wrap, I also had the exact same feeling that the reflection would be shooting off all over the place due to the creases and inconsistency.

 

[jibba]

Just purchased the reflector of guppies and confirmed that it will fit my 24".

Thanks Markas!! Appreciate it.