DIY "Lumenarc" reflectors

[dhnguyen]

I got the idea from here where you can obtain the plan for it.
http://www.reefdiversity.com/DIYPage/DIY_HTML/DIY_ReflectorIndex.htm

That said though, I kinda made up my own version of this with my own measurements to fit my tank:

Here are the progression pics.

 

[dhnguyen]

more ..............

 

[roscoe]

Looks good! May I ask where you got the alluminum sheet from and how much did it cost to DYI? Also what tools are needed to accomplish this DYI?

 

[chadmace]

Also do you have a pic of the inside of the reflector?

 

[roscoe]

Nevermind on the tools I just looked at the link.

 

[Krish]

Very cool!! Nice DIY!!!

 

[dhnguyen]

more.............

 

[dhnguyen]

Looks good! May I ask where you got the alluminum sheet from and how much did it cost to DYI? Also what tools are needed to accomplish this DYI?

I used a 14" solar extension tube from Home Depot - $50

The tools and materials needed are:

-sheet metal aviation snip
-sheet metal shears for straight cuts
-sheet metal shears for circles
-1/8" rivets
-rivet gun or hand tool
-sharpie marker
-drill and 1/8" bit to drill the holes for the rivets.

 

[dhnguyen]

The plan I created for myself seems to be a lot simpler and easier to follow that the original plan from that site.

 

[roscoe]

Yeah your plan looks easier to do. Also you have everything in one peice except for the corner sheets. I might do this my work has all the tools. I just need to get some solar extension sheets.

 

[roscoe]

more.............

So those are you completed reflectors? Man those looks just as good as the real stuff. Job well done pal!

 

[dhnguyen]

And here they are mounted on my tank

 

[dhnguyen]

Yeah your plan looks easier to do. Also you have everything in one peice except for the corner sheets. I might do this my work has all the tools. I just need to get some solar extension sheets.

Yeah believe it or not trying to flatten out the sheet was the most difficult part of this project :lol:

Kinda comical actually as while I was trying hold down one end to make it flat the other end would curl up and vice versa :lol:

 

[roscoe]

Nice clean tank you have there by the way! I'm digging the aquascape.

 

[dhnguyen]

Thanks. I tried to use a little rock in the tank as possible for that open look. Figured it would be more room for corals to grow and fill out.

 

[roscoe]

What size tank is that?

 

[dhnguyen]

just a basic 125g

 

[reeffan]

Thats freakin' awesome...i might end up making one for my self. Good job.

 

[dhnguyen]

Thanks. Just do it, you'll be glad you did once you find out just how easy it is

 

[reeffan]

Yeah! I think im really going to make one. I was going to buy Lumenarc with Ceasar (AKA Katchupoy) but i think im going to take a shot and build it my self. It looks pretty easy and simple to make it.