Corroded T5 Reflectors

[livingstone]

The reflectors, from my Sunlight Supply Ready Fit T5 fixtures, are corroded after only 3 months in use. It could be my maintenance practice that is at fault here, since I've only cleaned them once in 3 months (yesterday), but I expected more durability out of the German aluminum used by Sunlight Supply. Or maybe it's because the T5 bulbs are only 7 inches off the water surface. Your comments please.

I haven't yet contacted my dealer and/or the manufacturer; I will do that.

Is there a definitive high-quality after-market reflector that I could expect more longevity out of?

Thanks

 

[Hahnmeister]

Why dont you have an acrylic sheild around them?

 

[jackTheReefer]

saltwater and metal just don't mix. yeah, what happened to your acrylic shield?

 

[livingstone]

Why dont you have an acrylic sheild around them?

An acrylic shield is standard? I wasn't aware of the existence of such a thing, let alone its availability. Please tell me more.

Thanks

 

[livingstone]

saltwater and metal just don't mix. yeah, what happened to your acrylic shield?

My fixtures are mounted on pieces of polycarbonate (which must be what you are referring to) but this is above the fixtures, not between the lamps and the water.

Thanks

 

[Palancar]

That type fixture does not come with an acrylic shield or as an option to be attached later. One idea I have been contemplating is spraying the new reflectors with an acrylic sealer to see if that will help with the corrosion.

 

[Paul_N]

Most commercial T5 fixtures come with an acrylic shield to protect the bulbs and reflectors from the saltwater. If yours is a DIY or retro that you installed into the canopy yourself then you probably don't have one. I don't have one and mine are about 9 inches off of the water. Just being exposed to the saltwater under a canopy will cause it to "pit" I wipe mine off weekly just because it's easier than installing an acrylic shield and having to pull it out and wipe that down all the time.

 

[sportzfish]

I have heard about the sunlight supply reflectors being particularly prone to this when I tried to find out why my reflectors were corroding so easily as well.

 

[bangoo]

I had to buy mine. Its just a cut out piece of acrylic which is kinda pain in the butt to put on, but its worth it. I got the acrylic shield after month of using it. It looks all of tek fixture don't include the shield as standard, but you have to buy it as an option.

 

[tekken]

in the process of building an enclosure for my t5ho retro 8x54w...looking at getting an acrylic sheet cut at Lowes and then screwing it in place of building a little slide grove so i can just slide the sheet in place.. will post a pic when ready

 

[firsttime]

glass sheet might be better though it adds weight. because poly carb will get dull and obstruct light due to heat being applied to it via bulbs.

I am in a similar situation but fortunately my relectors have not corroded in the last 1.5 yrs- They have been about 7.5 inch from water surface.

I paid 25 dollars each of these reflectors. I am looking at retrofitting my canopy with a glass cover to protect the bulbs and reflectors.

 

[tekken]

what's the thinnest sheet of glass you can get that would not be as heavy... i'm wondering now since my only concern about the acrylic sheet is it's tendency to bow a bit under heated condition.

 

[firsttime]

what's the thinnest sheet of glass you can get that would not be as heavy... i'm wondering now since my only concern about the acrylic sheet is it's tendency to bow a bit under heated condition.

I think you can use the same thickness that is used on the 10gallon tanks that you get at meijers or other stores.

Thin acrylic can bow easily under heat and self load , on the other hand thicker acrylic can become yellow soon and will also obstruct light.

 

[Paul_N]

what's the thinnest sheet of glass you can get that would not be as heavy... i'm wondering now since my only concern about the acrylic sheet is it's tendency to bow a bit under heated condition.

Lowe's sells the 1/8 stuff and can cut to size for you.

 

[Harry_Y]

Would Lexan be any better?

 

[livingstone]

...my relectors have not corroded in the last 1.5 yrs- They have been about 7.5 inch from water surface...

I sure hope you are willing to share more details about these reflectors of yours. Like, who makes them and who sells them. Also, how often do you clean them? :bigsmile: