**DIY** HID/CFL Combination Reflector

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Cozy Amnesia

• Mar 9, 2009

• #1

A lot of us smaller growers like to add supplement CFLs to our HID grow lights. I have a 150w HPS and I needed a way to add extra lumans to the far corners of the cab. I needed some way to mount the CFLs and keep them as close to the plants, but I have never seen anybody build them into a hanging reflector. So I set off to change that.

First, I aquired a large piece of sheet metal and cut it to 36" x 20".

Then, I clamped a piece of wood where I wanted to make a bend, like shown:

I mimicked popular commercial reflectors, except I left a foot of sheet metal on both sides for the CFLs:

I made some releaf cuts four inches deep into the sides, then bent the side inward to get some more reflection.

Here are the sockets for the CFL's (I originially had them wired in series, but I quickly learned that CFLs don't like that...)

Next, I attached a ceramic socket for the HPS and two brackets to hang it, and the reflector is done!

I hope this can help those who are looking for a neat way to combine their HPS bulb and CFLs into one hanging unit. This is not very hard to build, but you do need a few common tools and knowledge of wiring. If you guys have any questions I'll be happy to answer them. I'm very happy with it and I'm sure my plants feel the same way!

 

F

fully baked

• Mar 9, 2009

• #2

That is an awesome reflector.

Thanks a lot for posting. You have some skills with that sheet metal my friend.

 

stickyickyicky

Member

• Mar 9, 2009

• #3

Sweet Cozy! K+ sorry if i steal ur # 3 post! but had to jump on it!

Edit: i have that same tape measure!

 

White

Member

• Mar 9, 2009

• #4

Love it! good job man. I've been thinking I might need to do this sometime. If I do, I'll know who to talk to.

Peace,
White

 

pontiac

Pass That S**t!

Veteran

• Mar 9, 2009

• #5

Is THAT......................... SUM DIY??????????

 

S

Strains

Member

• Mar 9, 2009

• #6

THAT is some serius DIY skills, amazing!

 

C

Cozy Amnesia

• Mar 9, 2009

• #7

Thanks guys!

 

J

Joey Roastbeef

Member

• Mar 9, 2009

• #8

thats pretty cool. kudos

 

G

Gunnarguchi

Active member

ICMag Donor

Veteran

• Mar 12, 2009

• #9

thats a very impression project there
the bends in the middle looks very hard to make

 

ZEROorDIE

Member

• Mar 12, 2009

• #10

theyre not that difficult, its really all about the order you do them as some, once completed will prevent you from making others

I like your custom break for bending it, may i suggest polishing the inside of the reflector if its not, it looks like sheet steel

 

C

Cozy Amnesia

• Mar 12, 2009

• #11

ZEROorDIE said:

may i suggest polishing the inside of the reflector if its not, it looks like sheet steel

Click to expand...

No, it's not polished, just bare sheet metal. How should I polish it? I don't have a buffer or anything, just a drill.

 

catman

half cat half man half baked

Veteran

• Mar 12, 2009

• #12

I would imagine painting it although still a little more expensive for metal paint, would be much easier than polishing it to the reflectivity proportion of flat white.

 

C

Cozy Amnesia

• Mar 12, 2009

• #13

IMO it doesn't really need to be polished. If I did anything I would paint it with a high temp white paint, like paint designed for engine blocks. It actually doesn't get that hot unless there is no air circulating. It kind of acts like a big heat sink....Actually, now that I think about it, painting it white will keep it from getting as hot as it does (I would say it's a little hotter than the rest of the cab). I'll think about it...

 

DiscoBiscuit

weed fiend

Veteran

• Mar 13, 2009

• #14

Damn, Cozy!?! That looks like the SR71 Blackbird! Looks like you got 300 watts or better now, your yields will probably double.

I had a last minute kegger and PBR was all I could get! Never had PBR draft but it was good. I like the 16oz PBRs in the can with a little salt on the lid.:friends:

 

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Cozy Amnesia

• Mar 13, 2009

• #15

Total watts are 282 I believe. I love PBR, it's cheap yet doesn't taste like dirty water...I think I'll have one now!

 

Tony Danza

Member

• Mar 13, 2009

• #16

Steel wool would shine that up pretty quick.

 

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paranoidalien

Member

• Mar 15, 2009

• #17

Nicely done sir

 

White

Member

• Mar 16, 2009

• #18

I meant to comment on that can of PBR Cozy. I'm on my 2nd 12 pack in 3 days (shared a few) Gotta love PBR.

We go to this one dive bar that serves big pitchers of PBR for $6. Good times.

Peace,
White

 

D

down2grow

Member

• Mar 18, 2009

• #19

I'm pretty new to this forum and don't post much, but that is one of the best if not the DOPEST DIY reflector on here!!! Those would be perfect for those PL-L's too!!

 

TheShroomDude

Member

• Mar 19, 2009

• #20

Nice Job Cozy!!! Great skillz. The only time I drink PBR is at a buddies. That is the only beer he will drink, the colder the better.