Ian Stirling wrote:
In sci.engr.lighting Mama Bear wrote:
I've done some research and pretty much know what I'm looking for
now.

I'd like to find a nice quality polished reflector like at
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=7770696002
with a 150-175 watt lamp and ballast similar to the wide spectrum
of a Hortilux Blue.

You can construct a functionally identical reflector out of cardboard,
contact-glued on foil - shiny side out.
With care, you can actually get it to look as good, if not better.


White paint is actually more reflective that aluminum foil.

Cardboard will likely burn up in close proximity to a 175W lamp like
that. Make the reflector out of metal flashing and paint it flat white
enamel.

You also need to be careful about your lamp selection if it's not in an
enclosed fixture.

Best regards,
Bob