can i use paint?

[John 3:16]

1. can i use white paint as a reflector for can i use white paint on the underneath side of my hood as a reflector

2. if so , what is the best type of paint.

3. does anyone know how much more light your tank gets for doing this.

i have a 75 gal with 4x110watts on a icecap 660 ballast and was wanting as good of light as i could get

thanks for all your help,
justin

 

[DragonFish]

The best thing for this is a self adhesive foil you can buy at any hobby shop. It is designed to cover the skeleton of model airplanes and is very easy to use and comes in very highly reflective colors for about $5.00 a roll. I have used the chrome stuff before and it worked like a charm. HTH

 

[waterloomarc]

I have always used a standard high-gloss white paint.

 

[Bobzarry]

If your going to use paint........flat white is more reflective then gloss.

 

[JohnD]

Bobzarry,

I hate to disagree with a few Joisey Boy, but flat paint generally does not dry to a smooth coat. It is rough and therefore does not reflex light, but diffuses it. A gloss paint, on the other hand dries smooth. Light reflexs off of the smooth surface.

IHME, go with a high gloss paint and white is the color.

HTH

 

[fishbone]

I have done a lot of indoor gardening, every book I have read recommend using flat white paint, not glossy.