How do you keep the light out?

Anyone that uses HID's has probably learned the importance of keep the light out of the reservoir, and I curious to know what you have done to keep the light out.

I'm wondering what every one does with there DWC reservoirs to keep the light out, I can see how this wouldn't be as big of an issue with a recirculation system, etc.?

I guess this isn't a problem for CFL users as much as it is the HID's from what I have seen.

I think allot of people are running the Rubbermaid or Sterlite tubs, and I'm curious to know what modifications you have made to it to keep the light out.

I used foil tape, it's fairly cheap $7.00 for a roll and it works great, don't have to wait for paint to dry and forget the plastic bag wraps this is clean and easy!

Checkout my pics just click on my grow journal link (signature)

yea!! foil tape all the way! wrappin paper...etc....anything to keep the light off the roots!!

I use spray paint meant for plastic, paint it black then paint it white over that. Light doesn't penetrate and is reflected well.

Illegal Smile said:

I use spray paint meant for plastic, paint it black then paint it white over that. Light doesn't penetrate and is reflected well.

Click to expand...

good call on that one

Illegal Smile said:

I use spray paint meant for plastic, paint it black then paint it white over that. Light doesn't penetrate and is reflected well.

Click to expand...

i do the exact same thing, first off get some sand papper and scuff the shit out of the lid this will help the paint to stick , if u have primer then use that but i didnt.... so after u scuff it just paint it black then go over with white. i keep the res black and the lid white. i just use spray cans it only takes 15mins 3 mins per light coat

mylar works awesomely too.
duct tape...
cardboard...

Illegal Smile said:

I use spray paint meant for plastic, paint it black then paint it white over that. Light doesn't penetrate and is reflected well.

Click to expand...

I like that! Im changing to a smaller tote, today, ...and that what Im going to do. Makes the most sense. Paint it black, to block the light, then white to reflect it, and help control reservior temps. BRILLIANT!

Illegal Smile said:

I use spray paint meant for plastic, paint it black then paint it white over that. Light doesn't penetrate and is reflected well.

Click to expand...

That's exactly what I did. Kinda stinky but better than the foil tape. Metallic tapes and materials absorb heat and I don't want any kind of heat messing with my reservoir temps.

I think I found the best material.. Duct insulation. It has a about 1/8 of sticky foam on one side, and the foil tape on the out side. They make it in a couple different widths. One of the widths is perfect for a "bubblepoincs" tub, which you can rap the reservoir completely around. Put a little on the bottom and you will reduct your air stone noise as well. The foil tape seemed to be the best for a top. Black tuck tape around the seems really seals it up nice.

The paint didn't seem to work as well in my opionion...Did a black layer, then a couple of white layers and I could still see light with a HID.