Reddit reviews Reflectix BP48010 Double Pack Insulation, 48 in. x 10 ft

I got some thermal bubble wrap last week and made a cover for my tank, which I recently upgrade from 10G to 29G. I was shocked at how effective it was! I had three UTH heaters that I cobbled together, but they were still struggling to keep it at 75. After adding the insulation I was able to unplug all but one of them. I was checking on it every half hour or so and went "whoa nelly!" as the temps got to 85 degrees with the same heating setup (they probably would have kept climbing, too!)

My house has gotten down to 68 degrees recently, but the tank is maintained at 80 during the day with 25W lamp and 75 at night (with a warm spot up to 84 and cold spot down to 77 during the day). Planning on plugging in another UTH heater if I need to, if we let the house get a little colder during the winter, especially at night. I can always add panels to the current insulation for emergency situations if I need to as well.

I got the wrap from here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPAULS There are probably ways to get smaller quantities and/or get it cheaper than $20, but I was also thinking about insulating some basement windows we don't like, so I just went and got 10' of it!

The tank wrapper was a little tricky to make: https://imgur.com/a/7gPYNpH I measured really well, cut accurately and made a box out of it. It wraps all the way around on the sides facing the wall, and wraps 3" over the top (covering the plastic/cords/cord gap, which makes it more escape proof!) and about 5" on the other side to add a little more insulation. I scored the opposite side of the bubble wrap (cut halfway through) when folding the corners -- that way you get a sharp edge instead of an awkward "wrap around." And then just added a little aluminum foil tape to the 3" sections where it attaches to itself in the corners at the top and voila!

To make it really nice, I glued some velcro strips to the black plastic on the tank, and corresponding velcro strips to my thermal box, so I can stick it on and get it really snug and secure. There are a few sticky velcro dots holding it on the top -- I got a little lazy and didn't want to glue anymore :(

Anyway, it took a bit to get it right, but all told, it was only $5 in materials (if you pro-rate the roll of thermal insulation by how much I actually used) and increases the temps by at least 10 degrees F over what I was getting before! Super amazing stuff!

Not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for, but Reflectix is pretty close. I've used it to keep my pot hot and make it easier to hold after cooking, it's decent, but not thermos level insulation.

https://www.amazon.com/Reflectix-BP48010-48-Inch-10-Feet-Insulation/dp/B000BPAULS

If you ever order groceries online (like from Amazon Fresh or Prime Now), you can get this stuff for free from the bags they put your groceries in

Reflectix would probably work in this scenario as well, not sure how expensive those sun reflectors are.

You could probably get a nicer look by using this Bubble Pack Insulation

I cut Reflectix in the shape of my windows, and duct taped black fabric to one side. Blacks out the windows and provides a little insulation (I only camp in winter when skiing).

Reflectix: https://www.amazon.com/Reflectix-BP48010-48-Inch-10-Feet-Insulation/dp/B000BPAULS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538621730&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Reflectix&dpPl=1&dpID=31Io%2BmGxiWL&ref=plSrch

I'm a big fan of sleeping in vehicles to save on rent. I've lived in my truck for 2+ years, and I love it.

What kind of car do you have? Do the back seats fold down for you to sleep like that? You can also sleep across the interior but you'll have to black out all the windows and buy a sun shade.

I have curtains using hooks, binder clips, and bungee cords, but I'm going to switch to Reflectix soon. Look up some YouTube videos on ideas how to do it. I got the idea from these guys.

You've got some spaces and some friends so you don't necessarily need a gym membership to keep up with hygiene, but you need a place to make shits. You'll find those places no problem; I'd just keep some sanitary wipes to clean the toilet seats.

I used https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPAULS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1 to line the inside of my 32gallon setup. It's kind of pricey but IMO worth it. I originally tried Mylar blankets and they are a nightmare to work with. This stuff is thick and easy to work with and claims 95%+ reflectivity.

I used this for mine, 2x large totes stacked like your cans.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPAULS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have the bottom stick up about an inch past the lip so it covers the seam when the bins are closed. Its still low enough that i can let it close with out it pinching the reflective wrap. You get a lot of material for only $25, ive done 2x buckets and still have extra left over. Also if you use a roll like mine cut it against the grain, it will push out and basically hold it self together, where i needed it i used duct tape folded sticky side out or just double sided tape.

Hope this helps, otherwise great build! i want to do a large can build like this for a mama, but if i get the space im going to tent it.


Edit: By against the grain i mean perpendicular to how its rolled, lol

I would try to shade the area, insulate the bucket and then add an Ice Probe. Check out the amazon links. I use the Ice Probe and double insulated my 5-gal bucket.

https://www.amazon.com/IceProbe-Thermoelectric-Aquarium-Chiller/dp/B001JSVLBO/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=iceprobe&qid=1570125812&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Reflectix-BP48010-ubble-Pack-Insulation/dp/B000BPAULS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=reflectix&qid=1570126123&s=gateway&sr=8-1 (cheaper at Home Depot)

This is the answer to your prayers, my friend. It's called Reflectix. It is a foil insulation wrap 5/8 inches thick. Two outer layers of aluminum foil reflect 97-Percent of radiant heat. Each layer of foil is bonded to two inner layers of insulating bubbles that resist conductive heat flow. I have applied this to every window and surface on the west side of the house facing the hot Texas sun which reaches 110 degrees these days.

Before I put these on, I could only gain a 15 degree differential from the outside to inside on the rooms that faced west, whereas now I stay a cool 25 to 30 degrees cooler. You can use chrome duct tape or velcro tape to secure it in minutes. It is a wonder solution, I highly recommend it.

Lots of people put Reflectix in their windows in warm areas. It will unfortunately block out all the sunlight but it will help greatly in making the interior temperature tolerable.