Noisy fans on light fixtures

[mystic7]

I have Coralife light fixtures which have two sets of regular lights and two actinic lights each. They have two fans on them. The fans get kind of noisy after a while. Can I spray some WD-40 into the fans? The fixtures are sealed so nothing will leak out into the tank (which has a glass cover in any event). Of course I would remove them from the tank before spraying the WD-40.

Good idea or not?

 

[boodwah]

No! WD-40 is not safe for most plastics, neoprene, o-rings, gaskets, etc... It softens many synthetic materials. You might reduce the noise temporarily but you will be looking at premature failure more than likely. Besides, if yours is like mine, you get condensation that drips down to your glass covers and eventually makes its way back to the water albeit in small amounts. But is anyone willing to test the toxicity of WD-40 on marine life? I'm not sure on this (but I'm sure someone will have an idea here) but I think unscented mineral oil or vegetable oil would be a better alternative.
Wes

 

[stevebydac]

Before you do that, see how much dust has accumulated on the blades and mount. I have had success cleaning those up and greatly lessening the amount of noise. Sometimes so much deposits on them that it makes the unit vibrate a little bit, causing the noise. Works with computer fans too. Reach in with Q-tips or kleenex on the end of a small file to dust it off, or use one of those air cans sold to clean computer keyboards.

I'm not an expert on using WD-40 in every situation, but logic tells me that spraying that sticky stuff on the blades will cause more dust to stick, likely making your problem worse long-term. I would try to target any lubricant on joints/gears, not the blades or shaft or overall structure.

 

[Fast Fred]

WD-40 is not the best choice here. When oiling an electric motor, use electric motor oil. 3-in-1 oil sold at most hardware stores is a suitable substitute. You will need to get the oil on the bearings, otherwise it wont work.

Before going through this trouble, try blowing them out with compressed air, as stated above. If nothing else, this will improve the efficency of the blades.

Do all of your maintanence away from the tank.