Quick question.....cleaning reflectors?

[Leviathan_XE]

What's everyone using to clean their reflectors with? Had my T5s for a few months and their only six inches off the water. I'm not using the splash guard because that's gets so much salt creep that barely any light gets through. So what's a good way to get those reflectors sparkling like new again?

 

[AquaReeferMan]

Well first off you should be using your splash guard. I would be worried about the damage that could be done to the internal parts of the fixture more than anything. Im sure a white distilled vinegar and warm water solution would work though.

 

[Raggamuffin]

start with RO/DI when everything has been off and cool, if it is being stubborn +1 on the vinegar and water but remember to rinse with a damp rag and RO/DI... remember bases and acids both do the same thing just in diffrent ways

 

[Dave VG]

Im sure a white distilled vinegar and warm water solution would work though.

Ditto I use this.

 

[Baltimore Bryan]

Well first off you should be using your splash guard. I would be worried about the damage that could be done to the internal parts of the fixture more than anything. Im sure a white distilled vinegar and warm water solution would work though.

My T5 splash guard warped so much within a week that it wouldn't even stay on. I haven't been using it for about a year, and everything it fine. I wipe down my reflectors with wet paper towels every couple of months, but there is not much salt creep.
Bryan

 

[bur01014]

Please do not put the splash shield back on....you are running your fixture just fine. I have to do a reflector wipe down about once a month, adjust what you can to reduce salt creep though....being 6 inches off the water, you should be fine to make it by for a month without a lot of cleaning. Running a T-5 fixture with a splash guard, only traps heat, killing bulbs sooner, and reduces PAR like no other....Unless your fixture is less than 3 inches from your water, don't use a splash shield....