Should you clean MH bulbs

[mchammer]

I just replaced my MH bulbs with 250W Radium bulbs and I noticed I have salt spray on one of the bulbs. When they are cool should I take a damp cloth and wipe them down or would that cause a problem. Also should I use RO/DI water or vinegar.

Thanks

 

[azjohnny]

I would not use any thing wet ( alcohol is ok) and don't handle them with your bare hands, the oils from your hands will get on the bulbs which is not a good thing

 

[mchammer]

I use rubber gloves when I handle the bulbs. I'll try alcohol to clean them.

 

[Dean Ladd]

Most definitely Alcohol only and rubber gloves. Oil from your hands will make them over heat and fail prematurely.

 

[ridetheducati]

If salt spray is that excessive, you may want to consider raising the light 1-2 inches or lower the power heads a little. Wash your hands before you handle the lights. I used to clean my bulbs every four to six months with bare hands and damp rag. New bulbs were installed every 12 months. No need to dress like an emergency room surgeon to clean light bulbs.

Over the years, I may have changed 40 bulbs.

 

[cloak]

I use my bare hands and a damp cloth to clean my MH bulbs. This has been done almost every week for the last 4 years without any problems.

 

[jccaclimber]

Gloves and alcohol on a cool bulb. Oils from your skin *generally* won't cause issues, but can so I tend to avoid it. I agree that raising it up an inch or two above the spray would be good. Do your reflectors cake up with salt spray as well?

 

[mchammer]

I wasn't getting much salt on my bulbs just some spray on one side. I did raise my lights up an 1" just to help keep them clean. I think when I clean my tank every two weeks I will get in the habit of wiping down my lights. I use latex gloves when I clean my tank anyways so It's no bother to use them when I clean my bulbs.