How to clean bulb housing for 24v AA Mean Green Killing Machine?

MuddyWaters

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I bought a 24v Mean Green Killing Machine a year or 2 ago and have used it with great success on the few occasions where I needed to make sure I get all excess suspended algae and other bad crap floating around.

I don't use it that much, but the little sponge that comes with it is VERY porous and I'm sure the inside gets gunked up and very likely reduces the effectiveness of the UV light.

The manufacturer suggests replacing the buld every 6 to 9 months. I'm not sure if that refers to 6 to 9 months of actual USE or just 6 to 9 months. I'm tempted just to get a new bulb anyway, but honestly, in a few days I can see how the effectiveness would be reduced by mulm or whatever slips past that sponge.

Let me be clear- I love this thing- it has been very effective on my 75 gallon tank- the first time I used it I had gotten myself into a bad situation with very cloudy water just overdoing the EI fertilization method and even major and often (3 times per week 35 gallons a pop) water changes wouldnt' work. I dropped this thing in and in 2 days it was crystal clear. So, I am very happy with it, but I don't like that I can't get in there and clean off the bulb.

Anyone have experience with this OR know how to chemically remove stuff that would build up on the inside of that thing? I can't get anything in there to rub it off, so whatever I use will have to dissolve it.

thanks!!
 
Ive used these before. I agree its a great cost effective UV. The bulb is a sealed unit, you can't get in to clean it. Just replace the bulb unit if it needs replacing.

I've found the bulb lasts about 2 years with 8 hours/ day usage. The bulb failed before it showed any sign of needing cleaning, and they are so cheap replace i wouldn't even consider trying to clean.
 
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Is the UV strong enough to kill bad bacteria and parasites in the water?
 
Is the UV strong enough to kill bad bacteria and parasites in the water?
My focus was mostly on suspended algae. From what I've read, I think I'd need a somewhat stronger light for the volume of water I have, but the UV light will kill that stuff- the trick is flow over the light and time in front of the light. There's a good article on it (I think it's good- some folks argue with this guy- he's very opinionated) here.
 

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