Wavelength - Current-USA's Monthly eNews

Your Current-USA Compact Fluorescent fixture requires attention periodically to ensure the lighting system functions as designed and to ensure the longevity of the components, particularly if used with a saltwater aquarium. Here are a few simple steps that can be followed to help maintain your lighting system. These steps should be performed monthly, or more often depending upon the environmental conditions. Before performing any maintenance it is important to unplug all power cords and remove the fixture from the tank, placing it on a stable surface.

A. Clean the exterior of the lighting system - A soft cloth moistened with freshwater will remove dust and salt creep and help keep the lighting system looking brand new for years. Make sure you dry the unit thoroughly before placing back into operation.

B. Clean the splash lens - Use a soft cloth moistened with freshwater to remove the salt deposits, dust and water stains that can affect the light penetration into the aquarium. Make sure you dry the splash lens thoroughly before returning to operation.

C. Clean the splash lens track - With the splash lens removed, use a damp paper towel, clean old toothbrush or a Q tip and run it through the track to remove any dust and salt residue that can affect the installation and removal of the splash lens.

D. Clean the Compact Fluorescent Lamps - Remove lamps from sockets and remove the lamps from the lamp clips. Use a soft cloth moistened with freshwater to remove the salt deposits, dust and water stains on the glass surface of the lamps that can affect the light penetration into the aquarium and its overall look. Use a dry towel to remove any residue or salt from the 4 pins at the base of the lamp. Before re-installing lamps, proceed with steps E-H.

E. Blow or vacuum out the fan and intake grills of the fixture - Salt, dust and other debris can begin to clog both the fan side and the intake side of the fixture, reducing airflow through the fixture which affects the life span of the components. Manually remove dust and debris using a clean dry cloth or brush. A vaccum with a hose and brush attachment is a handy tool for removing difficult to reach dust and debris. Compressed air used for cleaning computer keyboards is also handy for cleaning out the fan and intake grills.

F. Clean the Lamp Sockets - Use a dry towel to remove any residue or salt from the 4 pins at the base of the lamp. Gently tap the socket pointed downward to remove any residue from the 4 holes-don't insert any instrument inside the holes as it may damage the connections.

G. Clean the Reflector and Lunar Lights - Wipe the reflector and mounted Lunar Lights with a soft clean cloth to remove salt deposits, dust and water stains that can affect the mirror capabilities and light transmittance into the aquarium. Do not use any detergents or glass cleaners on the reflector or the Lunar Lights.

H. Lube the Socket and base of each lamp with Di-electric grease - Also known as Silicone Paste, Lubricating Gel Grease, or Tune-Up Grease, dielectric grease keeps oxygen and moisture away from the pin connections between the lamp and the socket, ensuring longer lamp, ballast and socket life (can be purchased at most hardware stores.) Place the grease between the pins on the lamp and between the holes in the socket. Re-install the lamps into the lamp clips and connect the sockets to the lamps.

I. Check the power cords thoroughly - The power cords that were unplugged before you began with the maintenance should be carefully inspected for any moisture or salt deposits. Use a clean soft cloth to remove any deposits from the power cord prongs and from the cord itself. Also inspect the area surrounding the power receptacle for any deposits. When placing the fixture back into operation, make sure that all power cords have a proper drip loop (your instruction manual with have a diagram illustrating a proper drip loop).

Important: Remove the product immediately from service if any corrosion is found on any of the electrical components.

Orbit 24-Hour Lighting System

Outer Orbit HQI/T5 High Output Lighting Fixture

Satellite 24-Hour Lighting System

Mineral deposits (salt creep) can damage a
light fixture and make it unsafe for use

Keeping the lens track free of salt creep
is important for maintenance

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