I'm such a dumb ***

[Paul_N]

I was taking the glass off of my reflectors to clean in vinegar. I figured I would try some old bulbs I had laying around. I figured the bulbs were still a little hot so I grabbed what I thought was my usual towel I keep around my tank and grabbed the bulb. It was that split second that I realized I picked up a micro fiber towel that I use to clean the outside glass of the tank with. We all know what micro fiber towels are made of...polyester! After hearing the sizzle I pulled the towel off of the bulb and noticed that a large chunk of the towel was still stuck on the bulb. I let the bulb cool a little more and slowly pulled it off. There was melted polyester all over the bulb. I let the bulb cool completely and the polyester material hardened like plastic. I got a razor and scraped it all off and surprisingly the bulb was good as new....What a putz I am...:nerd:

 

[gilmour01]

no harm...no foul

 

[ficklefins]

Didn't know that micro fiber towels were made of that. Good to know, thanks!

 

[Wy Renegade]

At least you got it cleaned off. That had to smell nasty as well.

 

[Cuda]

Micro fiber towels can be replaces easier than your hand.
:crossedlips:

 

[Paul_N]

It smelled just like melted plastic. I normally have my regular towel sitting on my kalk reactor on the side of the tank but it fell to the floor. I looked behind me out of the corner of my eye and saw a towel on my desk chair and just grabbed it. I forgot I just wiped the outside glass just like an hour ago and left it on my chair.

 

[MentalDragon]

I'd be careful. I did that once... I thought everything was ok. My bulb broke at the location about 2 weeks later.

 

[Paul_N]

I'd be careful. I did that once... I thought everything was ok. My bulb broke at the location about 2 weeks later.

Thanks. I have new bulbs coming on Tuesday. I might just change these out anyways with some generic ones I have laying around just to be safe.