what to do about mold?Posted By Ray Jacoby |
There is actually a fungus which grows on optical surfaces. In large amounts it sometimes has the appearance of "spider-webbing". If it remains long enough, it can eat the coatings and eventually even etch the glass itself.
Flooding your optical-train surfaces periodically with the light of the nearest star will prohibit/inhibit it's formation, as it requires a specific "window" of darkness, temperature and moisture to grow.
It is quite easily killed and removed with a solution of 50% regular ammonia (non-sudsy) and 50% hydrogen peroxide. It is best to also clean the adjacent mounting surfaces where the fungus can linger. If caught soon enough, this will save the surface/s; unfortunately, any damage and/or etching that may have already taken place will remain.
Clean optical surfaces normally after use.
Hope this helps.
Flooding your optical-train surfaces periodically with the light of the nearest star will prohibit/inhibit it's formation, as it requires a specific "window" of darkness, temperature and moisture to grow.
It is quite easily killed and removed with a solution of 50% regular ammonia (non-sudsy) and 50% hydrogen peroxide. It is best to also clean the adjacent mounting surfaces where the fungus can linger. If caught soon enough, this will save the surface/s; unfortunately, any damage and/or etching that may have already taken place will remain.
Clean optical surfaces normally after use.
Hope this helps.
