Need some advise.

[michika]

You don't have to keep the glass over SE bulbs as the already contain materials to contain the UV, while in DE bulbs, you need to add that pane of glass to filter the UV.

In the end, its up to you, if you want or not. I personally don't cover mine, and have never had a bulb break. Knock on wood, I hope I don't go home to just that.