Fish Aquarium Question Help please

txgurl19 · New member Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 16 Location: Texas

ok so the lights on the lid of my aquarium went out and I thought it was the bulbs but its not... Where can I get another top??

Alasse · Member Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 55 Location: Queensland

It may just need another starter...check that too before you go out and buy another top

Shineillusion · Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:51 am Post subject:

Allase is right, replace the starter first. It's usually a good idea to replace the starter when you change the bulb anyway, especially if the bulb was flickering before it quit completely.

The starter is as easy to change as the bulb. Just twist it out, the same way you removed the bulb, and twist in the new one. If you don't know what the starter looks like, it's that little silver cylinder located on the underside of your hood. Sometimes it's under the bulb, sometimes it's not. The starter on my hood is in the center. But it's important that you have exactly the same watt starter as the old one. Take it out and take it to the store to get exactly the same starter.

The other common part that can go bad is the ballast. It's not quite as easy to replace as the bulb or starter, but it's not all that difficult, either.

Fish Addict · Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 5:23 am Post subject:

you can also check the baliste

kc5gvn · Moderator Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Posts: 1147

Before working on any light UNPLUG IT FROM THE OUTLET. Many of the newer hoods do not have a starter as such. It is built into the switch and the light is lit by holding the switch down for a few seconds and then releasing. These type switches rarely go out. A common problem is corosion on the contacts for the flourscent bulb. You can remove the corosion by rocking the bulb back and forth like you would to remove it. If corosion is not the problem it will most likely be a problem with the ballast. Be sure to match the new ballast with the old one. They are rated by wattage and the number of florescent tubes in the fixture. With the login of txgurl19 I'm assuming you are in Texas. Home Depot carries florescent ballasts which will most likely fit your fixture. If your not sure what type ballast you need you could carry your fixture in and they could match it up for you.