How to replace starter in fluorescent aquarium reflector

this is a very common thing to happen with fluorescent aquarium lights , moisture causes corrosion of contact points , corrosion causes loss of voltage in tube contacts , light does not receive the power it needs so doesn't light correctly , id retrofit a L.E.D light bar assembly right inside of your old hood held in place with some food safe silicone there avail off amazon for not a lot of money and some even give u the choice of colors as well

If you are using N.O fluorescent lights you should replace the light every 5-7 months. If you are using V.H.O fluorescent lights you should replace the light once a year. If you are using a metal halide bulb you should replace the light every 8-12 months.

Because of the fact that more than 90 percent of fluorescent lights sold are the four foot tune, it is much cheaper than any other tube, smaller or larger tubes will cost more.

In North-America and Europe the three most major brands are General Electric, Phillips and Sylvania. They actually make the same fluorescent tube with different brand names.

A small percentage of the dozens fluorescent lights available are appropriate for aquarium use. You should look for industrial, daylight, plant growth, actinic or tri-phosphor fluorescent light.

The most common regular fluorescent tube, with a diameter of 1.5 inches, come in 18 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches and 72 inches.

Aquarium fluorescent lights work just like an ordinary fluorescent light. An anode and a cathode located at opposite ends of a glass tube. Inside the tube there is a partial vacuum and a small amount of mercury vapor which produce a light when energized.

The fluorescent light cost more than the incandescent light but during their operation they consume much less electricity and therefore much cheaper to operate.

There are four types of fluorescent aquarium lighting: compact fluorescent, normal output (NO), very high output (VHO) and T5 HO high output.

The ballast is a device that utilises and expanding/contracting electromagnetic field to create the high voltage which is needed to run fluorescent lights.

It is normally found behind the front cover or reflector part of the fitting and looks like a small box.

Replacement should normally be done by a person qualified in this field.