tank light

Question
I bought a fish tank at a yard sale and when I plug in the light it makes a loud
humming sound. What causes this?  Can it be fixed?

Answer
Hi Pam;

You probably have a fluorescent light (long thin tube with pins holding it in at the ends). Buzzing or humming sometimes means the transformer is old and may need replacing. Sometimes it's just a cheap model or it isn't mounted firmly in the hood. Take your hood to a hardware store or your local fish store to help you with that. It involves electrical connections that can be tricky if you aren't a professional.

If the fluorescent tube itself has dark grey or black at either end and/or is not fully glowing all the way to the metal ends, replace the bulb too. Even if they are still working, they fade and lose brightness. Get an aquarium type fluorescent tube, not a plain old cheapo. The plain old cheapo shop light tubes put out a different kind of light and your fish may look 'washed out' instead of brightly colored. Wattage is important too, especially if you want live plants at some point. Two to three watts per gallon will grow plants pretty well.

Let me know if you need help with selecting fish and getting your tank started. Here is a link to my own page on new tanks to help you in case you need it;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

Have fun with your new "wet pets"!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins