How Remove a Fluorescent Tube From an Aquarium Hood
Fluorescent lighting helps illuminate your aquarium, putting your fish and other creatures on display. In addition, some aquatic plants need lighting to strive and grow. Replacing the fluorescent tube is quick and easy, but you need to work carefully so you don't break the bulb.
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Instructions
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Unplug the aquarium hood and remove it from the aquarium. This is a safety precaution since you will be touching an electrical component that lies right above water. Cutting off electricity is essential to prevent electric shock.
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Slide out the old fluorescent tube. These types of bulbs have two prongs on both ends and fit into narrow slots in the hood. The track that hold the prongs usually bends in one direction, requiring you to slightly twist the bulb as you remove it. This bend in the track helps hold the fluorescent tube in place.
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Wrap the old bulb in newspapers. Throw it away in an outside trash bin or find out about recycling in your area. Placing the fluorescent bulb in your kitchen trash may cause it to shatter and puncture the trash bag. Some states may not allow you to dispose of the old bulb in the trash. Check with your refuse service to see if your state has a recycling program. The retailer where you purchased the bulb may allow you to bring in the old bulb, so it can dispose of it properly.
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Set the prongs of the new fluorescent tube at the base of the tracks in the hood. Make sure the prongs line up on both ends. Slip the new bulb into the tracks. Carefully rotate the bulb, following the tracks, until it locks in place. It should fit snugly, but you should not have to force it in.
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Place the hood back on top of aquarium. Plug in the hood and turn on the light switch. Your new fluorescent bulb should light up right away. If it doesn't work, unplug the hood and make sure the bulb is properly in place.
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Tips & Warnings
Remove the old fluorescent tube before heading to the pet store to buy a new one. You can take it with you so you know exactly which one to purchase. This way, you can prevent having to make a return later on.
Buy an extra bulb. Keeping one as a backup allows you to replace the bulb, in case it goes out at a time when stores are closed.
Bulbs are fragile and break easily. Grab bulbs gently and do not force them in or out. If the fluorescent tube is stuck in the hood, you may need to return the entire hood component to the place of purchase.
Make sure the fluorescent tube cools completely before you touch it. Grabbing a hot bulb can lead to burns and might make it break more easily.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
