Help - Light-glo Problem...

[Eclecticoldsod]

I recently bought a 'LIGHT-GLO' aquarium on eBay. Seller said that the tubes would need replacing. I bought two new tubes, nothing. I bought two new starters, nothing! It can only be the ballast unit that has gone, but the damned ballast unit is sealed into the lid, as part of a solid molded unit. There is no way to get at it!
I like the tank and don't want to dump it. Is there anything I can do?
My gratitude for any advise...

 

[smegforbrains]

On the top of the lid is a groove running around the top of the ballast compartment.


You can cut along this groove with a hot knife but try not to go more than 1/4" through or you may hit cables inside.

Once done, you can remove the ballast.


Although you will need to modify the bit you have cut out to fit it back in, it is much safer doing it this way rather than from inside as you are not breaking the waterproof seals.

 

[Eclecticoldsod]

Thanks for that idea, brains, but as the groove runs around the outside of the inner unit, won't that just separate the still sealed-in unit from the surrounding lid. Wouldn't it be better to cut through a ¼ inch inside the groove, leaving the unit still attached under the lid? Or am I just being thick [as usual]?