New tank light not working

[Auratus]

Ok... I know nothing about electical stuff. But uh... maybe if I post some pics someone can tell me what to twist or fiddle with or bang on to make it work.

I though the light was out so I went and bought a new one, same kind but nothing. It's got a push button to turn it on and doesn't even attempt to turn on or make a noise.

It's also got a transformer about half way down the cord. I don't know what that is for

 

[Auratus]

 

[Auratus]

 

[Auratus]

 

[digital_run]

Make sure the bulb is put in correctly...Theres nothing wrong with the cord?...It looks like its old...That thing in your hand is a Transformer...It might be a problem with that...Is it the right bulb....just keep playin with it

 

[thellama]

are the cords hooked up to the light part...

hard to see from the pics..

maybe the transformer is shot..

it looks old... could be it

 

[Auratus]

My brother says the only thing it could be is the transformer because everything else is still intact and hooked up. So I guess I'll have to buy a new hood because I can't replace the transformer. It's hooked up half way through the cord.

But the tank is an odd length so I don't know where to buy that...

Edit:
How much do just new transformers cost?

 

[thellama]

no clue about new transformer cost..

i dont even have a clue how youd hook it up or whatever..

that was for the 8 gallon thingy wasnt it...

the bad thing is..

a hood and light would probably be like $40 CDN ..

but for the same price, at petcetera.. you can get a 10 gallon tank with everything including light and hood for $40 CDN.. but then youd have the same problem.. a tank without a light..

so i really dont know what you can do...

ive seen people use lamps.. maybe a few cheapo lamps..

bah i donno

 

[Auratus]

DAMN YOU TRANSFORMER!!!!!!!!

:goes out and buys a transformer action figure:

:smashes it into the ground:

ROAR

 

[thellama]

make a transformer action figure out of that useless POS

and smash it

 

[Lateral Line]

The object is not simply a transformer, it is a ballast unit, and electro magnetic device used with a capacitor to flash then run a fluorescent lamp. If the lamp is good, and it is fitted correctly, the next thing to look for is the capacitor. It is usually removable/replacable. It is a small cylindrical object about the size of a wine bottle cork which has 2 metal pins underneath it, usually you twist them to take them out.

Your unit does look rather old however, it could be that the capacitor is mounted in a different way

You can buy new electromagnetic starters or better electronic starters quite cheaply, (electronic starters are more efficient, don't get hot and are less likely to flicker). They typically have 3 electrical leads, one that goes to you electrical supply, and two with terminals that connect to your lamp. If you go for a new starter, get one that matches your lamp, they come in various Wattages.