Perfect-a-Lite Fixture (fluorescent)

[turtlefish]

I got one for my 10 gallon yesterday at petsmart. It is advertised as instant starting, when I turn it on it flashes a few times before coming on fully. Is this normal? (new to fluorescent lighting). Then, the tube that came with it (eclipse) has faded lettering and some yellowish fungus looking stuff growing on it. You think its just been sitting in the warehouse too long or maybe returned? The sticker on it says made Jan. 2006.
Now for my main issue: NOISE
Whenever its on I can hear this low hum from it, if Im sitting near the tank or something. When I put my ear to the ballast, its just plain noisy! So basically, sitting about a foot or so from the tank at my desk I can hear the hum with the filter running, and pressing my ear on the slots at the top its quite loud.
For other perfecto owners out there, normal?
THanks

 

[exhumed07]

I have a perfect-a-hood by perfecto manufacturing and it flashes a few times before coming on as well it seems normal to me and I got mine straight from the manufacturer special order. And I never had any kind of fungus on mine so I have no idea what ur talking bout with that.

 

[exhumed07]

I just put my ear to the lamp and i don't hear a thing. I turned it off and all I hear is the filter and turned it back on and could still only hear the filter. my setup is verry quiet.

 

[turtlefish]

But does yours make a slight humming noise when its on? How about if you press your ear against the fixture. Mine hums whenever its on.

 

[turtlefish]

I probably got a bad one then thanks.

 

[exhumed07]

it's hard to say. maybe it is just the bulb. I do maintinance in a hotel and have that as the problem in the bathroom vanity lights. I don't want to make u spend lots of money but u could try a new light. but if u can get all ur money back and get a new one I would try that first. the place I got mine they let me open the box and inspect it before I baught it. pluss they gave me a new light for it since the lights they come with aint as good. they don't show the color of the fish as good as some after market bulbs. and is ur filter working good now or are u havein any issues with it still?

 

[turtlefish]

See thing is, everything should be brand new no issues. If i get another bulb its gonna be same kind, so I thought ill get a exchange or at least bring it in for them to check out.
The filter seems fine, just I dont know if what i describe is normal or not. I guess the cartridges aren't gonna fit exactly, since they work on a lot of marineland products. What I am scared of is getting used equipment if people return it and they put it back on the shelf.

 

[exhumed07]

I doubt it is used but u never know unless u really look it over in some cases. But I think u got a bad product when it comes to the light but the filter seems normal to me.

 

[Seiryoku]

The ballast is bad, I'd take it back and get a new one.

 

[turtlefish]

Thing is, I cant drive yet. I have to get my parents to take me and their sick of it. We've been to petsmart 3 times in the last few weeks. They refuse to take me back!!! I need to get something worked out so I can get an exchange on this light. Im always wary of something like this happening yet it always happens...

 

[turtlefish]

So from what I understand so far- fluorescents with a good ballast should be silent in operation? Even when you put your ear on the fixture? How do you compare them to a inacndescent bulb in terms of noise.

 

[exhumed07]

I never had incondescent before. I unplugged my filter for a couple of seconds and there was a slight hum but not like a 48 incher like what u would have on the celling. I could hardly hear a thing and once I plugged in my filter I couldn't hear the bulb anymore. and I feel sorry for u and not being able to drive. trust me I know what ur going through. We all been there before. Hopfully u don't have to go as far as me. I have to drive 25 miles roughly to get to the pet store and 36 miles to work. Luckly the pet store is only bout a mile out of my way coming home from work.

 

[noncentric]

Thing is, I cant drive yet. I have to get my parents to take me and their sick of it. We've been to petsmart 3 times in the last few weeks. They refuse to take me back!!! I need to get something worked out so I can get an exchange on this light. Im always wary of something like this happening yet it always happens...

That sucks that they don't want to drive you back, but maybe if they're going in that direction for another store or for some other errand...then you can go along and they can just make a quick stop for you?
Of course, with the gas prices nowadays...

Anyway, maybe you could say something like "I think this light is defective and is probably a fire hazard if I don't get it replaced/exchanged". That fire hazard bit might motivate them. *twirlysmi

 

[exhumed07]

good point

 

[zoo minsi]

personally when ever i buy lights i test em at the store for the very reason i DONT want to have to come back if there bad or if theres a problem. If someone at the store says something i just tell them i wnt to buy the bulb, fixture, whatever and want to make sure it works because i dont want to have to make a trip back. Ive never had a problem, for the most part being polite when dealing with workers will go along way to getting you what you want.

oh and the bulb flickering coming on is normal, a slight hum is also normal but if its pretty loud then the ballast is going. take it back.

 

[exhumed07]

I know some stores like petco won't let u. well at least the one closest to me wont. For some reason they just don't seem to trust a person in camo and death metal t shirts and long hair. Just can't figure it out lol.

 

[turtlefish]

I will try to go anytime they get close. HOWEVER, if you hear a slight hum too maybe im overreacting. Its so hard to describe. If I tune out in front of the tank I can't hear it. If I pay attention and all is silent besides the filter I can. I'll probably just go by and get it exchanged just cause the bulb was oldish looking and the ballast is very audible when you put your ear right next to it.

 

[exhumed07]

sounds good to me. let me know when u get it and how it sounds.

 

[turtlefish]

Well itll be a while. Thanks for all the help.
BTW, when you put your ear right next to the penguin, like right in front of the bio wheel with the lid on can you hear it rotating? I can hear the paper/plasticy thing rotating, its been 48 hours but I still hear this continuous lap sound.

 

[exhumed07]

no can't say that I do. all I hear is the motor. but I had mine for bout a month so I can't remember the sounds it made in the begining. but mine I think was a bit noisy for a few days up to a week or so. but the pleats should be soaked with water now I would think. and what do u have the adjustment set to on the intake tube. Mine is totaly closed and for some odd reason I get more water going through then than when I open it. I would think of it being the other way around but oh well.