Aquarium lighting help please!

[Picklepaige]

I have a fluorescent bulb for my 10 gallon aquarium, and I've only had it about 6 months. The past three or so months the light has been wacky, either not turning on at all or turning on 10 minutes after I pressed the button. When I tried to turn it on today, it "zapped" and started smoking.

I unplugged it, should it be safe? What caused it to do this? How do I not ruin my next bulb?

 

[Keechak]

I would toss it and buy a new fixture. Sparking and smoking are not things I would feel safe having plugged in. Could be something as simple as poor wiring.

 

[GoingPostal]

Ballast might be shot, there should be a little replaceable tube.