Need some quick help with PC ballast please

[naterealbig]

Hi, I've got a 2x65 watt Jebo PC fixture over my 29 gal tank with shrimp, softies, etc. The light has had only one working bulb the last 4 days. Yesterday I went out and bought 2 brand new 65watt pc bulbs. I turned the lights on this morning and about after 15 minutes of running the lights turned off. After a bit of trouble shooting I realized the there was no output from the ballast to the PC's. The moon lights and fans are still working. After taking apart the ballast I saw that the 10 amp fuse was 'blown'. After a bit of thinking, I realized that the ballast might have been made for 55 watt light bulbs. Did the fuse blow because of this? Can I replace the fuse and still run the 2x65 watt pc's, or do I need to replace the ballast?

Thanks

 

[BurntOutReefer]

thats what fuse's are for. Make sure you get the exact fuse to replace....(Radioshack)...

 

[mta]

I dont think higher wattage bulbs popped your fuse.Could be the ballast or socket issues.
Higher wattage bulbs would just look dimmer.

 

[naterealbig]

I'm assuming by your reply that a 65watt lamp is ok to run on a 55watt ballast? I understand what the fuse is for, but I didn't want to replace the fuse and have the same thing happen again though. Thanks.

 

[naterealbig]

I dont think higher wattage bulbs popped your fuse.Could be the ballast or socket issues.
Higher wattage bulbs would just look dimmer.

Alright, thats what I needed to know. I checked out all of the wiring and insulation, and everything appears to be in-tact. The light is about a year and a half old, perhaps it was just time to replace the fuse. I'll look over everthing again to ensure it is not a safety issue.

 

[mta]

A fuse blows only when current flow exceeds the fuse amperage rating.If you checked everything and found ok, chances are ballast is done.If the fuse wasnt there the ballest wouldve overheated.No big deal.Happens all the time with all types of flouresent lighting.Just leaves a funky smell.

 

[naterealbig]

I replaced the fuse and of course, it blew seconds after I turned on the light. As everyone said, bad ballast. I have tried to find a reasonably priced 2x55 or 65 watt ballast but can't find one. I suppose this is just a good excuse to upgrade to a 150W DE MH fixture. Thanks for everyone's help.