Same two bulbs/one burnt out and one still burning?

I am not an expert in lighting, but I wouldn't jump to assuming that it was a bad ballast off of one bulb burning out. I have had plenty of bulbs burn out at different times on other appliances (not just fish tanks). My bet is (for now) that it was just a bulb. If you see the same trend again, and again, and again, maybe it is time to start thinking your ballast is bad /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/wink.gif

 

Just like any light bulb some dont last as long as others. Yes they should for sure last much longer than that but every so often you get a dud that burns out quick. Are you running an m57 or m67 ballast? 57 is 175w 67 is 250w. XM bulbs require this style or electronic ballast to operate correctly. Other ballast will fire them and may last a few months but wont last long. If its a 175w I have one I used about a month still have reciept to show when purchased, I could sell you. Also if you want to upgrade ballasts I have a pair or Ice Cap electronic ballasts too. they are 175 w also.

As far as the bulb going so soon. Could just be a dud. Now if it happens every time you run a bulb off that ballast then yest, Id be concerned with the ballast. Other than that just have to chalk it up to the joy of this expensive hobby.

 

XM has a guarantee on their bulbs, go to the the webpage and fill out the form.