Problem with PC bulbs

Ok, so i am fairly new at this. I started a 36 gal corner aquarium which started as FOWLR, but i am slowly adding some corals. My tank has been running since January. Well, last month i decided it was time to get some new bulbs for my 24" Coralife 2X65W PC fixture. I bought an acintic and a 10K light. Within 3 weeks, my 10K light stopped working. I assumed it was the bulb, and replaced it with the old bulb until i could get another. Well, I bought another bulb, and it died within a few days!! i dont think its the ballast, because I can put a different bulb in and it works.... Any ideas about what i am dealing with. Surely I cant buy 2 bad bulbs...

 

Hard to say... can you post pics of the inside of the fixture?

 

Theres really not much on the inside of the fixture that i can see, not with out taking it completely apart. All that is visible are the endcaps, the wires going to them, and the bulbs.

 

What brand of fixture is this?

 

Ok here is the pic, I'm not sure if i attached it properly but we will see.

 

Its a Coralife, only about 11 months old

 

Hi, there is that remotest of possibilities that both bulbs were defective. Have you been dealing with who ever you got the bulbs from?

 

Just and idea are the bulbs the correct wattage because I sold a friend a JBJ 2x65 and he bought coralife bulbs from petco that were 50 or 55 Wat if not check your connections but if might be the ballast

 

They COULD both be defective i suppose. I bought the first from Petsmart, which i regret. I could not find the receipt, so they would not allow me to exchange it, so i bought the second from my fav little LFS. It has only been a few days since i bought the second, and i am going to take the bulb back tonight. I put my old bulb back in there, the watts are the same, and it seems to be working fine. What would i look for in a bad balast?

 

my guess would use a volt meeter (DVOM) and check for fluctuating voltage an electrician shuld be able to do this or try a light shop.