Quote Originally Posted by TamyLove420
Do u know anything about valu line ballasts? thats the brand i have and now the new one is getting really hot too and I have a cooling fan blowing cool air on it to try 2 keep it cool...idk what 2 do?
I've seen those. They're very basic. The case is light steel with louvers for cooling. It's going to run hot.
I wouldn't be surprised to see temperatures approach 140-150 degrees F. (on a 1000) maybe even a little higher. If that makes you uncomfortable, you should upgrade to a higher price-point. I see the switchable "Valueline 1000" goes for ~120 bucks. That's about rock-bottom there.

If you can, do like EvilC suggests. Stick a thermometer on that thing and find out how hot it really is.

I like the heavier cases in a mag ballast, with the fins for cooling. Those light, sheet-steel cases with a few louvers, do a poor job of dissipating the heat. The hotter a unit runs, the shorter the life span of the component parts. The fan blowing on it is a good idea. :thumbsup:

Plants and bulbs will come and go, a good ballast is forever. (or thereabouts )