i am using apollo bulbs, ill check for that fuse. i have been running a 1000w apollo ballast and have had no issues with it....
yes the bulbs are the correct bulbs for the ballast, i am getting plenty of power as all the rest of the tent's electrical is working fine.
yeah im thinking a bad batch.....gonna make sure all my connections in the hood are good and not shorting anything out, if its the fuse ill try and replace it if its not too much of a headache, otherwise ill just return the dam thing and try a different brand.
didnt really have 250 bucks to drop on a ballast though.
thanks everyone for the responses, ill check a few things out and let you guys know how i make out. im pretty bummed out i cant get my tent running at 600w sooner but i would rather run into the problems now while i still have my other lighting in place than later when i dont have it anymore (giving my CFL fixture to a disabled MMJ patient/friend once i get this 600w ballast figured out)