Fish Tank Lights Flashing.

[nick1200]

I have 2 t8's 20watt bulbs and both was working really well. Then the one bulb started flashing so i went out and bought a new t8 20watt bulb and replaced the old bulb now both bulbs are flashing. I have checked the starters and when i turn the bulbs on the starters light up but then the starters ( both of them ) start to flash. So i have been looking around websites and forums and thought it could be the starters. The starters are philips s2 which are 4w - 20w  so i went to my diy shop and was told that a 4w-80w would do the trick. Seen has the bulbs was only taking 20w each and i was told that the 80w is what the starter can go up to.So i changed the starters and the lights would not come on at all. So i placed the old starters back in and still got the flashing.  I have ordered some new starters which are 4w-20w and should be here in 5 days. My tank has been with out light for 3 days now and my plants are turning yellow.... And i have Ram cichlid which meant to be real picky about changes. Any help would be great. Just wanted to know why are my plants turning yellow and why a 4w-80w wouldn't work and if my fish / plants could survive for 5 days with out light.

 

[Mikey1]

your ballast is shot

 

[nick1200]

your ballast is shot

Can i ask why you think its the ballast ?

 

[Mikey1]

your ballast is shot

Can i ask why you think its the ballast ?

 
process of elimination.....
 
if you have replaced the bulbs and the starters, its the only other possibility

 

[nick1200]

 

your ballast is shot

Can i ask why you think its the ballast ?

 
process of elimination.....
 
if you have replaced the bulbs and the starters, its the only other possibility

But i put the new starters in and the bulbs don't lightupor anything even the starters don't light up. Then i put the old starters in and the starters light up orange and the bulbs come on but then start flashing and then the starter's start flashing.  I read on wikipedia that turning the lights on and of every day will wear down the ballast real quick and that you should only turn them off for a few seconds when not using them.
source
 
I also read on there that when the starters go if you keep trying to get them to work then the ballast will get to hot and can break...