6 inches of space between the fixtures and no canopy should provide sufficient air space for cooling. There is very little hot air coming out of the end of the fixture. 
I think that the plastic reflectors were a design error and the ballasts are not heavy duty enough. 
The overheating issue does not explain failures in both fixtures. 
		
	
		
		
		
		
			
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				Mitch 
 
			 
		
		
		
		
	
		
		
	
	
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