[Forgotten Path]

IMO the best thing to do about ballasts etc. is to order a retrofit kit (expensive, but easy) or talk to from friendly neighborhood hardware store employee to set you up with the type of ballast(s) you would need (slightly cheaper, to be sure, but a little more difficult). Ballasts can be a little confusing, so having some one who knows what they are doing would make things a lot easier.

Have fun!

 

[Forgotten Path]

How big is your fish tank?

I have a five gallon NPT lit by one compact fluorescent 10 watt "aquarium" bulb.
I also have a forty-six gallon "Euro" (bow front) style tank lit with a Current USA Nova Extreme T5 HO Freshwater fixture...
But no DIY lighting... yet. Although I seriously considered it, I was having some difficulty finding T5 HO lighting in my local area...

... If you were talking to me.