AquaUV ballast question

[Junkzoo]

I have a 40 watt AquaUV unit on my 180 FO, and noticed the other day the buld was not lit. replaced the bulb and it lit up but not all that much, then it went out after a few minutes. So now i'm sure i need a ballast (was only quessing when i got the bulb,since it was around time to replace it anyway) I checked around, and found ballasts going for around $90.Thats for the in line cord/ballast/plugs etc.
Was wondering (funny for a 'lectrician to ask this kinda question) but can i just wire up a ballast that'll fire this bulb and save a few bux? Most flo setups run 2 lamp ballasts, so i really can't use one of those(hmm, mebbe i can, and only wire up for one bulb)
I could wire a ballast up and splice it in to where it comes outa the enclosed ballast so it'll be ok when it plug into the bulb.

Just wondering if it's worth the trouble to find a generic ballast and do a lil wire twisting, or bite the bullet and have Premium drop ship me one from AquaUV


What ya all think?

Thanks in advance

[Hop]

I'm going to SWAG and say Yes... Mine has a workhorse ballast and it's the same as the ones at HD and lowes. I figured when mine went out I would buy the $18 version.

[Junkzoo]

Thanks for the cheaper route vote Hop

I have the old bulbs still (Ya know me , can't throw nothing away )and if/when i try wiring up a regular ballast up, i'll test it with the old bulbs, just in case .
I put in a email to Premium about cost (i figure one will cost close to what i've seen online = $90-95 ) but if i can get the bulb to fire with a old fashioned tar/4ft -2 bulb ballast,i'll prob give it a go,and save the for the frag swap this Sunday in Mich.
(Plus i have some of these ballasts stocked in the workshop.With some 20 fixtures in the 3 car garage, i tend to need to change at least one once inna while )

I'll post on what happens with this.