^I have to say that I'm not a really big fan of T8's, even though I use them, myself. The model that I use, is the only model I've seen that is
acceptable, in both output and reflector design. As I'm guessing you've read...most regular T8 shoplights come with cheap ballasts, which really reduce output?(20+% less than the better quality ballasts are capable of) IMO,
any reduction is almost unacceptable, because they are barelly acceptable running at full output, let alone, reduced. But, I want to add that almost any shoplight will work fine, until the plants get past 10" or so, where they'll start stretching, do to the weak light penetration. Veg them small, and they work great. If you have the option, go with T5's, they work great(as long as they're kept within 1/2" - 2" of the tops), or another really good option, is to place a 42 watt CFL directly above each plant, with one of those aluminum cone reflectors. I'm seriously considering going with 65 watt CFLs, setup like that, from now on. 42's will work, but with flouros, more is
always better.
Also, I want to stress the importance of reflectors, vs. mylar lined walls. Once your light travels more than a few inches(4 or more), it's pretty much wasted, and of little use to the plants. So, if you think about it, a CFL hanging above a plant, without a reflector, is losing ALOT of output, possibly more than 50%, because it's not immediately reflected downwards. By the time it's been reflected off the walls, it's way too weak to be very helpful, even though it LOOKS bright, to you or I. Test it with a light meter once, you'll be surprised. For example, a 26 watt CFL might be around 2500 lumens, at 1" distance, and at 5", it would be less than 1000 lumens,(closer to 500, actually) which isn't sufficient for healthy plant growth.(see "inverse square law", for details) You want to shoot for at least a 3000 lumen output, reaching your tops, if you want nice bushy plants. Get much under that, and the stretching begins. Light placement, is everything, especially with fluoros, and to not use a reflector, is wasting light you can't really afford to lose. Just food for thought...
I'm sorry, I wish I could point you towards a a good-quality ballast, but to be honest, I just got lucky when I bought my lights, years ago. I found out later, that they contained higher-output ballasts, and it was an unintentional choice. Go with T5's or big CFLs, if you can. If not, go as big as you can, and keep 'em as close as you can. That's your best bet, IMO.