Thanks for the advise, I might take it to my local hydro store. I hooked it up again, this time to a 20 socket. Last time it was a 15, I think. And it works fine, i've been running it all day and no problems yet.
It is possible that when I was having the problem, it was due to power loss or something? My neighbors were doing construction at the time, and it would seem to go off the same time a loud power tool would turn on. But later on, it would turn of constantly.... so who knows. That's why I would love to hook it up through 240! My dryer plug looks like this
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Major-Appliances-3603/2009/9/Dryer-wall-plug-1.htm
Anyone know where I could get the cable so I could use the 240v, outlet? And how would I hook up a timer?
I was wondering, what kind of cable would be more efficient (less loss), a 25 ft 12 gage or 100 ft 10 gage? This is rather off topic, but... can I power one of the 4in duct fans by just hooking up a plug and wire like for a lamp?
I still think I'm going to go to the hydro store so they can check my ballast and lamp. I should replace my lamp, but I just don't have the $ right now, but if my lamp is alot less productive than I don't want to run it either.