> The bulbs from Bulbtronics in NYC are Voltarc F20T12/AQA/BP-40W
> 
Thaddeus, what length bulb is that?  As I recall, F20T12 is a 24-inch long 
bulb, which for a regular ballast would be only 20 watts.   
The 40-watt might be the relatively new high-intensity bulb that requires a 
heavy-duty ballast (expensive, not available in regular fixtures as far 
as I know, and as noted, in my experience de trop).
But,  have you got the new ballast?  What are your 
times? What is your hardware?  Tell us more.
Judy