My 2 Bob on lights and equipment. Most equipment you find will do the job perfectly well. Most ballasts, most lights, most reflectors. However, if you want to go industrial and are growing with 1000 lights (yes, a 1000 lights, not a 1000watts), then getting something that gives you 0.05 of a % better output may actually be pertenent. However, if you are growing with 1, or 2 bulbs then forget it. Get one that is in your budget range. I buy Phillips Son-T's and they are 22 euros and have always done me well.
Peace, DST