Miller and Lincoln TIG welders will do the job (MIG will also work). Make sure to use 100% argon gas.......oh you mean you're looking for someone to weld for you? Hahahaha :D
Whoa, that's some crazy sh!t. Glad everything is ok. I have the same ballast (250W - 400W) and have been using it since January and no problems so far *knock on wood*.
I went on a 3 week vacation a few months ago and came home to receding/dead chalices and acans. I checked the parameters and everything was ok except for my alk which was at 5dkh. :(