Hmmm, missed this thread before somehow.

From what I understand, there is a fundamental difference between the two bulb types and therefore also the ballasts designed to run them.

Comparing a typical 2 bulb 48" fixture; A T-12 bulb is designed to have a 72 watt magnetic ballast, a T-8 is designed to have a 56 watt electronic ballast.

My understanding is that running the wrong bulb can dramatically shorten the life of the bulb, ballast, or both.

'Instant on' is nothing more than the type of ballast, it has nothing to do with whether it is designed for use with T-12 or T-8 type bulbs.

The T-8 style electronic ballast is a more expensive unit, so in all likelyhood the fixture you have is a 'price point' unit and so designed & built with the least expensive parts available.

I discovered this myself recently, the ballast in one of lights in the basement went. I was rather shocked to find out that there was just $3 difference between a replacement ballast, and a whole new light fixture!!!

Best of luck.

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