hooking up ballast

[Delphinus]

It's not really positive and negative leads because we're talking AC -- one is hot and one is neutral. I think blue is the neutral. (Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong -- I think blue/brown/green is the European colour code for power leads.) Neutral goes to the wider terminal on the wall outlet plug.

For the leads to the socket, it won't matter which end is which (at least I've found it not to matter). You have a 50/50 chance if it does matter -- if the bulb does not light, try switching them.

I don't think you're going to find the quick-disconnects at HD. Worthwhile looking into, but you'll probably have to go to a specialized electronics store -- would be my guess. What you can do is get the butt end connectors from HD, stick a wire into each end, and crimp. Probably $10 for a crimping tool if you don't have one.

Doesn't look like the ballast is grounded, and I don't like the looks of that ... You should ground your fixture plus your reflector. That screw in the centre looks like a ground terminal, which should be wired to the ground terminal in the wall outlet.

Hope this helps