[99RedSi]

I've been doing some research and see some people tried running a single bulb (if the fixture allowed) in a 2x24 T5HO fixture as opposed to purchasing a T5NO fixture (2x14w).

I've noticed that some T5HO 2x24w fixtures are cheaper than the comparable T5NO 2x14w fixtures (ie -> Zoo Med Aquasun on Amazon.com is less than sixty dollars). The Zoo Med CAN run a single 1x24w HO bulb in the 2 bulb fixture..

Suggestions here?

 

[2in10]

It all depends on the design of the ballast. Some can run either bulb as it was meant to run. It also depends on how the ballast is wired in the fixture.

 

[NJAquaBarren]

Two bulbs will give you better spread of light around the tank than a single bulb. The more you can separate them the better. Good for plants and also good for lighting fish. Think of how a picture looks when the sun is behind your subject; that's the effect a single bulb, or two close together can create.

Definite advantages to using two bulbs with good spread between.

 

[99RedSi]

NJ - great info, thank you! Will go with the T5NO setup then.