Thanks! So from what I'm gathering here, I can use any 2x24w ballast and just swap them and get the appropriate bulbs, then I'm in business?
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I hate to use the word "any"
You just need a ballast for two 24watt t5HO lamps. There are a lot of options out there, but I think the two best are both in this thread.
If you just want to upgrade your existing light, the Sunpark ballasts are great. They are the OEM ballasts for several manufacturers, and they are specifically designed for aquarium fixtures (1" x 1" x 11" in size). The drawback is that they are built to only drive certain lamps (in this case one or two 24watt t5HO).
If you like to DIY, you can't go wrong with a Fulham Workhorse. For a few dollars more you'll have a ballast that will run several different combinations of lamps in different sizes. They are a bit bigger though, and may require some engineering to get them to fit. You'll also need to understand the schematic and wiring diagrams supplied, which are a bit more complicated — but tons of info is on the web to hook them up. And when you want to change things around, you don't necessarily need to buy a new ballast.
Just be sure the ballast you buy is rated for the lamps you want to drive, and is PCB-free so it doesn't get hot and leak nasty, toxic tar from the seams.