Noob with light confusion...

[jfoust]

Good morning everyone! I have a 20gal tall FW aquarium that's cycling right now. I got it used, and it came with a 24" All-Glass light hood. I thought the bulb was bad, but it turns out it's the ballast. Takes about a minute to start up most of the time.

I was going to pick up a new ballast, but after thinking about it, I might just go with a nicer light. I was thinking about an Odyssea, but I've heard some folks having problems with them. Any other choices? I don't want to clean out the wallet on a new light, but I'm willing to spend some cash to get something nice.

I don't know squat about lighting, so I don't know what I need to be looking at. Right now I have fake plants, but might go planted at some point. Planning on getting a few Ram Cichlids, and maybe a Dwarf Gourami, and a few Cory Cats. Thanks in advance for the advice!