Fluorescent Lighting - Ballast or No Ballast?
 

When it comes to purchasing a fluorescent light strip, what is the main difference between a) direct-mount fluorescent (ballast) light fixtures and b) plug-in fluorescent (no ballast) light fixtures?
Which is better? I mean, ballast obviously SEEMS better, but why?
Thanks

electronic ballasts usually use less energy... other than that, I don't see much benfit. I use both kinds in my house. Although I use the ballast on 48" bulbs, and just the plug in style on a 24" and 18" fixtures for smaller tanks.