bk, T5HO bulbs do the most good when they are very close to the top of the plants. 24" away is for HID lighting not T5HO light.

I have to agree with others in saying the HTG has always done right by me. Unless I am misreading the tone of your post I urge you to not go into efforts to resolve your problem with the product you got from them with such a negative attitude.

just saying,
Max Blast