My Lighting options, please read.

azonic

azonic

Active Member
OK, Just got my lighting prices from LFS. Here's my three choices. All prices are canadian
#1 - 2 x 55w Power compacts, 50/50 bulbs i think..built into a lightstrip. $400 or so
#2 - 4 x 70w?(not sure of wattage) VHO in lightstrip $650-$700
#3 - 1 x 175w metal halide with two actinic's, retrofit kit. $900-$1000
I know you'll all say get the MH, but for my tank size are they necessary? I'm interested in some hard corals, brains especially. Not interested in clams...well not now anyway.
Suggestions?
 
byrself

byrself

Member
how much do canadian prices differ from u s dollars? that seems awful high for that. my light strip i bought off of ----, 4x55w pcs, with bulbs, two ballast, two fans, all in an aluminum hood, shipped next day, for $250. that's 48" long. they can make custom sizes as well. it's even under warranty for a year i think. they got a hood with 2x55s for $110. just a suggestion. seems pricey for all those setups.
do you know the length of the vho bulbs? we could figure out the wattage if you knew.
 
byrself

byrself

Member
here, check out this page. i bought mine here. <a href="http://www.stores.----.com/id=196040" target="_blank">web page</a>
oh yeah, buy the halides. (just kidding)
:D
 
ed r

ed r

Member
I agree with BYRSELF. Check out internet prices for dry goods. If you can find the right item from a reputable seller, ---- can be great. I paid $300 (US) for 4x65w JBJ brand PCs with fans, reflectors, etc. Even if you decide that 2x55w is enough for what you plan, you can save money. Good luck.
 
ak_reefer

ak_reefer

Member
I would definetly say that those prices are way to high. Check out <a href="http://www.hellolights.com" target="_blank">www.hellolights.com</a> I believe they will ship to Canada or check out ---- as well.
 
nm reef

nm reef

Active Member
I would also suggest you to shop around for better prices...surely somebody can ship to Canada. For your system I would look at either 2x65 watt 10k pc's & 2x110 watt VHO's(actinics)...or possibly 4x110 watts of vho's(2 actinic & 2 daylights). Personally I wouldn't go MH on your tank unless I was looking specifically at sps corals and clams. Either pc's/vho's/or a combination of the 2 would give you a great lighting foundation.Whichever you decide on I'm confident you can find better prices than the ones quoted by the LFS....heck find a friendly American just south of you and get them to but the lights and work out an arrangement to slip 'em across the border...if I lived close enough I'd help ya out in a heart beat. You pay for 'em...I'll get 'em and get 'em to you....cut out the tax man altogether!!!!!Probably save a bunch of money that you could then spend on livestock!!! :cool:
 
azonic

azonic

Active Member
Thanks for all the replies. I was looking at this item on ----. Is it a good deal? are 6500k lights good? <a href="http://cgi.----.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2026446189" target="_blank">http://cgi.----.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2026446189</a>
Also, hellolights doesnt ship internationally anymore, does anyone else know of any other reputable online dealers?
 
ruaround

ruaround

Active Member
looks good all except this part in the description..."UPS shipping and handling in the 48 contiguous states only will range between $15.00 and $28.00 depending on how far away you are from California." try helolights if you can afford MH go with em, cuz eventually you will want em anyway. If not I would say PC with VHO actinic.
 
azonic

azonic

Active Member
hellolights doesnt ship outside the US right now. I need more places to check. Anyone? Also, are 6500k bulbs good or not? Should i have 10000k?
EDIT: I dont know what the he11 happened above <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />
 
byrself

byrself

Member
you might could try <a href="http://www.bigalsonline.com." target="_blank">www.bigalsonline.com.</a> you probably won't get as good a deal as ---- but they might ship to you in Ca. its all new stuff and guaranteed. they are a good business to deal with imo. they got good prices on maxijets =). hth
 
ed r

ed r

Member
I bought this model from Jon on ---- at
<a href="http://cgi.----.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2028146038" target="_blank">http://cgi.----.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2028146038</a>
Watch word wrap. I hope link works. He was a very responsive vendor. The product was just as advertised. He stocks other models not listed on the auction. He mentions shipping internationally. You would need to email him to check on the cost to Canada. He is in Madison, Wisconsin so the charge may not be too bad. I have seen him list various PCs. He may also have metal halides, but I don't know.
 
dirtybilge

dirtybilge

Member
Look on the site since your here, or you can go ro <a href="http://www.petsolutions.com" target="_blank">www.petsolutions.com</a> I us them alot and am happy.
ED
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top