where to buy metal halides?

I went on the reef tour last saturday, and realized that I loved the look of the mh.  I already have 4 55 Watt pc on my 90 gal tank.  So, I went to MSM and talked to Randy who said to get dual 175 Watt 10k with a pfo ballast, since the 250's will make the tank too hot.  He was selling the whole kit with bulbs for $500.  The 250 Watt kits were cheaper, about $480.  I was also wondering if anyone new about the double ended metal halide bulbs and whether they're worth the extra money?  Plus, I noticed in the reef tour manual that members get 10% off to many local fish stores, can anyone tell me more about this?

I know that I will probably get flamed for this, but oh well. I always try to support our LFS, however when your talking a large difference in $ I have to look at my bottom dollar as well. I have had great success ordering lighting from this ebay user   - ATOTLAMPS - They sell top of the line equipment at very reduced prices. I bought my most recent Ushio 250 W 10k bulbs for $67 a piece and have been very pleased.

I don't know enough to reply confidently in regards to the difference in heat displacement between the two. I'm sure others will know though.

I have been thinking about replacing my MH with the xm 20k. Does it give the tank a really blue look?

The Xm 250w 20k bulb in about 2 weeks burns into about a 16k bulb specs from the factory, They Look Great !!!!

Edited by FIRE SHRIMP

I would say that the hqi bulbs I like much better they take up less room and are about sixes in price. I had the choice in lighting and I went with a space light because it was the cheapest by compairason and had electronic ballast not coil.

example non HQI aprox prices
electronic ballasts with soc and ref $200 each *3
bulbs                                $080 each *3
canopy non petco brand               $350
                                  total is about $1190


spacelights rang anywhere from $900 to $1200

so it was a clear choice for me what way to go and going with the spacelights I was able to HQI wich I am very happy with.

and as far as internet shoping goes I like to buy local due to warenty purposes. if it breaks I don't have to do all the running around. also when I ask questions in the stores I belive they are more eager to help me because I am not just wasting their time to just turn around and buy it somewhere else. If we don't support the stores then they make no mony and all of the people we relly on for advice will not be around. imo you are also more than wellcome to come check the lights out I have above my tanks I have both types of Halide.

Ryan 897-2000

If you're looking to buy a mh system, shop on-line. I'm all for supporting the LFS, but not at double the price. Most warranty claims can be handled via phone if necessary.

If the guys at the LFS think you're "wasting their time" by asking questions - then they deserve to have you buy from another store.

That's why I miss Petland. Chris would talk to me for 1/2 hour about my tank and new ideas or whatever. Even if I didn't buy anything - he still thanked me for coming in. I never felt that I was wasting his time. Once in awhile he would ask my opinion of something - product or livestock. He never had the attitude that he somehow knew more than I did because he ran the LFS.

The pet store guys have to learn customer service. Especially with the big stores getting into selling salt stuff. They've got to win customer loyalty with their service - because they can't compete with prices!

Just my $.02 (again)

I just converted my 45gal to MH's from 204watts of PC's. At first I installed 1 250watt 10k (I think it was a 10k, help me out here marcus its your old one) MH thinking that would work but it just didnt provide the coverage, it was a tad dark on either end of the tank, plus it was right over the tank brace and cast a definate shadow, the plus there was that the color was just perfect in my opinion.(it melted the crap out of the brace though). Second go round, less than a week later, I installed 2 175watt 12k's and am happy with them. They are alot bluer than I had in PC's and the 250watt MH and are taking longer to get use to but look nice all the same. To be honest I'm getting the 10k's when I replace the bulbs in a month. Anyways, just one mans trek to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Your milage may vary and your more than welcome to check out my tank if your up north.

Marcus,

This is a topic that has been debated many times. And you're right about some companies. I try to do business with reputable on-line businesses. In many cases their warranty claims are much easier than the LFS. I make a call, I get service. A lot of the times, I'm calling the same guy the LFS is calling.
That is one problem I have with (some) LFS is their air of superiority they have when it comes to on-line shops. They advertise that because they are local, they are more reputable and will stand behind the products they sell and the on-line shops will not. My experience has shown that often times it is exactly the opposite. Ever been to a local shop that doesn't have a big sign indicating "no guarantee on salt water" - yet most reputable on-line places will make some guarantee. Somehow it has become a question of my integrity rather than my wallet if I don't support the local guy that is charging me double the price. I've listened to several LFS owners complain that they can't compete with mail order because of this and that. As I stated before - it's the service that will keep customers. Because we know how and where to get it cheaper.

As far as Petland goes. Chris decided to join the National Guard and was unexpectedly activated for an extended time. With him gone the service went to hell. So the customers (me included)went elsewhere.

From what I've read and hear - you were the right guy to have running a LFS. If they would take the time to find people like you - they might better compete with the on-line places.

Peace.

I agree with Adam, but want to add that it would be nice for LFS' that go online to "pass on the savings" so to speak to customers that want to purchase online. Otherwise, their sites don't entice me much more than browsing their store would. Because there are lower operating costs to selling online, Internet stores can typically sell cheaper. Plus they move more product, and are able to sell for less. As far as customer service goes, I have talked to some nicer people with these online retailers than I have at some LFS' (not pointing fingers...) I still think there is no replacing the LFS, but until they can lower their prices on hard goods, I'll still look to the internet. I just bought two 250 Watt Ushios online for $140 shipped. In most local stores, they charge $120 a piece for the same bulbs!!!

Edited by Ryan Willden

As I am just getting started with Saltwater aquariums I am naturally asking a lot of questions.  I have found that many LFS are happy to answer my questions even if I don't buy anything that day.  They hope that in doing so I will be back. (Which I will if they take the time to make me feel like they want me as a customer.)

When I only had freshwater tanks, one particular store, (I'll not name names,) almost would not help me at all.  After trying to get attention for 20 mimutes they finally gave me a bag and net and told me to get what I wanted.  I likely won't go back to get saltwater stuff now even though they have a great selection.

Also just because I can get things on-line cheaper than at the LFS, that doesn't automatically save me money.  At the LFS I can spend the little bit of money I have to spend right now on a few of the most important things.  If I order on-line I have to pay shipping.  This can be extremely high if I buy live animals.  My cost on small orders, which is what I can afford, is up not down.

There are several LFS in our area that have been very good to me as I start into Saltwater and they will be getting the bulk of my business thanks to their customer service.

(Just my $2.00 worth.  Sorry for the length.)