PDA

View Full Version : Most competitive pricing on good equipment and goods


em805
01/31/2007, 02:08 PM
This is going to drive vendors nuts but, I think RC members deserve the highest quality products at the best prices (include affordable quality products for those reefers on a budget). I want a quick reference thread that shows the best prices on specific peices of equipment or popular goods. Only list products that you have used and would recommend. Please do not list products that you have not personally experienced or would not recommend to your best friend ;). Please if you are affiliated in any way with a vendor that could be possibly mentioned, I ask that you abstain from participation. Please include a link to the product page and current price--I am aware that prices change all the time but, hopefully we can keep a current list. I'll start it off and hopefully we get good participation.

Lighting:

* Bulb - Pheonix 250 watt 14k MH $60.99
www.<b>removed for violation of our commercial policies</b>.com
http://www.<b>removed for violation of our commercial policies</b>.com/product_info.php?products_id=361&osCsid=ac7c76bbbb557d781c606bdac3aa8c52

* Pendant - PFO 250 watt MH HQI pendant $99.95
www.marinedepot.com
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=PF2675

* Ballast - PFO 250 Watt Single HQI Metal Halide Ballast $170.99
www.thereefstop.com
http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=318&osCsid=9a11f4ec1b992289ee408f0b68fca39f

The price these guys had threw me off, since, it was so low. I have never ordered from them but, I wonder if these ballasts are refurbished --> http://www.aquatic-store.com/index.html?target=dept_607.html&lang=en-us

Pumps/powerheads:

* Powerhead - Maxi-Jet Powerhead/Pump Model 1200 (295 gph) $17.19
www.drsfostersmith.com
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4609&N=2004+22788

* Pump - Mag Drive Pump 1800 $110.95
www.marinedepot.com
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=DN1131

- Sequence 5000-SW Pump 5520gph $374.95
www.marinedepot.com http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_pumps_mdm_sequence_750_1000_series.asp?CartId=

Wavemakers:

* Maxi-Jet Natural Wavemaker System Model 1200
$89.99
www.drsfostersmith.com
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12061&N=2004+22788

Plumbing:

* Compact Ball Valve (PVC) 1" THREADED $3.45 ea.
www.savko.com
http://www.savko.com/partlist.asp?pgid=1
* Flexible PVC tubing 1" ID $0.81/ft
http://www.savko.com/PartList.asp?pictures=&pgid=4

* 1" Thread x Thread Black Bulkhead, 1-3/4" Hole $5.50
* 1 inch Suction Screen Cover $2.50
www.marineandreef.com
http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/plumbing_bulkhead_rain.html

If you see an item someone else listed and you know where to get the identical item less expensive please share :D . Add as many products you want, but remember, we are looking for the most competitive prices. Thanks for participating, Eli

piscivorous
01/31/2007, 02:17 PM
In regards to who has the best prices...that is tough to make a call...I keep ordering all of my stuff from Premium Aquatics....if I find a price a few dollars lower somewhere else, they are always willing to match it. They have great customer service and shipping is always quick. I have no reason to go anywhere else. Just yesterday I placed an order and they are going to match prices on a number of items I ordered....hence I keep going back to them. Keep up the good work Premium Aquatics!!!

em805
01/31/2007, 02:28 PM
Many places price-match, however, that is only an extra step on the customers part--meaning you have to research prices before you order (hence this list). What I am trying to accomplish is a competitive price list. I realize some people have established loyalties with vendors, and that is great but, this is more to help out everyone else. Thanks for the input piscivorous!

sjm817
01/31/2007, 02:32 PM
I also pretty much buy everything from Premium Aquatics. Always a good price, always fast shipping and most important: ALWAYS the BEST service after the sale.

aninjaatemyshoe
01/31/2007, 02:45 PM
I found a great deal for Tek light retrofit T5s at www.hellolights.com

$118.95 for a two-bulb 54" retrofit kit (which includes the bulbs)

luke33
01/31/2007, 02:58 PM
Just fwiw, i purchase all my lighting from hydroponic companies, t-5's and MH are waaaaaay cheaper from them. And they can throw in the right bulb's for a few bucks more. I got two lighting systems for my 125g that consisted of 400wmh, new sunsystem ballast, reflectors,wiring, everything. Plug and play, for 154.99/ea, then for 60 bux more i got two 400w hamilton 14k with . If you can find a better price than that please let me know. 5yr warranty on ballast and 1yr on bulbs and reflectors

em805
01/31/2007, 05:25 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9125699#post9125699 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by luke33
Just fwiw, i purchase all my lighting from hydroponic companies, t-5's and MH are waaaaaay cheaper from them. And they can throw in the right bulb's for a few bucks more. I got two lighting systems for my 125g that consisted of 400wmh, new sunsystem ballast, reflectors,wiring, everything. Plug and play, for 154.99/ea, then for 60 bux more i got two 400w hamilton 14k with . If you can find a better price than that please let me know. 5yr warranty on ballast and 1yr on bulbs and reflectors

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9125592#post9125592 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aninjaatemyshoe
I found a great deal for Tek light retrofit T5s at www.hellolights.com

$118.95 for a two-bulb 54" retrofit kit (which includes the bulbs)

Thank you for sharing that. I encourage anyone who has this type of information to also share. The more products that get listed here, the more money everyone will save. By the way luke33 do you have a link to the hydroponic website where you purchased your lighting?

sjm817
01/31/2007, 05:38 PM
Salt
I/O 160G for $29.49
Reef Crystals 160G for $31.99
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4856&N=2004+113009

em805
01/31/2007, 05:51 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9127004#post9127004 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sjm817
Salt
I/O 160G for $29.49
Reef Crystals 160G for $31.99
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4856&N=2004+113009

I get my salt from F&S also. Who would of thought that ordering 160 lbs of salt would be less expensive than my LFS price at $59.99 (2x the cost) ouch!

piscivorous
01/31/2007, 06:14 PM
I take a print out from the F&S webpage showing thier current price on I/O salt and I get Petsmart to match it at $29 for a 160 g bucket. That is even better than going through F&S because you don't have to pay shipping.

em805
01/31/2007, 06:23 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9127323#post9127323 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by piscivorous
I take a print out from the F&S webpage showing thier current price on I/O salt and I get Petsmart to match it at $29 for a 160 g bucket. That is even better than going through F&S because you don't have to pay shipping.

Too bad my local Petsmart doesn't carry Reef Crystals (that I am aware) or else, this would be an excellent alternative. I wasn't aware that Petsmart also had a price-match program, do they focus at all on the shipping aspect or do they give you the salt at $29?

luke33
01/31/2007, 07:32 PM
http://www.bghydro.com

EM if you go there you won't see the 10k-20k hamilton bulbs. Ask for dave and tell him luke sent you, i'm trying to get him to set up a marine section. His prices are sweet!

em805
02/01/2007, 10:40 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9127925#post9127925 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by luke33
http://www.bghydro.com

EM if you go there you won't see the 10k-20k hamilton bulbs. Ask for dave and tell him luke sent you, i'm trying to get him to set up a marine section. His prices are sweet!

They have very interesting lighting systems. I was especially curious of how well the following would work when applied to a reef tank:

http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/customkititems.asp?kc=HLMH04P&eq=

&

http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/customkititems.asp?kc=HLMH04MAX&eq=

Also, I would be curious to know what type of ballast they use, i.e. magnetic or electric--I could not find this info in the descriptions.

luke33
02/01/2007, 10:47 AM
they have magnetic and electic, depends on teh system you want, the first one i wouldn't advice, the second woul dwork fine. You just need the light to reflect down.

spoonman
02/02/2007, 08:21 AM
I always buy my salt from Petsmart. I go online and get thier price from thier online store, print it out and they match it at the register no problem. It is $31.99 for the 160 gallon bucket

fishaholic911
02/02/2007, 09:21 PM
If you are looking for a pump I have a dolphin amp master 5600/4700 for 240.00 shipped

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1034067