Looking for best deal on 65w CSL Smartlamps

[FishyMarty]

Hello there!
It's time to re-lamp the tank, and I just got back from Maui, so there's very little moolah in the bank at present time. Lack of cash doesn't make my current lamps any less dead than they already are... Therefore, I'm hoping that someone here can tell me the best deal I can find on 4 new 65w CSL Smartlamps with the Japanese pin configuration.
Thanks!
Regards,
Marty

 

[fungia]

hi there.

i tell you the truth. i have been shopping a lot lately for my new tank and most of the mail order stores are about the same prices. you can go to ebay to find better deals but it is a risk. i prefer to buy from reputable stores like the sponsors here. i think a lot of them price match too so you might want to do your homework and make calls if you want to save a few bucks. but i think it is not really a big difference in my exprenence. lucky you! i want to go to maui!

 

[Len]

Mirrors my experiences too. Most of them offer competitve pricing on drygoods, so you're probably only going to save a few bucks after some extensive shopping around.

Have a look around our sponsor sites. I know you were probably looking for one definitive place for the best deal of the PCs, but they really are about the same price everywhere IME. Weigh in shipping costs to shave off a few dollars.

Oh, in case no one said so already:

 

[tuftsreef]

i bought a 48" CLS lamp about a year ago and after doing a bunch of research, i found that http://www.marineandreef.com/ had the best deal. the order went well and i ordered more bulbs from them not too long ago

 

[FishyMarty]

Thanks for the helpful info- I'm trying to weigh shipping advantages of buying in California vs. paying more shipping, but no tax out of California... And in case anyone was concerned, the LFS scene around here is the worst... (I've thought how seamingly easy I could open a decent store and totally dominate the local market... if only I could clone myself or if I didn't require sleep...)
Len, thanks for the kind welcome- I've been lurking around here for quite a long time- I finally joined in so I could view the photos in Dec, but have been lurking for much longer than that! You have a nice board here, and I enjoy reading other people's experiences in the hobby here at reefs.org!
Regards,
Marty

 

[Anonymous]

If you get a chance, look at the new 8800K bulbs. I like it real well on the 29gal tank I have. Much better than the 50/50 bulb. (If that is your pin configuration)

 

[FishyMarty]

I really wanted to stick with the custom sea life brand, as I know it, and trust it... I don't think they're making 8800k CF's though... Are they? Do you just run all 8800k's, or do you still supplement with actinic?
Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

The actinic power compacts really suck in my opinion. The 8800K is a nice crisp white with a touch of blue. Colors are very nice and my anemonies love it. (Condy & little brown) I have the Smartlight. Not sure if that is the same plug configuration.

Got mine at PremiumAquatics. They are a sponsor here. Check the sponsors list at the top of the page for lots of great websites and deals.

 

[sjfishguy]

Champion Lighting at www.championlighting.com has the best prices I can find. I got my CSL hood from them with great satisfaction.