Reef Deal Metal Hallides and Other Reef Lights

[orangeathlete]

Every 10-12 months I replace my 150W HQI double ended metal hallide bulb. I have always purchased the Coralife bulb from Drs Foster Smith for about $60 (plus $6 shipping). After doing a quick online search I found an ebay store selling "comparable" MH bulbs for $19.99 (plus $7 shipping). I took the chance and ordered the cheaper bulb from the ebay store. I haven't received the bulb yet but have received shipping confirmation and tracking info.

Here's the link to the ebay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Trust-Deals-Lights

The bulb I purchased:
http://cgi.ebay.com/150W-150-watt-1...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ee9d89c9e

Does anyone have experience purchasing these cheaper bulbs? Can anyone comment on the quality or performance?

Thanks!
-OA

 

[new2saltyfish]

im running their 14k ones on my 125. I was hesitant but was told by a very knowledgeable person that they are just as good as the ones for 70 each....So far i have no complaints...everything that i have anyway grows.

 

[67belvedere]

i am using the 250 watt mogul look great to me maybe they will not last as long but for less than a third of the price of a name brand i can replace them three or four times it is worth a try

 

[RayD]

I bought one one time for my frag tank and supposedly it was 14k. It was the yellowist ugliest color I've ever seen. Sticking with Phoenix 14k for now.

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[wrassefan]

I ordered a 20k for someone...he said the color shifted within a week
I tried a couple of 10ks....too yellow for me

 

[new2saltyfish]

ive had my 14k's for about 6 months now and they look pretty much the same as when i bought them. Don't buy them from japan...maybe thats the key but mine are fine.