Volume. A 14K MH bulb is something that doesn't have a lot of application outside our hobby so the production volume on them is low (relatively speaking) so costs are somewhat higher.
On the business side, we as hobbyists 'demand' a 14K colour temperature so the manufacturers oblige -at a price. We pay that price so the beat goes on.
In defense of the LFS, they need to make money too. In fact, if they didn't, they wouldn't exist and we'd have nowhere to run to when we have a tank crash on a Saturday afternoon. No one likes to pay more than they need to for something but a good LFS will provide value beyond the product itself with good advice. Many of them have been known to take-in sick fish or provide a holding tank in an emergency. These are things that are hard to put a price on.
Finally, I know it's not everyone's thing but you should take a spin at making your own gear. It can be a challenge depending on what kind of tools you have but it's very rewarding -and you get to make something *exactly* the way you want.
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-Mark
29 Gal Bowfront w/24" LED Lights. DIY HOB Sump (5.4 Gal) MP40. Orange Spotted Watchman Goby, 2 Clownfish and a few hermits.
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