Where to buy supplies?

[GQsmooth]

Originally Posted by SoloSK71

Brand also plays a part.

Spears (gate valves) and Hayward (bulkheads) just cost more than B&K or others for Schedule 80.

Also, the seal type can up the cost as well. Make sure you are looking at Buna-N, not EPDM or FKM o-rings.

The Spears part numbers for slip x slip, Buna-N, non-rising gate valves are below.

1" 2012-010
1.5" 2012-015
2" 2012-020

Charles

They don't make a true union gate valve hey? I think I'm just going to order the BRS Spears Slip.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by GQsmooth

I think I'm just going to order the BRS Spears Slip.

Really?

Bulk Reef Supply (US company) 1.5" Spears Gate Valve USD$57.99 (preferred pricing)
+ 15% for duties and taxes = USD$66.69
x 1.37 for exchange = CAD$91.37
+ shipping...maybe you split that with other things you buy, but still, the cost is MORE than $91.37 because there is no free shipping to Canada.

Reef Supplies (Canadian company) 1.5" Spears gate valve CAD$65.95
+ 5% for GST = CAD$69.25
+ shipping, unless you buy more goodies and get over $150 in which case shipping is free.

Seems like a pretty easy decision to me.

[zhasan]

Originally Posted by Myka

Really?

Bulk Reef Supply (US company) 1.5" Spears Gate Valve USD$57.99 (preferred pricing)
+ 15% for duties and taxes = USD$66.69
x 1.37 for exchange = CAD$91.37
+ shipping...maybe you split that with other things you buy, but still, the cost is MORE than $91.37 because there is no free shipping to Canada.

Reef Supplies (Canadian company) 1.5" Spears gate valve CAD$65.95
+ 5% for GST = CAD$69.25
+ shipping, unless you buy more goodies and get over $150 in which case shipping is free.

Seems like a pretty easy decision to me.

Exchange is killing it all. Good for local businesses though.

I used to always think about getting it all from the US due to higher prices here when the dollar was at par but my perspective has changed since. It was a timely change for sure... just spent a ton within the borders this year.

[Reef Pilot]

Yeah, US exchange is killing us... Am buying more and more stuff from China now through AliExpress. Only problem (and a big one) is having to wait a month or more for delivery.

[squamishbc]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Yeah, US exchange is killing us... Am buying more and more stuff from China now through AliExpress. Only problem (and a big one) is having to wait a month or more for delivery.

Do you live close to the border?

I order from China/Hong Kong and have found parcels arrive to the US a lot quicker, average is around 7 days, sometimes 10 days.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by squamishbc

Do you live close to the border?

I order from China/Hong Kong and have found parcels arrive to the US a lot quicker, average is around 7 days, sometimes 10 days.

Yeah, I live in Langley, just 20 min from the border. I guess I could send parcels to Blaine, but I still have to drive there (and deal with line-ups) and pay the $3 package cost. Then have to run the gauntlet at the border, where the may or may not want to charge me sales tax, and if goods are from China, maybe duty.

Shipping is free to Canada, and have never been charged duty or tax. The only problem is the wait, and occasionally having to deal with a scammer (if the deal is too good to be true, then it is not). But they have a good dispute mechanism, and have never lost money.