bulbs from sun aquatics

[canadawest]

Originally Posted by UnderWorldAquatics

As mentioned, these are distributor prices that Venki was offering the public, he was offering product at these prices to generate some public awareness...that stage is finished and product is now being offered through retail locations. Comparable electronic ballasts "wholesale" for $230-$268, retail should be around $175-$185 or close to...

But as far as I know no eballasts have even been sold to customers so how could "that stage" be finished as it occurs to me it never started?

I can understand that the bulbs have concluded their introductory to the market, and now going forward are being sold at a regular retail pricing, but why haven't we been offered the $115 pricing on the eballasts?

That is a huge jump from promises of $115 ballasts to $175. Especially considering that regular PFO ballasts can be had for less than $140 and even an HQI ballast can be purchased for $179. Now I know that these are not electronic ballasts, but 250W of light is still 250W of light.

You're not the only one confused here Jamie!

PS... "comparible electronic ballasts" are available RETAIL at J&L for $229 - the Icecap 250W Electronic MH Ballast, or a Blueline E-Ballast through Champion Lighting for $149.90US.

[LostMind]

Hmm, I did manage to aquire 2 400w ballasts from Venkiw at a reasonable price several week ago.

I guess that was the introductory phase?

I hate to say it, but I doubt that the price will drop, no matter how much complaining is done on the boards about it. Business is business and these guys gotta make a profit.

[StirCrazy]

HQI ballasts bare can be purchased for way less than 170ish, if I get a few I can get them a fair bit cheeper.. i am looking to buy 1 more so if anyone else is interested I can do a inquirie on them.

as for the electronic ballast on a HQI bulb don't waist your time, they don't power them as high and the savings in electricity isn't realy that much. check the electronic ballast preformance in JB NY bulb/ballast comparason I wasn't impressed with any of the e-ballasts.

Steve

[canadawest]

Originally Posted by LostMind

Hmm, I did manage to aquire 2 400w ballasts from Venkiw at a reasonable price several week ago.

I guess that was the introductory phase?

I hate to say it, but I doubt that the price will drop, no matter how much complaining is done on the boards about it. Business is business and these guys gotta make a profit.

I've tried to contact Venkiw for two months now to purchase 2x250W eballasts and have never received even one reply to either my forum posts or PMs. How is one supposed to take advantage of an introductory offer when there is no salesperson available?

I'm just a little jaded due to the fact a statement was made about "sub-$100" eballasts, then $115 eballasts, and now the same product is being quoted at $175 and it's not like I missed the boat or something.

And considering that Icecap 250W HQI electronic ballasts can be had for $115US, where is the savings here now?

http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2/...gory_Code=ICMH

Exact pricing on the ballasts is not finalized yet, the ballasts were revamped and now have all electrical code requirment stickers. Cost will be determined shortly, we will probably not know exact costs untill sometime in febuary.

Even if the ballasts sold for as much as $175 retail, you wont get that ice cap ballast in your hands for a penny less than $175 without tax, and its available by mail order, our ballast will be available at retail outlets for that price or less. Im not saying its the best deal on the planet youve ever seen, but we dont know exact cost so you will have to be patient and wait as we have to, we wish we could tell you now, but we cant. I will let you know as soon as I know.

[ree-fready]

Originally Posted by UnderWorldAquatics

Exact pricing on the ballasts is not finalized yet, the ballasts were revamped and now have all electrical code requirment stickers. Cost will be determined shortly, we will probably not know exact costs untill sometime in febuary.

If they didn`t have the proper stickers and ratings on them I don`t think I would use one in my house. You have a fire caused by an unrated appliance your insurance is worthless. mtcw is stick with the icecap for a couple of dollars more, the " savings " on something unproven and this new is not worth the hassle.

if they didnt have the proper ratings, i wouldnt sell them

[canadawest]

Originally Posted by UnderWorldAquatics

Exact pricing on the ballasts is not finalized yet, the ballasts were revamped and now have all electrical code requirment stickers. Cost will be determined shortly, we will probably not know exact costs untill sometime in febuary.

Hey Kyle, thanks for the updated info. As soon as we have an idea of the pricing I'll be ready to make a decision. If the pricing is reasonable (at or near the expected $115 mark) then I'll likely be ordering two 250W ballasts as soon as you have stock.

[canadawest]

Originally Posted by UnderWorldAquatics

Even if the ballasts sold for as much as $175 retail, you wont get that ice cap ballast in your hands for a penny less than $175 without tax, and its available by mail order, our ballast will be available at retail outlets for that price or less. Im not saying its the best deal on the planet youve ever seen, but we dont know exact cost so you will have to be patient and wait as we have to, we wish we could tell you now, but we cant. I will let you know as soon as I know.

Umm, Kyle have you seen the Canadian dollar lately?

$1US = $1.26919CDN (www.xe.com)

$114.95US + $8.75US (shipping) = $157.00CDN

Seems that it could be in my hand for a bunch less than $175 without tax.