Halide Bulb Prices

[adambrum]

Why is there such a difference in prices of bulbs with the same spec i have found a 10k from £15.00-£60.00

Im sure people like arcadia dont make bulbs they just buy them with there name on and then charge over the odds because its says aquatic

 

[14gtr14]

I think alot has to do with the chemical make up of the lamp. Certain halides will be more expensive to produce (and may be better) than others. I think it's mainly to do with what metal (Group 1) is used in the halide (halogen gas + an element that is less electronegative than the halogen(in MHs obviously group one metal)).


I might be wrong, but that's my 1.01 pence.

 

[SkiFletch]

No you're absolutely right. While I'm sure there is some re-badging and hiking of prices for aquarium halides, gtr is right. The quality and type of the metals inside the tube will greatly determine the light output. The metals that create blue wavelength light so important to zooxanthellae found in corals are costly and difficult to produce.