ebay bulbs

[aryn]

This website won't let me post a link due to me only have a few posts. but will someone goto ebay>type in metal halides> scroll down till you see 2pcs 250w hqi 14k bulbs for 49.99 and tell me what you think.

They're cheap, and I assume you will get what you pay for. I don't know alot about different metal halide brands and the qualities. How long do you think these bulbs would last?

[ckusnierek]

I was hesitant and am still tessting them but I got 3 250w 14K from ebay seller trust_deals for $20 each and am very happy so far good color and still great growth.
Historically I have only used XM, Hamilton, and reeflux. I would put these bulbs in the reeflux/hamilton bulb catagory. and those bulbs cost $50 each!

Only time will tell if they have the longevity of the higher end bulbs...

FWIW they came in Pulse Rite packages...

[reefmanwannabe]

I've also used ebay bulbs ,(250 watt 20 K) they weren't the best bulbs I've ever used but considering what your paying for them they weren't nearly as bad as I thought they were going to be . I got good growth with my SPS with them , my Monti's seem to love them . My soft coral's were another story , they did ok with them but didn't get hardly any growth out of them . 2 bulbs for $20 you really can't go wrong , if you get them and don't like them at least your not out much money .Personly I'll order them again.

[Saltmaniac]

I've used them for a little over 2 years...I'm on my 3rd set over my 120 mixed reef..everything is doing well and you can't beat the price.

[HJimm]

The only problem I've had with the Chinese bulbs is some variation of color. For the last 4 years I've used e-Bay bulbs for costs sake. I bought 4 - 250w 20k bulbs and some are bluer than others. I even switched ballasts to make sure that wasn't the issue. For roughly $20 each you can't go wrong. I do know the German halides are bluer and last longer though. I notice they start to lose color and dim after 8 months or so. The age old adage "You get what you pay for" stands tall here.

[wharyat]

If your pleased with the color and performance, there's no problem with them. I had tried a 10kK bulb way back and was not at all happy with the color, slightly yellow, and had bland color rendering. I picked up an XM bulb and was much happier with what I got. Now I run Iwasaki. Higher priced, but amazing color rendering.