so i was having a really hard time thinking which way would be best to go with 2 of these
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-g...th-lenses-Dropship-available-wholesalers.html
or 2 of these
http://www.aquariumleds.com/products/120-Watt-Aquarium-LED-14K-3-Watt-LEDs.html
i was real torn due to the first link having dimmers and a 2 year warranty instead of one year from the second year UNTILL i just was reading up on the first ones spec and such and check out the reviews... one guy was happy at first and then re replied when it messed up and the service was horrible on getting it fixed and pretty gave him 30 bucks back and told him to fix it himself, thats ridiculous!!!! so much for a 2 year warranty i dont like the sound of that AT ALL
The second option is non-dimmable and does not have lenses either, I can get you those same ones for around $90 each....These all come from the same manufacturers in China, Aquariumleds.com will tell you they have them manufactured here in the States or Canada so they can make money and make a nice profit on them. Check out the reviews on them...oh wait, they only have 2 reviews.
You have to understand, these manufacturers being in China have access to the materials directly, cutting out the wholesalers, distributors and shipping costs, plus the cheaper labor and lower cost of living all combine for a lower cost item. This has no effect on the quality of the product. Almost EVERYTHING sold in Target or Wal Mart comes from guess where? China; why? Because the labor is cheap and the US manufacturers are good at making profit, that is why the US is indebted BILLIONS to China alone. How many times have you walked into a Best Buy and the return line was out the door. Nothing is perfect and you have to do your do-diligence and go with what is best for you. Even Best Buy sells products that have issues, and if you think buying something from overseas will be easy for a return your crazy. Buying anything from overseas and you will have issues with exchanging it. If you have an AMEX you should use that to pay with it, they will dispute anything. If not just use a credit card and if you have an issue, dispute it.
For $178 for one light, they are probably paying around $50 for shipping alone. If you order anything from China you will pay atleast $50 for shipping. Technically, for the $125 cost of the light, it is well worth it. In addition, anyone who manufacture's a light is Doing It Themselves. Meaning you can glue a new LED on the heat sink and wire it in to the driver. If you are the least technically inclined you should be able to do this.
It's always up to you. Nothing is 100% perfect, you take a risk no matter what you buy. Not to be negative, but some new babies have issues/get sick, is that to say that couple should never try for another child...
Use your judgement, do your research and you should be fine. Not to say my lights are perfect, but I have no issues and I have them a safe distance off the water to where no residue and no water splatters on them.
Goodluck with your choice and know I am here if you have anymore hesitations.
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