Refugium bulb purchase

[bored4long]

I'm considering placing an order for my refugium bulb. It is the bulb the Melev recommends in his article here. It is a 16 watt CFL (75 watt equivalent) with built in reflector. It is 5100k Kelvin, which Melev's tests produced the most growth in his Cheato.

Here is the bulb. Its just over $10, but shipping is another $8. I'd prefer ordering several to spread the shipping cost out. If there is demand for another 4 (6 total) or more bulbs, I'll place the order.

 

[muttley101]

Just a question.... but can you buy a bulb like that at lowes or home depot?

-mutt

 

[bored4long]

I really don't know. I just assumed it was not available at any of the big box stores if Melev only provided a link to an online source. I guess I should take the time to check there first. Home Depot is like the Bermuda Triangle for me...anytime I go in there, its at least an hour before I get out!

Maybe someone else will chime in that has determined if these bulb are available locally.

 

[Justin74]

There available Seen them at HD, not sure bout OSH or Lowes but Id imagine, there fairly common. Coulda swore I even seen one at Walmart.

-Justin

 

[bored4long]

Thanks, Justin. I'll check HD out. I know the style is available, but IME these bulbs don't list their temperature. Its the 5100K bulb I'm looking for, I think most are 2700K. If I go during my lunch hour, I guess I could just start calling the customer service # for each bulb to find it any are what I want.

 

[Justin74]

Getting the listing is a challenge. I know Lights of America started listing them, but some are still not. It may indeed be the wrong Kelvin listing, Im not sure. Usually the only listings I do see are either the 2-3k or the 6500k though.

-Justin

 

[rafael13]

costco sell 65 w 750 lumens 15 watts 4 pack for less than $10

 

[boviac]

I might be interested in this one if the shipping price can come down a bit. I refuse to pay more for shipping than that of the item or nearly that for this matter. I like to support local when possible but I do understand that this specific bulb may not be available locally so we result in a group buy. I like it .

Let me know if you do find it or an acceptable subsitute locally.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[bobbyblank]

I have the exact same bulb over my refuge, they have at HD and lowes.

 

[bored4long]

Bobby,
Do you know the brand/model? I'm looking for a specific temperature bulb (5100 Kelvin)

 

[funman1]

I use the lights of america 65w CF, not sure of the color though?
I get INSANE cheato growth with my light...
Let me go find my thread for ya...

 

[Doahh]

I can NOT find these bulbs locally

 

[funman1]

Dohh, which bulb, the one in the first part of the thread, or the one I just posted about?

Here's how much cheato I grow in two weeks with my light.
Another member Wpnorton just got this light as well, too soon for him to tell us how it's working for him..

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1104728

 

[bobbyblank]

I am not sure of the kelvin rate, sorry, plus... mine broke in my sump switch

 

[bored4long]

Steve, thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate your advice. I read a thread (I think it may have been the same one that Melev suggested the one I'm looking for) and many people like the exact lamp you are using. I even have your LOA lamp bookmarked. But I am going to try to keep my system as efficient as possible so decided to start off with the 19 watt versus your 65 watt. Especially important when we are talking about a light that will be run 24/7.

I looked at your linked thread. That cheato growth is awesome! I will try to get to HD tomorrow to see what is available.

 

[funman1]

That light that I use does not have a ballast built in. It must have the LOA fixture to operate the bulb at all.

Here's the cost difference per year estimated on $0.12 per KW

19W/1000(kw)=.019 KW per hour
.019x.$0.12=$0.00228 Per Hour
$0.00228 x 8760 (hrs in yr)=$19.97 cost per year

65W/1000(kw)=.065 KW per hour
.065x.$0.12=$0.0078 Per Hour
$0.0078 x 8760 (hrs in yr)=$68.33 cost per year

Over 1 year your cost savings will be aprox $48.36 (or $0.13 per day)