dancerhas

I'm kind of in the same predicament as you right now. What I want to know is why This is 23 dollars and This is 105 dollars. Price gouging anybody?

Wyphy

Different design purposes.

The cheapo light doesn't have an on/off switch, the reflector is basically 160* or so and will scatter light over a very large area, has general purpose light tubes, probably warm white, doesn't have any venting as the lamp area is exposed.

The Perfecto has waterproof on/off switch, a directional reflector to focus light into the tank, has lamp tubes designed for aquariums, and is vented so the unit can sit directly on top of a glass tank lid,

I'm not saying it's completely justified to have such a large price difference, but the specifics, or non-specifics, of each fixture change the costs.
Nothing wrong with getting a less expensive 'shop light' and replacing the tubes; you don't necessarily need a switch, a timer works fine.
Also, look at the volume; Big home improvement stores do much more volume than even the biggest discount aquarium stores. More volume means more production, equals cheaper cost.

dancerhas

I agree that those extra items do not justify such an astronomical price difference. I think it really comes down to supply and demand...like Prescription drugs that are 100 dollars for a 30 day supply.

I was under the impression that neither of those strips came with bulbs.... If that is so, then the types of bulbs would be irrelevant because you'd be choosing your own in both scenarios.

Wyphy

The aquarium light comes with lamps, says so in the description.
The shop light, not sure; I've never bought any, but I thought that they usually did. If it doesn't, add $10-$15 for lamps.

cerianthus

H/D or other similar store should have strip w/ skirts to direct light toward the tank. Can even spray the skirt w/ chrome/aluminum paint to reflect more lights to tank.

I used to have tank viewed from all four sides. Built wood cap for tank with slilding windows and hung painted household light fixture w/ skirts fom ceiling. Left the top opn to release heat. the reason i did this is to see flowing of aquatic plant above the water.

Since have sliding window, no need to remove the cap when perfoming routine maintenance but able to see plants flowers. Whole thing would cost pretty much around $100 and weekend time, maybe little bit more depending on what kind of glass /acrylic you use/wheels on window for easy gliding, etc.

David593

I agree with dancerhas that the price difference just seems too high. I dont think and on and off switch and a reflector is worth 80 dollars (difference)

It just doesn't seem right... That's a huge difference, and all for plants? Personally, I guess I wouldn't buy one unless price went down.