It pays to shop around :)

So my twin T5HO reflector (fixture) decided to die on me yesterday

I think something in the ballast has gone, or in the switch.

Either way, I have been looking for a new fixture, and considering I just replaced the tubes in December, figured, another twin T5HO fixture would be the go.

Whilst I haven't settled on a new fixture, I figured I'd research the Hagen (Glo) 2 x 24W T5HO fixture.

First stop, my favourite online shop, $139 - this is my baseline (plus P&H)
Second stop, my favourite Freshwater LFS, $169
Third, another online shop, $179 plus P&H

Then I decided to stop at the LFS I have always disliked, but thought if they have it at the right price, I'll take it. So I pop in on my home from work. They have the fixture, great.
At first they couldn't find the price in their system, and I said "It should be somewhere around 160-170 ish".
The lady (one of the owners I think), finds, and says "Sorry, how much did you say"
"About 160-170" comes my reply

Her reply nearly floored me "no they're $220"

I said "what? you gotta be kidding? Forget it, I'll go to name of shop"

I always thought this shop was expensive, but how can one LFS in the same city be 30% dearer for the exact same product [I'm talking two large commercial LFS operations]

Anyway, the moral of the story, before buying anything, do some research, make sure you're getting a fair price.

PS - I'll go to my favourite Freshwater LFS (or my Saltwater shop, have to call them first) to buy the fixture, after P&H it'll be about the same as online, plus I like to support physical stores where possible.

 

Why not just rebuild it? Is it an Odyssea? I got my quad T5 2 days ago and found out how easy it is to take apart and put back together.



Or you could always get a better ballast and reflectors to make it awesome. Might be cheaper than buying a more expensive unit.

 

Meh, by the time I figured out what was actually broken, and then replace/fix it, it will end up costing more in time, effort and frustration than it costs to replace the fixture.

Plus, I never really like the look of the fixture I have, after 3 years, it's served its time I think, and I'll get something that is more appealing. I may still go LED

Not to mention, DIY electrical = void insurance here.

Oh, and no, not an Odyssea. I might still repair it, and keep it as a spare.

 

I get what you mean. I'm like that too sometimes.

3rd Gen Beamswork LEDs seem to be nice.

 

I bought a double T5 Odyssea off of Amazon and I like it very much - this one, specifically:

 

Not discounting Odyssea fixtures, but buying off amazon in Australia.....

I appreciate all the links, but to be honest, getting some of these fixtures here in Aus.... not really economically viable.

I like to use common equipment for price comparison... i.e.the GLO fixture was available in all locations, thus, I can figure who's cheap and who's not

 

Oh, oops, lol. They may be available off the australia site, though.