bulbs from sun aquatics

[venkiw]

Hi All,

You may be aware that I started selling bulbs on this forum a while ago. We have decided to become a commercial operation and we operate under the name Sun Aquatics.

We mainly focus on Metal Halide Bulbs & Ballast. We have been in the market for 3 months and we are getting excellent feedback about our products.

As most of you may know JB NY on RC has been doing some independant research on 250 watts SE MH Bulbs. We decided to send him a bulb so that we could get some compariosn with other bulbs in the market. JB was kind enough to include his bulbs in his comparison and he has posted his results on his website. The link to his website is provided for your information. Our bulbs are marked as SUN10K

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

Our bulbs seem to be doing well compared to most bulbs in the market. It also produces a beautiful color in our opinion.

Our bulbs are priced at half of the nearest competitor in the comparison.

We are launching many more prodcuts in the Future (This Christmas). We hope yu'll find our products attractive.

Thanks

Venki Worathur
Marketing Manager
Sun Aquatics

[kuatto]

Hi Venki
do you have a web site?I'm hopefully upgrading to Mh in a month(unless Mrs. Claus is good to me :biggrin: )was wondering what the cost would be for 250watt ballast and a bulb.

Cheers
Jim

[StirCrazy]

How are we suposed to buy your products if as you put it "Sorry we cannot ship to the region." was there a problem with the courier or Canada Post? if so did you get it worked out?

Steve

[AJ_77]

Jim, try this page near the bottom:

http://www.canreef.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6005&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60

[kuatto]

Thanks Alan :biggrin:
gotta go tell Santa I've been a good little reefer :mrgreen:

on the 250watt Mh ballast can you run 2 bulbs or just one?

[AJ_77]

Pretty sure that's a single.

[venkiw]

Yes the ballast can power only one bulb.

Our price list is as follows:

Product Code Description Price(CAD) Stock Status
SA10-175SBU 175 Watts 10kK (SE) - Bulb 42.00 In Stock
SA10-250SBU 250 Watts 10kK (SE) - Bulb 45.00 In Stock
SA10-400SBU 400 Watts 10kK (SE) - Bulb 48.00 In Stock
SA14-250SBU 250 Watts 14kK (SE) - Bulb 48.00 December 25th
SA20-250SBU 250 Watts 20kK (SE) - Bulb 48.00 December 25th
SA14-400SBU 400 Watts 14kK (SE) - Bulb 50.00 December 25th
SA20-400SBU 400 Watts 20kK (SE) – Bulb 50.00 December 25th
SA10-250DBU 250 Watts 10kK (DE) – Bulb 49.00 December 25th
SA14-250DBU 250 Watts 14kK (DE) – Bulb 52.00 December 25th
SA20-250DBU 250 Watts 20kK (DE) - Bulb 52.00 December 25th
SA250EB Electronic Ballast 250 Watts 115.00 December 25th
SA400EB Electronic Ballast 400 Watts 120.00 In


Shipping restriction has been lifted with immediate effect. These are distributor prices and will not hold good once we appoint a distributor for the region.

[Veng68]

Just wondering if you will be selling 150watt DE bulbs & ballasts and 175 watt ballasts?

Cheers,
Vic [veng68]

[venkiw]

Sorry those items are not in demand and we do not carry them.

[Shy_Koi]

Our bulbs are marked as SUN10K

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

Our bulbs seem to be doing well compared to most bulbs in the market. It also produces a beautiful color in our opinion.

Our bulbs are priced at half of the nearest competitor in the comparison.

We are launching many more prodcuts in the Future (This Christmas). We hope yu'll find our products attractive.

I must be completely computer challenged here - as I cannot find a link anywhere, to view/online shop for these bulbs?
The URL provided above is "not found".....
~Tamara

[kuatto]

Tamara,
try it again.I just tried and it works

Jim

[Shy_Koi]

Thanks Jim,
I tried several times this a.m. and nothing... Now, after posting my question, it works, LOL.
~Tamara

[Just2Bad]

Have you try your ballast with x10 ????? are they causing noise on the circuit so they need a noise filter ?????

[venkiw]

All Electronic Ballasts in the market cause noise with X10 devices. Getting a filter is a good idea if you have an X10.

Thanks

Venki

[venkiw]

The introductory offer on these lamps will be ending soon. You'll see a 10 - 15% increase on these prices shortly.

[AJ_77]

Will you be announcing local distributors for these products soon?

[venkiw]

Yes we are talking to variuos retailers and distributors.

Venki

[venkiw]

Yes we are talking to variuos retailers and distributors.

Venki

[kuatto]

Will they be marking up prices drastically or will still be 10 or 15%?

[venkiw]

We are trying to keep them to 10 - 15%. So the pricing advantage is not lost.

VW

[kuatto]

:cool: would hate to lose a good source for great priced product we all use.(and besides,I still want to order more stuff :mrgreen: )

[venkiw]

Hi,

We are pleased to inform that J&L aquatics will be one of our authorised dealers for the Sun Aquatics Metal Halide Bulbs.

They are introducing our bulbs at the same price you were paying me all these days, this is a special introductory offer, please don't miss out on this opportunity to tell a dealer how much you have heard about our products.

Call John at J&L to enquire about our products, our full range of products are now available, 175 Watts, 250 Watts, 400 Watts, 10K,14K,20K and Double ended Bulbs.

Your support is much aprreciated.

Thanks

Venki Worathur

J&L is also planning a big boxing day sale so don't miss the opportunity to save big on items storewide and online.

[venkiw]

Hi,

We are pleased to inform that J&L aquatics will be one of our authorised dealers for the Sun Aquatics Metal Halide Bulbs.

They are introducing our bulbs at the same price you were paying me all these days, this is a special introductory offer, please don't miss out on this opportunity to tell a dealer how much you have heard about our products.

Call John at J&L to enquire about our products, our full range of products are now available, 175 Watts, 250 Watts, 400 Watts, 10K,14K,20K and Double ended Bulbs.

Your support is much aprreciated.

Thanks

Venki Worathur

J&L is also planning a big boxing day sale so don't miss the opportunity to save big on items storewide and online.

[kuatto]

can we still order the electronic ballasts from you or do we order from JL?
Was interested in a 250 electronic mh ballast.

Jim

[Coffeeman]

J&L is not carrying the Ballasts,can we order them from you Venkiw?I'd like one of the 250 watt.

[canadawest]

J&L is not carrying the Ballasts,can we order them from you Venkiw?I'd like one of the 250 watt.

Hey Venki, any response to whether or not the 250W ballasts are ready to ship?

If so, Coffeeman do you want to split the shipping as I'd like to order two for myself.

Perhaps we could organize a group order for Greater Vancouver if Venki is willing to give us a group discount? :question:

[UnderWorldAquatics]

Unfortunately at this time the ballasts are not ready for shipping, as soon as they are ready for shipping, I will post, when, and where they will be available. Thanks for your patience...

[Bryan]

If they are, they haven't added them to their web page ..

Hi,

We are pleased to inform that J&L aquatics will be one of our authorised dealers for the Sun Aquatics Metal Halide Bulbs.
J&L is also planning a big boxing day sale so don't miss the opportunity to save big on items storewide and online.

[venkiw]

I believe they are selling out so fast they are afraid of putting it on their website. Should be there shortly after distribution is in place (may be a few weeks).

Venki

[canadawest]

Unfortunately at this time the ballasts are not ready for shipping, as soon as they are ready for shipping, I will post, when, and where they will be available. Thanks for your patience...

How about a "best guess" as to when they will be ready?

And UnderWorld, are you a dealer for Venki and SunAquatics?

And lastly, what is the expected price of the 250W eBallasts?

[UnderWorldAquatics]

ballasts should be shipping around mid febuary, pricing will be figured out shortly, well under $200 retail

[canadawest]

ballasts should be shipping around mid febuary, pricing will be figured out shortly, well under $200 retail

Under $200???? Whatever happend to:

Posted: 15 Sep 2003 13:34 Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wayner,

I can recommed these bulbs to work fine with the ballast.

I'll be introducing a ballast similar to the one you posted for under CAD$100 in the near future.

Cheers

Venki
:question: :exclaim: :question: :exclaim:

[UnderWorldAquatics]

Our price list is as follows:
Product Code Description Price(CAD) Stock Status
SA10-175SBU 175 Watts 10kK (SE) - Bulb 42.00
SA10-250SBU 250 Watts 10kK (SE) - Bulb 45.00
SA10-400SBU 400 Watts 10kK (SE) - Bulb 48.00
SA14-250SBU 250 Watts 14kK (SE) - Bulb 48.00
SA20-250SBU 250 Watts 20kK (SE) - Bulb 48.00
SA14-400SBU 400 Watts 14kK (SE) - Bulb 50.00
SA20-400SBU 400 Watts 20kK (SE) – Bulb 50.00
SA10-250DBU 250 Watts 10kK (DE) – Bulb49.00
SA14-250DBU 250 Watts 14kK (DE) – Bulb52.00
SA20-250DBU 250 Watts 20kK (DE) - Bulb 52.00
SA250EB Electronic Ballast 250 Watts 115.00
SA400EB Electronic Ballast 400 Watts 120.00
These are distributor prices and will not hold good once we appoint a distributor for the region.

As mentioned, these are distributor prices that Venki was offering the public, he was offering product at these prices to generate some public awareness...that stage is finished and product is now being offered through retail locations. Comparable electronic ballasts "wholesale" for $230-$268, retail should be around $175-$185 or close to...

[Acro]

Hi,

We are pleased to inform that J&L aquatics will be one of our authorised dealers for the Sun Aquatics Metal Halide Bulbs.

They are introducing our bulbs at the same price you were paying me all these days, this is a special introductory offer, please don't miss out on this opportunity to tell a dealer how much you have heard about our products.

Perhaps this may explain why some of us are confused. Kyle your telling us the bulb prices have gone up, but only a short time prior Venki stated they'll be the same as his intro prices. So at least I'm confused.

[Old Guy]

I bought a couple of 250's from J&L yesterday :biggrin: . John stated that they will run out of bulb's at the introductory price within a few days so if you want to save, act now :wink: .

[UnderWorldAquatics]

^ What he said...
The first order of bulbs at J&L were a promo order,(special). I guess Venki's key words were "We are introducing" Sorry for any confusion, simply put, they are still really inexpensive... If they were sold retail for the previous introductory prices, no expenses would get covered and the bulbs would be no longer.

[Acro]

OK understood, I geuss I just figured if it was an introductory price, J&L would have introduced the new product line on their webpage and the introductory prices. Kyle you are correct in saying the quoted prices you've mentioned are descent. So long as the bulbs stand the test of time. Which includes customer support, expected life of the bulbs and overall success of the animals supported under them. Now to suggest the price is better then others on the market can only be validated with long term success. Don't get me wrong as hobbiest I think we all welcome better pricing and new products. With that said $75 for one bulb is still a descent amount of money. Someone not in the hobby would still think we're nuts to pay that much. :lol:

[Quinn]

What I don't get is why there are three levels of distribution here...

[UnderWorldAquatics]

^ couldnt have wrote it better myself...
especially the "nuts" part...lol

[StirCrazy]

What I don't get is why there are three levels of distribution here...

um because its normal, Venkiw (manufactuer or Canadian rep) to UWA (disturbitor) and the store (retailer)

nothing unusaual at all except for the limited number of distrubitors for such a large area.

Steve

[canadawest]

As mentioned, these are distributor prices that Venki was offering the public, he was offering product at these prices to generate some public awareness...that stage is finished and product is now being offered through retail locations. Comparable electronic ballasts "wholesale" for $230-$268, retail should be around $175-$185 or close to...

But as far as I know no eballasts have even been sold to customers so how could "that stage" be finished as it occurs to me it never started?

I can understand that the bulbs have concluded their introductory to the market, and now going forward are being sold at a regular retail pricing, but why haven't we been offered the $115 pricing on the eballasts?

That is a huge jump from promises of $115 ballasts to $175. Especially considering that regular PFO ballasts can be had for less than $140 and even an HQI ballast can be purchased for $179. Now I know that these are not electronic ballasts, but 250W of light is still 250W of light.

You're not the only one confused here Jamie! :question:

PS... "comparible electronic ballasts" are available RETAIL at J&L for $229 - the Icecap 250W Electronic MH Ballast, or a Blueline E-Ballast through Champion Lighting for $149.90US.

[LostMind]

Hmm, I did manage to aquire 2 400w ballasts from Venkiw at a reasonable price several week ago.

I guess that was the introductory phase?

I hate to say it, but I doubt that the price will drop, no matter how much complaining is done on the boards about it. Business is business and these guys gotta make a profit.

[StirCrazy]

HQI ballasts bare can be purchased for way less than 170ish, if I get a few I can get them a fair bit cheeper.. i am looking to buy 1 more so if anyone else is interested I can do a inquirie on them.

as for the electronic ballast on a HQI bulb don't waist your time, they don't power them as high and the savings in electricity isn't realy that much. check the electronic ballast preformance in JB NY bulb/ballast comparason I wasn't impressed with any of the e-ballasts.

Steve

[canadawest]

Hmm, I did manage to aquire 2 400w ballasts from Venkiw at a reasonable price several week ago.

I guess that was the introductory phase?

I hate to say it, but I doubt that the price will drop, no matter how much complaining is done on the boards about it. Business is business and these guys gotta make a profit.

I've tried to contact Venkiw for two months now to purchase 2x250W eballasts and have never received even one reply to either my forum posts or PMs. How is one supposed to take advantage of an introductory offer when there is no salesperson available?

I'm just a little jaded due to the fact a statement was made about "sub-$100" eballasts, then $115 eballasts, and now the same product is being quoted at $175 and it's not like I missed the boat or something.

And considering that Icecap 250W HQI electronic ballasts can be had for $115US, where is the savings here now?

http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=OE&Product_Code=I2HB&Category_Code=ICMH

[UnderWorldAquatics]

Exact pricing on the ballasts is not finalized yet, the ballasts were revamped and now have all electrical code requirment stickers. Cost will be determined shortly, we will probably not know exact costs untill sometime in febuary.

[UnderWorldAquatics]

Even if the ballasts sold for as much as $175 retail, you wont get that ice cap ballast in your hands for a penny less than $175 without tax, and its available by mail order, our ballast will be available at retail outlets for that price or less. Im not saying its the best deal on the planet youve ever seen, but we dont know exact cost so you will have to be patient and wait as we have to, we wish we could tell you now, but we cant. I will let you know as soon as I know.

[ree-fready]

Exact pricing on the ballasts is not finalized yet, the ballasts were revamped and now have all electrical code requirment stickers. Cost will be determined shortly, we will probably not know exact costs untill sometime in febuary. If they didn`t have the proper stickers and ratings on them I don`t think I would use one in my house. You have a fire caused by an unrated appliance your insurance is worthless. mtcw is stick with the icecap for a couple of dollars more, the " savings " on something unproven and this new is not worth the hassle. :rolleyes:

[UnderWorldAquatics]

if they didnt have the proper ratings, i wouldnt sell them

[canadawest]

Exact pricing on the ballasts is not finalized yet, the ballasts were revamped and now have all electrical code requirment stickers. Cost will be determined shortly, we will probably not know exact costs untill sometime in febuary.

Hey Kyle, thanks for the updated info. As soon as we have an idea of the pricing I'll be ready to make a decision. If the pricing is reasonable (at or near the expected $115 mark) then I'll likely be ordering two 250W ballasts as soon as you have stock.

[canadawest]

Even if the ballasts sold for as much as $175 retail, you wont get that ice cap ballast in your hands for a penny less than $175 without tax, and its available by mail order, our ballast will be available at retail outlets for that price or less. Im not saying its the best deal on the planet youve ever seen, but we dont know exact cost so you will have to be patient and wait as we have to, we wish we could tell you now, but we cant. I will let you know as soon as I know.

Umm, Kyle have you seen the Canadian dollar lately?

$1US = $1.26919CDN (www.xe.com)

$114.95US + $8.75US (shipping) = $157.00CDN :eek:

Seems that it could be in my hand for a bunch less than $175 without tax.

[LostMind]

Only $8.75 for shipping?

I am pretty impressed with that, my amazon.com order (amazon.ca didnt carry waht I wanted) cost more then that for 1 book!

[UnderWorldAquatics]

please tell me who you use for shipping, because if I can ship ballasts for $8.75US across the border I would be in heaven!!!!!!!!!! with shipping and duty you are no where close to $8.75US unless you are shipping illegally...........

[StirCrazy]

please tell me who you use for shipping, because if I can ship ballasts for $8.75US across the border I would be in heaven!!!!!!!!!! ...........

simple, USPS chhep and only takes 5 business days, it is how i get all my stuff shipped from the us. and if you check up almost all the stuff we get is duity free through the free trade agreement.

Steve

[EmilyB]

Yup good old USPS... :cool:

[UnderWorldAquatics]

I use US post alot too, it still adds up

[LostMind]

Damn! Shipping my book from amazon cost almost $50 cad :(

shipping a gift from Cali to port moody cost nearly $60 cad.

I bought some vitamins from a US distributor, the shipping and duty and brokerage cost me nearly $100!!!

US postal was the $60, UPS was the $100 and I forgot who the book was shipped thru.

Do you guys get it shipped to a bellingham or point roberts address and then smuggle it across the line? I seriously would like to know, I HATE paying so much for shipping.....

[christyf5]

Holey cow man you are getting ripped off! I bought two books off Amazon.com last year and I think the shipping was like $15US max. They were hardcovered textbooks to boot and weighed a ton.

Christy :)

[Samw]

Lostmind, you must be getting it shipped overnight or something. Either that or the guy you are buying stuff from is pocketing a bunch of fees for handling. I buy a lot of things from the US. I had an ISDN modem complete with manuals and box shipped to me for $15US just a few weeks ago. An entire lighting system that I bought last year with ballast and pendant and bulb was about $22US. I get stuff shipped straight to my address here, not Bellingham.

[StirCrazy]

yup the only time I have paied more than 10 bucks shipping from the US is when they sent it USP by mistake.. 6 bucks worth of LED's and USP wanted 35.00 in brokerage :rolleyes: they took them back that time free (returned to sender.)

Steve

[canadawest]

please tell me who you use for shipping, because if I can ship ballasts for $8.75US across the border I would be in heaven!!!!!!!!!! ...........

simple, USPS chhep and only takes 5 business days, it is how i get all my stuff shipped from the us. and if you check up almost all the stuff we get is duity free through the free trade agreement.

Steve

Oh yeah and I almost forgot... I live only 10 minutes from the Canada/USA border. Hmmm... Why don't I just use my mailing address in Blaine, WA. Hey, that's a good idea. Now shipping is even cheaper!

Don't bring shipping into the equation, as the bottom line is a few more $$$ still doesn't dent the fact that a quality Icecap MH ballast can be found for $115US.

[UnderWorldAquatics]

Ill let everyone know what the prices are when the time comes...

[LostMind]

Lostmind, you must be getting it shipped overnight or something. Either that or the guy you are buying stuff from is pocketing a bunch of fees for handling. I buy a lot of things from the US. I had an ISDN modem complete with manuals and box shipped to me for $15US just a few weeks ago. An entire lighting system that I bought last year with ballast and pendant and bulb was about $22US. I get stuff shipped straight to my address here, not Bellingham.

Yah, one order was on a speedier delivery, but not overnight (at least, I didnt get it for 3 days). And yes, I did have to pay a heavy brokerage fee on all shipments - $35 is a familiar number for some reason, I think its ups?

When I ship a server down to san jose, it costs me $300 or so. Sure, a server is 80-100lbs...

I would buy a lot more over the net from down south (especially with our dollar now! Altho I lose a lot of money as my revenue is in US$ funds...).

I am currently having some vitamins shipped from NYC. 36 bucks for 5 day ground (the cheapest option) and that $36 USD doesnt include brokerage or duty. By the time the 4 bottles get here, it will be up to $60 at least....

Anyways, sorry for thread jackin!

[venkiw]

The original ballast I introduced was a scaled down version with wiring required, and I found DIY wiring as not the best option.

Just a clarification on the ballast. This is not a bare ballast anymore. It comes with moulded plugs and 6' of power supply chord. It also has 8 feet of output chord (105 deg C rated) and the sockets for these will be priced at undet 7$ (even for the double ended). Only thing you need will be a reflector (we are working on that as well)

They also come with 1/2" extruded aluminium fins for a cool operation below 50 dec C, with protective circuits against overload. Will extend bulb life by 50%. These will be the best ballast that money can buy, you'll see the benefit only when using them.

Cheers

Venki Worathur

[venkiw]

The original ballast I introduced was a scaled down version with wiring required, and I found DIY wiring as not the best option.

Just a clarification on the ballast. This is not a bare ballast anymore. It comes with moulded plugs and 6' of power supply chord. It also has 8 feet of output chord (105 deg C rated) and the sockets for these will be priced at undet 7$ (even for the double ended). Only thing you need will be a reflector (we are working on that as well)

They also come with 1/2" extruded aluminium fins for a cool operation below 50 dec C, with protective circuits against overload. Will extend bulb life by 50%. These will be the best ballast that money can buy, you'll see the benefit only when using them.

Cheers

Venki Worathur

[whaase]

What's the price on the new ballasts going to be?

Walter

[robbyville]

Hey Steve,

I was intrigued that most of the items we buy are duty free. Out of my own curiosity would this also save on brokerage?

For what it's worth, UPS generally charges $30 to use their customs brokerage when shipping from the states. If I were to buy something that is covered under the Free Trade agreement, would I simply tell them on the phone that brokerage is not necessary?

Thanks!

Rob

[canadawest]

Hey Steve,

I was intrigued that most of the items we buy are duty free. Out of my own curiosity would this also save on brokerage?

For what it's worth, UPS generally charges $30 to use their customs brokerage when shipping from the states. If I were to buy something that is covered under the Free Trade agreement, would I simply tell them on the phone that brokerage is not necessary?

Thanks!

Rob

I would just steer clear of UPS period. See if you can get your items shipped via USPS as they include the brokerage fees in the shipping price. UPS is a total rip-off when shipping to or from Canada. I've also had far more bad experiences with shipping damage with UPS than any other carrier.

Just my $0.02 :biggrin:

[Chad]

yup the only time I have paied more than 10 bucks shipping from the US is when they sent it USP by mistake.. 6 bucks worth of LED's and USP wanted 35.00 in brokerage :rolleyes: they took them back that time free (returned to sender.)

Steve

You know, you can always go and claim it yourself at customs.. I do it all the time.. Then UPS has to waive the brokerage fee.. One time they even came to deliever it.. I denied it.. they took it back to the office.. I called and had them return it to customs.. then I just went down and cliamed it myself.. volia..

[StirCrazy]

yup the only time I have paied more than 10 bucks shipping from the US is when they sent it USP by mistake.. 6 bucks worth of LED's and USP wanted 35.00 in brokerage :rolleyes: they took them back that time free (returned to sender.)

Steve

You know, you can always go and claim it yourself at customs.. I do it all the time.. Then UPS has to waive the brokerage fee.. One time they even came to deliever it.. I denied it.. they took it back to the office.. I called and had them return it to customs.. then I just went down and cliamed it myself.. volia..

that works good if you are in vancouver but if you are on the island it would cost me 120.00 to do that myself. I just don't use UPS and I don't have to worry about it.

Steve