How do you buy your bulbs?

[Lucille]

The lfs seems a little more expensive, but online there might be shipping breakage. Where do you buy?
Also, since one is supposed to change out bulbs periodically, do you buy several at a time?

[hcdcharts]

I use AH Lighting Supply. They carry kits for CP and T5's along with bulbs.

[diwu13]

Are you talking about the strip lights? Or the CFL bulbs for standard light sockets?

I buy swirly CFL bulbs, 6500K, from Walmart. It's like $7.99 for 2x 15W, and $8.99 for 2x 10W or 25W.

[BBradbury]

Originally Posted by Lucille

The lfs seems a little more expensive, but online there might be shipping breakage. Where do you buy?
Also, since one is supposed to change out bulbs periodically, do you buy several at a time?

Hello Lucille...

I'm into low light plants, so am able to get my bulbs at the local hardware store. GE carries an aquarium / plant bulb that works well in my low light, low tech tanks. GE has either a T8, 32 watt, 6500 K bulb or a T12 40 watt, 6500 K. Either will run from 8 to 12 dollars depending on the length of the bulb.

B

[northern_bee]

I have a good lfs near me that is quite nicely priced for the most part. I have ordered online from http://www.hellolights.com/ for a ballast and a frew bulbs, verry well packed, and I would recomend them. I do tend to buty a few at a time, because it's cheeper than getting one localy than it's to get 2 or 3 from online.

-Lee

[Lucille]

Originally Posted by diwu13

Are you talking about the strip lights? Or the CFL bulbs for standard light sockets?

I buy swirly CFL bulbs, 6500K, from Walmart. It's like $7.99 for 2x 15W, and $8.99 for 2x 10W or 25W.

I had T5s in mind. I peeked at the lights for sale at Home Depot and didn't see any, maybe I wasn't looking in the right place.

[inkslinger]

I would buy Ge Star Coat's t5 ho 54w's at my local Hydroponics Store

[kevmo911]

You can also try one of the online aquatics vendors that have flat-rate shipping. Lights are very minimal weight, but can be very awkward sizes. Stuff light lighting (size) and substrate (weight) I always pick up from places like Big Al's or Foster and Smith.