Marineland Aquatic LED Plant Light- what's with the $ and the slow release?

[steveo]

I'm getting kind of impatient with the slow release of the new Marineland Aquatic LED Plant Light. According to the company, they have been shipping for a several weeks. However, they still only show up on-line at Smith and Foster and Pet Solutions.

I'm looking for some price competition. Although I've been waiting awhile, I may have to move on-

[greenemann]

They've been at our wholesaler here in SE Florida for a while now.

Consensus is that they've priced themselves out of any hope of becoming popular.

For example, the 18-24" is on a promotion now and is still around $140. That's from the wholesaler so you can imagine what the price will be like at the LFS.

[steveo]

Originally Posted by greenemann

They've been at our wholesaler here in SE Florida for a while now.

Consensus is that they've priced themselves out of any hope of becoming popular.

For example, the 18-24" is on a promotion now and is still around $140. That's from the wholesaler so you can imagine what the price will be like at the LFS.

Interesting reply! I have a Marineland column tank that is 18" front to back. Both Marineland and Pet Solutions said I'll need two of the fixtures. Based on current pricing, that will run anywhere from $530 to $640 for two 24-36" fixtures. Wow!! That's more than the combined cost of my tank, a beautiful custom built stand and my new Fluval 306 canister filter. Also, with two needed, why the need to be running two built in timers that can't be synced?

What's the deal Marineland?

[livingword26]

Originally Posted by greenemann

Consensus is that they've priced themselves out of any hope of becoming popular.

No doubt about that.

http://www.amazon.com/Marineland-Aqu...497662-6830909

[livingword26]

Wow, those look like they put out more light than the reef capable

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...6&pcatid=24726

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...4144&subref=AA

[steveo]

The photo on the Marineland web site, shows their rimless 18" x 18" x 18" tank with only one of their LED Aquatic Plant lights. Based on input that I have been provided when calling into both Marineland and Pet Solutions, I would need two of the fixtures for my 56 gallon column tank with 18" front to back dimensions. The difference in depths is not an issue, as I can live with the lesser PAR values. Am I missing something?

http://www.marineland.com/sites/mari...l.aspx?id=4653

[dbosman@msu.edu]

Originally Posted by steveo

I'm getting kind of impatient with the slow release of the new Marineland Aquatic LED Plant Light. According to the company, they have been shipping for a several weeks. However, they still only show up on-line at Smith and Foster and Pet Solutions.
I'm looking for some price competition. Although I've been waiting awhile, I may have to move on-

Most non-chain pet stores have a few select suppliers, as they are not able to deal directly with most of the name brand companies. Marineland has to drum up interest before the shops will try to order from their wholesalers.
The shops have to have enough interest and cash in hand before ordering much in the way of aquarium anything, in the summer time.

[steveo]

Originally Posted by dbosman@msu.edu

Most non-chain pet stores have a few select suppliers, as they are not able to deal directly with most of the name brand companies. Marineland has to drum up interest before the shops will try to order from their wholesalers.
The shops have to have enough interest and cash in hand before ordering much in the way of aquarium anything, in the summer time.

Thanks! I believe Preuss in Lansing may start carrying some soon. I'm still suprised how slow this roll-out has been. I like Marineland products and think of them as a 'big time' player in the home aquarium business. As others had posted, I too was concerned the high price of the LED Aquatic Plant Lights could limit appeal. I was also hoping there were'nt any quality issues that had appeared that slowed the roll-out.

[blink]

I'd love to have one of these, but at the price it'll have to wait for some crazy sale or clearout deal.

I have the marineland 18" doublebright and I like the looks and styling but it's just not enough light for most plants and this would be a perfect step up so it's a shame they couldn't have gotten the price a lot lower.

[le0p]

Don't know if anyone else is on Marineland's mailing list but I got a coupon for this light 25% off (with a rebate). Not sure if the link will work if posted here but I can try if anyone is interested.

[fishwater]

I ordered this light in the 24-36" model for a 46g bowfront, when I turned it on I felt like the area coverage wasn't sufficient but the brightness will be more than adequate!! I sent it back for the 36-48" model, it apparently arrived today but I won't be able to open it until I get back from where I am currently working. Then I'll finish my hardscape etc. I probably won't even have plants under the light for 3-4 weeks due to work/family etc. I will keep you all posted, I have invested alot in this lamp, but I'm quite certain I'll be happy with it.

P.S. Tank Journal to follow...eventually.

[Sierra255]

Originally Posted by le0p

Don't know if anyone else is on Marineland's mailing list but I got a coupon for this light 25% off (with a rebate). Not sure if the link will work if posted here but I can try if anyone is interested.

I've been very interested in these lights since I heard about them, but at over $500 for the 48"-60" model, it just doesn't make sense financially. If I could get a 25% off coupon, I'd definitely consider buying one.

[le0p]

The link to the coupon I got is right here:

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00150_cg...dvdfe-XNZ9Cw==

good luck!

[Leland]

I just bought a 24" finnex ray 2 instead and it's super bright for a fraction of the price. Great quality as well

[Jaguar]

Nice looking and finally a decent light, but too expensive for what it is.... too bad.