yeah that is correct. the fixture that has the controller is an 8 bulb unit. the total cost for a 36" 8 bulb unit is ~$1000. so initial cost is high. but for 250w mh power and no bulb changes for over 5 years, the cost seems ok. i think if you were to buy a used 250 setup [ballast, fixture and bulb] you would look to spend ~$350, then add in the cost of 2 bulbs a year for five years. another ~$750 [250w XM @ $75.00]. your already over the $1000 mark. and i haven't even factored in cost of electricity used. not to mention the need for a chiller, another ~350-500 if used...

Quote Originally Posted by cbianco View Post
When you purchasing one Alex?

Christopher
i have ordered 3 12" bulbs that i am going to retro into my biocube. to try it out first. i am definitely into these bulbs, but there might be something awry, you never know right. i am just waiting for the guys to get back from china with the shipment. i have been told that they should be in in 2 weeks. if all goes well, i will be ordering a full 36" unit with 8 bulbs within a couple months. the website i posted earlier shows growth pics of their 55g sps tank, and the results look very promising.

~alex