I finally gotten the quote I been waiting for

[Old Man Of The Sea]

This project will go well into 2011, I will need then to locate some other provider with LR and the LS comes from a different location. If you know of any links for the best type of LR and which type I should be asking about, please do tell. I also already talked to a new lfs and it may just be as expensive James quote is, but im sure that it will be for far better equipment. I don`t know if or what i could do if I not get my stand and canopy, or the $3,200 I giving James for it and other things. Im mostly as well thinking that after learning many of the over cost in James quote that most has to be equipment I not care to have, or want to have for he changed a few things and I told him a few times through waiing for his price quote that I wanted to get the best equipment I can and I didnt care if i spend more for it.


I thought I had the best when i viewed his quote the first time, viewing each cost i thought that I was to have some of the best equipment for my tank. But seeing that he is trying to get me equipment that cost far less and trying to get for it top dollar, I not believe james will do something great here other then making himself a S*** load of money and later on i would have to make upgrades to better equipment. I want to do this once, well in my case its to be done twice, but i want to do it once and get the best in equipment for this tank for the ballast, the ones he is looking to get me cost $121.95 each, I dont think they are the best even for a single MH and why didnt he select one dual and a single? he is only adding more equipment to the system making more work.

Im going to finish on my research on his quote and print out the facts that he is only screw*** me over here, here is a quote im to print for James to see it:

MH ballasts ( 3- 250 wt. ballasts by Galaxy)----------- =$215.00 each (Total $645) http://www.growlightexpress.com/grow...250-watt-17.ht

Galaxy ballasts here for $121.95 (total $366) charging an extra ($279.00)
Is that the manufacturer or is that the Sunlight Supply Galaxy ballast? If it is the Sunlight Supply ballast, they have actually been discontinued. I wouldnt suggest getting those. Even if its a good ballast to have, your over charging me far more then what their worth. What I consider more best is a dual ballast that normally do run nearer to $400. But again the problem is, your way over charging me on this item as it is ($279.00)

I need to find other LR suppliers,and thanks for the heads up, also if you know of any that I could try?
Please excuse for any misspelling.
Buddy

PS, im sorry, the link wont open,



Anothr PS. This I already orinted to take to james: Its long and being that I typed all this in three different wordpads, i could have covered the some item more then once, and im sorry for this and if any misspelling, please do excuse me for it>



The total printed message to james is as follows:

===============================================
New stand and canopy ( around 40" inside)------------ $2400.00 Completely Paid for



Im to believe that the guy hasnt started on the work as yet, and if it be that I need to get somebody else for this, I would then do the stand different for I not can see where you will do this system as a professional, and it causes me much concern in how this will look. If you can suggest to me a HOB overflow box, in which im not crazy about what-so-ever, your telling me basicly what you want to do, not what I want, you made a number of changes without checking with me, it causes me to worry what you will do for me or not. You changed the skimmer after we were both settled on one model and seeing how you changed it to something I couldnt comfirm, I bought the skimmer I now have. And you also changed the main return pumps, I requested months ago the external Iwaki pumps, and now you changed it to something other then Iwaki and i was dead set on it as well. You also changed around the MH reflectors, again without checking with me if i would agree to it. It seems you want to do this tank as if it was your own rather then from what i said from the beginning that i wanted to get all the very best in aquarium equipment. I did thought when i first read your quote, putting aside your idea of a HOB overflow, that I had to have some of the best in aquarium equipment, i do not believe it is as I first thoguht thanks to someone listing for me a few quotes of his own with links to prove it. This is very sad to me that you would do something like this for i told the people that yes, your quote for the labor cost is higher then most anyone i ever seen, but it is in the open and i told them that I could deal with that, but not all the hiding cost I learn about, that im sorry can not deal with.


MH ballasts ( 3- 250 wt. ballasts by Galaxy)----------- =$215.00 each (Total $645) http://www.growlightexpress.com/grow...250-watt-17.ht Galaxy ballasts here for $121.95 (total $366) charging an extra ($279.00)
Is that the manufacturer or is that the Sunlight Supply Galaxy ballast? If it is the Sunlight Supply ballast, they have actually been discontinued. I would suggest not getting those. Even if its a good ballast to have, your over charging me far more then what their worth. What I consider more best is a dual ballast that normally do run nearer to $400. But again the problem is, your way over charging me on this item ($279.00)



Reef Optix 1 pendant and tempered lens (250wt.-3 times)----=$219.00 each (total $657.00) Reef Optix 1 Plus Pendant Reflector by Sunlight Supply - AquaCave Reef Optix 1 pendant for $109.99 ea (toatl $329.97) extra charge of ($327.03)


Hang on refugium( AquaFuge Hang-on Refugium) ---------- =$335.00 http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...=0790182000000 Aquafuge Hang on Refuge, the large one is only $164.99 Extra charge of ($170.01) If that hang on refugium is for the 240, I wouldn't waste your money. The tank is way to big to see any difference a hang on refugium could do. It would be fine for the 40 gallon, but will do nothing for the 240.


Return pump to 240( sweetwater hi-efficiency 2850 gph)---- =$460.00 Return pump to 240( sweetwater hi-efficiency 2850 gph)---- =$460.00 This pump I believe is mostly from over seas, i found few links for it and they list their pumps by gpm and not gph. Also, I selected the iwaki external pumps months ago and I have no changes in this idea, for as well, the awaki will be easy to get to where the sweetwater pump can only be found at a few links and yes, they sell them in the states but only at few locations.


Metal Halide 250 wt. 14000k (3 bulbs)----------------------------=$114.00 each (total $342) 250 watt 14k Metal Halide Bulb $69.99 each (total $209.97) (A extra charge of $132.03) each cost an extra $44 Also, depending on which other 250 watt 14000k one buys, they run for even less.



Pump to chiller( external mag drive md40 950 gph) ---------- =$119.00 Below is the choosen pump that was highly suggested to me on the phone
Manufacturer Categories - Gen-X - PCX-40 Magnetic Drive Water Pump (1190GPH) : Aquariumpros.com Gen-X PCX 40 Pump 1190 GPH $202.37 The Gen-X PCX-40 magnetic drive water pump.
Inlet-3/4" MNPT
Outlet-3/4" MNPT
Maximum flow-1190GPH/1140GPH@3.3'
Pressure rated for a maximum lift of 22ft.
Economical to run-1.2amps,110Volts
Power consumption 110watts
Quiet,cool running,no oiling required.
Fully guaranteed for 1 year against manufacturer defects
PSI rating 10


Live sand ( 100 lbs. soft Fiji live sand)-------- ------------------- =$125.00 Im a link saved were I can get for the same amount $125 for 225 lbs of live sand, but being the size of the tank, I would make an additional buy of another $50 of live sand. They sell them in 45LB White Fiji Aquacultured Live Sand with Copepods $25.00, even if it cost a little more to ship it be far more worth it.


Cooling fans (6 - 4" fans)------------------------------------------- =$332.00 At this price, I would need to see what kind of cooling fans that will be mounted into the canopy that are worth that much for i know of, or heard of cooling fan that do cost around $55, and their not from radio shack


400 lbs. of live rock( cured $6.99 per lbs.) ---------------------- =$2796.00 Seeing that most everything listed is with some kind of over charge, I did some calling around and I could cut the cost by a certain amount for all suppliers told me if I order 400 lbs, I would most certainly be cut a deal/discount


　
Filter media(for 125 sump) ---------------------------------------- =$92.65 ???? Not needed
　

New sump( 125 gallon aquarium converted) ---------------------- =$375.00
Pump to skimmer ( provided by Buddy) ------------------------- =$0.00
IceCap T5 4�f strips( 8 sets 4 on the front 4 on back) ------- -- =$528.90
3" pvc inserts for eels ---------------------------------------------- =$65.00
Glass inserts( for top of 240) -------------------------------------- =$85.00
Bulkheads and fittings( for 125 gallon sump) -------------------------- =$68.00
R.O. booster pump( aquafx adds 50 psi) ----------------------- =$156.00
Pvc pipe work( for return lines and to new pumps) ---------- =$45.00
Labor for all work ----------------------------------------------- =$2125.00



For the 40 gallon breeder you are looking at:
40 gallon aquarium( doesn�ft come with overflows)--------------- =$110.00

Hang-on overflow $90.00 Buy Hang-On Overflow Box Online | Vivid Aquariums $59.99 with a extra cost of $30.00



UV Sterilizer(lifeguard ultraviolet 40 wt.) ----------- =$225.00
Lifegard UV Sterilzer Modules from SeaQuestMarine.com ($179.88) an extra charge of $45.
Also it is something that isnt totally needed, it depends on who you put this in for, me i know how to care for my tanks when their in full operations.



Labor for all work ------------------------------------- =$2125.00
Stand ------------------------------------------------------------------ =$195.00
Canopy (has to be custom made) ------------------------------------ =$585.00
Glass top ------------------------------------------------------------- =$38.00
T5 light strip( 4 light unit by AquaticLife with LED�es) ---------- =$335.00
Sump ( use one of Lionel�fs) ------------------------------------------ =$0.00
Return pump( Mag 9.5 around 900gph) ----------------------------- =$120.00
Heater (300 wt. unit) ---------------------------------------------------- =$40.00
Drain and return lines----------------------------------------------------- =$38.00
Skimmer( use one of Buddy�fs) ----------------------------------------- =$0.00
UV Sterilizer(lifeguard ultraviolet 40 wt.) ---------------------- --- =$225.00
Labor for 40 gallon retrofit --------------------------------------------- =$535.00



I hope this helps you in calculating your costs. yes it do help me, but it was first one other to make it a point to me that im paying more then what its worth. I dont mind to spend money on what i want most here, im just no wish to do it and find that later on im paying more for upgrades to even better equipment then what you quoted me on.

　
I now that there be other cost, it is something you not needed to mention, im by no means some beginner, so dont try to treat me as if so. I was most likely doing this hobby before you were born, i started in the late 40`s. What is more strange here, this quote not include a chiller, calcium or carbon/phosphate reactors and skimmer and yet he is way up high in cost, but yes, I want the very best in my tanks equipment. Im checking out the equipment myself with the assistance of a very few others I know and what I can not think of, they will.


I not counted all items over charged, but the ones i did im being charge a total of $1,017.58 more then what the equipment is worth and this not enclud the LS & LR and the other tiems in the ligthing area that i can not find details facts on. But I suspect that from all of what i found here in over cost, im sure there is more in over charges.

Im sure you will take this extremely offensive, for if you do your by no means a professional person in this business and if so that our business will come to a closed, it just might be for the better, but by no means im angry or anything with ouy, i just dont think that you will do this truly in my best interest. So im sure being that there was no rush on the stand and canopy, it couldnt be made at this time, and if so I want to call this person myself and I will take all my pumps for my skimmers that you took with you a good number of months ago and of the $3,200 i giving you in good faith, trusting you as you made it seem that i was able to do. Of the $3200, you can keep $500 and from that $500, i will take the booster pump. Remember, what you did for me with kevin? After it was over i giving you money for what you did, i didnt want to use anyone or try taking advantage of, but I see the same thoughts not reply to me in return



being i was typing things in three different wordpads, im almost certain that i covered one or two items twice, this im sorry for, for im by no means a typist.
　
Sincerely, Buddy

Later today, i will set directions to his home on my GPS so not to have any delays getting there>

Comments on the above print statement, any comments one have, lets please hear it.

Buddy
　

[Parrothead]

Buddy,

Check out this article,
Tank of the Month - July 2008 - Reefkeeping.com

It gives you an idea about what you can do with straight T-5's, you could get rid of your MH and save some money now, and in future electric bills, also have you thought of going with plan old dry aragonite vs. paying for bagged so called live sand. That will shave a few bucks off as well, when you get closer to actually setting this up we can address the rock at that time.

[Old Man Of The Sea]

m y email to james,

James, I believe that you knew i was going to take me a drive out there to you to speak with you face to face. I canbelieve that much more time will go by before i can ever do speak with you in person in a professional manner. Until I can speak with you, I not want this stand and canopy build and besides, being that nothing else was a 100% go, with a total agreement, it makes no sense to have it built until all details are agreed upon.

Im asking you for only a short message in return, the man`s name and phone number who is to build this stand and canopy for I would also make a change on its shape that was your decision/idea. I would please like to have it soon after you read this message for if it is however that you will not build this, I no wish to have me an odd shape stand when I might have to go to somebosy else for this.

On the cash and pumps you have of mind, your have three pumps from my skimmers I have at home, I will pick these up and I hand you exactly $3,200 and $1,500 of it was a cashers check, the rest being cash. But if im to at some later date look for someone else to build these tanks, I will then require from the $3,200 the sum od $2,600 to be return to me with the booster pump and that will be giving you almost $550 for your pocket and the rest for the booster pump and from there, our hands will be wash of one another.

So please only send me the mans name and phone number, I the right to know and have this. Thanks, if anything, Im with no bad feelings with you, but what i wanted to say, it had to be in person,
Buddy

Call my cell phone, I see its you, i will not pick up, or email it, one or the other please, thank you
Buddy

=============================================
I email james this after my drive , took me more then two hours back and forth and i didnt even get to speak with him, the message above is what I just sent him. I not believe that i can trust james anymore, and its sad really, but even so, I do wish to get all the best in my tanks equipment and you not said if you agree or not that most of his quotes are on standard.average equipment abd his charging me as if they were top of the line.

I not see where why i should have three single ballasts to a dual set, I think the t5 should be cut in half and get back to my idea of having four 250 w MH. james ahd made so many changes all on his own without asking me anything about it is i would agree with it or not, I didnt like this at all.

But if it is, or will be all over with james, i will first collect together the $6-7,000 for the remaining part of this year and I should have as well the money james needs to return to me and that would make it that by this year end, I would then have $9,000.

Buddy
And that would put me in a good position to get a quote without any nonsense., your thoughts, and i also have this new lfs already line up to speak with at some later date.
Buddy

[Old Man Of The Sea]

Were both in the knowledge that many SPS hobbyist have different ideas in the system bio-loads and setup to were even most often don't have the same type of equipment, but they do often equal the other in a amazing setup, were it happens for now im having difficulties, if only i didnt have a certain disability I could had then done most of this myself.

I said this before, im not expert on lighting, but i do know that I will require the best possible lighting for any SPS coral I would desire to have. And being that its going sour with james, it by no means will detour me from my goal to have a beautiful SPS system. From most of what James is offering its what he wants to put in and not me, he is making the decisions to what my tank will look like and he is always saving im making changes all the time and the only thing he can say with that is when I called it quits to rebuilding my 180 and had gotten rid of it, but nothing has been discussed to what was to be done.

Following through the months, I listed my strong and determine mind that I would have a certain type of equipment and James had changed around all of it in his quote. At the start, the first thing that was settled upon was the skimmer for the 240 and months later in a email he listed a different skimmer without asking me how I feel about it and seeing that he couldn't provide me with a link so i can view this new skimmer idea, I moved away from that idea and bought me the MR4 (used), and James said it wasn`t a good skimmer.

Also in his quote, he changed the MH reflectors, return pump that months ago I settled with the Iwaki external pumps and he switched it himself over to a sweetwater pump that from most in what I can find on it, is its mostly used internationally and he changed my mind from a drilled 40 gal QT to a none drilled with a HOB overflow box, this really stinks.

So James is totally making up my mind for me, I not care for something like this, one like him acting as if he knows better and it seems to me that on how and what with he will setup this tank, it will appear as so its been done by a non-professional person. I requested from James, the name and phone number of the person to build the stand and canopy, I told him if he will not be doing this tank, I not want it built in the way he suggested it for there be much different figures on equipment that will be used here. and in the sump.

Buddy

[Old Man Of The Sea]

I need to know what you all think about still using the ballast that was highly recommended so highly. Im looking to go with four Sunlight Supply Lumen Max Elite HQI 250W Fixture at $167.99 each and the question is, do I still go with the two Sunlight Supply Blue Wave 7 250W HQI Dual Metal Halide Ballast , but also i would get an extra two as backup. Im speaking to James that he might complete the work needed for the canopy, even that it wont be for a year at most before I could enjoy it. But the question is all due to the discontinuing product.

I found links to were they charge for two pendants with two bulbs and glass protector with one ballast, but the pendent is under 10" wide and cost a bit more then $650 and i would need to buy two sets running me some $1350 and the one was I believe was recommended, the pendent is some 14.5" wide, much better this is.

I only touched base with James that maybe he would get this cost of the job completed with the canopy as well as with the icecap cooling fans. but also, from james quote on the T5 lighting, being it was suggested with only three 250 w MH and I will have four, what is the thought to you all on this, or would you strongly suggest switching to VHO.

I would need to know exactly which, what and type of bulbs, Thanks

Buddy


PS. Please Fellas, I need some word before James calls me either Monday or which ever day he will call me about this that I sent him word that I will go back to the idea on having 4x 250 w MH and I not just want to have his word to what the lighting will or should be.
　
His thoughts to the T5 with three 250 w MH was with IceCap T5 4' strips( 8 sets 4 on the front 4 on back) --------$528.90

Im afraid that I not understand that quote for it sounds to me like a whole lot of T5 lights. Is it it for four sets of four T5 bulbs, two in the front and back?

I honestly need to hear your thoughts on this in what i would want is best to go with the 4x250 watt MH with four Sunlight Supply Lumen Max Elite HQI 250W Fixture each at $167.99.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Sunlight_...MHPDDE-vi.html

And the biggest question is, do i still go with this ballast that was highly suggested to me a year ago Sunlight Supply Blue Wave 7 250W HQI Dual Metal Halide Ballast that one can still buy, but has been discontinued.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Sunlight_...MHTFMB-vi.html

Thanks, Buddy