generic equipment

Hello,
As we all know equipment and materials packed and distributed for the
aquarium market often cost significantly more than equivalents for other
uses (industrial, shopfitting, even dog/cat owners get some better
deals). Therefore many of us now use shoplights for our tanks now.
Anyone have any idea about where to get generically-packed versions of:

-metal halides, mercury vapor, other high-lumen lighting
-pond pumps (probably no aquarium water pumps?)
-heating equipment?

Plus any other inexpensive generic equipment you like to mention!

Seb

Lots of used equipment at garage sales, and at your local
aquarium club.
Ebay, Aquabid & Craigs list for online bargains.
Fish food from animal "feed stores" .. (compare protein content vs LFS)
Filter floss from fabric stores. Sold as quilt batting. (pennies per sq
ft)
Lace rock, granite, marble, etc from a rockery at 30 cent/lb and lots less.
Cichlid salts = Epsom salt, Baking soda & table salt.

Bob


>Hello,
>As we all know equipment and materials packed and distributed for the
>aquarium market often cost significantly more than equivalents for other
>uses (industrial, shopfitting, even dog/cat owners get some better
>deals). Therefore many of us now use shoplights for our tanks now.
>Anyone have any idea about where to get generically-packed versions of:
>
>-metal halides, mercury vapor, other high-lumen lighting
>-pond pumps (probably no aquarium water pumps?)
>-heating equipment?
>
>Plus any other inexpensive generic equipment you like to mention!
>
>Seb