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mdhydro/californiahydro.. yay or nay?
- Thread starter SEEDYNONO
- Start date
glad you had a good exp. with them
they do have good deals on fans etc. have fun
they do have good deals on fans etc. have fun
So far a good experience. Ordered a Lumatek 600w/120v (new blue model with detachable cordset $180 + $25 cordset) "complete kit" from them, with a Hydrofarm CoolTube ($59; used to be $49 damnit!), Hortilux Super HPS ($64) and digital timer ($10). I asked for discreet shipping, and they did a pretty good job of it although it appeared that everything was in plain cardboard boxes to begin with.
One thing that bothered me, however, was the fact that one box had some "General Hydroponics" tape (white with tiny green letters) on it. Appears it used to be the 4 x 1 gallon carton that GH originally shipped in, and that tape was left on there. I'm not around during the hours when DHL usually attempts delivery, so my apartment manager had to sign for it. Hope he didn't pay attention to the logos on the tape. All MDHydro needed to do was rip that tape off before applying the new tape...
So anyways, my CoolTube and timer was packaged in its original cardboard box, wrapped in bubble wrap, then placed in an unnecessarily large second cardboard box for protection. All boxes were plain brown, no logos, etc. The Hortilux bulb and the cordset was placed in another box, and under a different waybill number. Not sure why these weren't packaged together in the same big box, would have easily fit. They were sent on the same day, under the same order. I don't mind personally, but seems like they wasted some extra money on shipping.
The ballast was shipped under yet another waybill number, but did not ship until a few days after I received the rest. The shipping bill was submitted the same day as the rest, so I'm not sure why it didn't get picked up/delivered the same. Odd. It's still in-transit.
I spent a total of ~$22 on shipping costs for all of the above, but I have a feeling it cost them much more to ship it than that, especially considering that it's 3 (unnecessarily) separate shipments. Could have all been placed in one box easily.
I'd give them a 10/10 if it wasn't for the fact that they left on the GH tape. Kinda makes me nervous, since if my apartment manager noticed any of that I may end up getting a f'ing inspection mid-grow. Pretty big deal, even if it was a small detail.
One thing that bothered me, however, was the fact that one box had some "General Hydroponics" tape (white with tiny green letters) on it. Appears it used to be the 4 x 1 gallon carton that GH originally shipped in, and that tape was left on there. I'm not around during the hours when DHL usually attempts delivery, so my apartment manager had to sign for it. Hope he didn't pay attention to the logos on the tape. All MDHydro needed to do was rip that tape off before applying the new tape...
So anyways, my CoolTube and timer was packaged in its original cardboard box, wrapped in bubble wrap, then placed in an unnecessarily large second cardboard box for protection. All boxes were plain brown, no logos, etc. The Hortilux bulb and the cordset was placed in another box, and under a different waybill number. Not sure why these weren't packaged together in the same big box, would have easily fit. They were sent on the same day, under the same order. I don't mind personally, but seems like they wasted some extra money on shipping.
The ballast was shipped under yet another waybill number, but did not ship until a few days after I received the rest. The shipping bill was submitted the same day as the rest, so I'm not sure why it didn't get picked up/delivered the same. Odd. It's still in-transit.
I spent a total of ~$22 on shipping costs for all of the above, but I have a feeling it cost them much more to ship it than that, especially considering that it's 3 (unnecessarily) separate shipments. Could have all been placed in one box easily.
I'd give them a 10/10 if it wasn't for the fact that they left on the GH tape. Kinda makes me nervous, since if my apartment manager noticed any of that I may end up getting a f'ing inspection mid-grow. Pretty big deal, even if it was a small detail.
I bet they sent the cooltube like that because they sent 3 to me that broke in the mail. I am not sure but they prob. lost money on those.
I ordered a bunch of bulbs that also came broke but they were easy to deal with and made it right.
Clowntown-so you paid 200 for the ballast and cord? that is pretty good. I got mine for 220 and i thought i got a good price.
I have been following your thread on the radio interference. Have you had any issues? What socket are you using? I got the sunsystems cord/socket and i think its cool. The only thing i really tried is to use a cell phone next to it and it worked fine. Now im kind of worried after reading your thread about interference w/ internet connections and shit.....
I ordered a bunch of bulbs that also came broke but they were easy to deal with and made it right.
Clowntown-so you paid 200 for the ballast and cord? that is pretty good. I got mine for 220 and i thought i got a good price.
I have been following your thread on the radio interference. Have you had any issues? What socket are you using? I got the sunsystems cord/socket and i think its cool. The only thing i really tried is to use a cell phone next to it and it worked fine. Now im kind of worried after reading your thread about interference w/ internet connections and shit.....
It's not here yet. I have the Hydrofarm AllSystem cordset and the "adjustable" socket thing which is pretty neat. I paid $205 for the thing, $180 + $25. They've been fluctuating in price a little bit in the last month, ever since they started selling the new blue model.
Try an AM/FM radio, and also any other high-frequency devices such as DSL or cable Internet or digital cable.
Try an AM/FM radio, and also any other high-frequency devices such as DSL or cable Internet or digital cable.
wickedpete66
Active member
I find the best way to order from them is either email or call the store , tell the guy what you want and ask him for a paypal request.
My Lumatek and Vortex arrived today. DHL's ETA is unreliable, but in a good way (I guess). Last shipment's ETA was 15th, but arrived on the 13th. This shipment's ETA was 21st, arrived 18th. Paid minimal ground shipping fee on Thursday, received the package coming from the East Coast to the West Coast in record time.
Anyways, came in very good shape and so far happy. Now they have the "double box" or "triple box" option on some items, where they double- or triple-pack it in boxes. I chose the triple-box option just because it's worth $3 not to have to deal with possible stress, and sure enough my Vortex 6" (original box is roughly 1' x 1' x 1') came in a 3' x 2' x 2' box, triple-boxed.
When the Lumatek arrived, it was so cold that I didn't want to fire it up and possibly cause any problems with condensation or anything like that. Plus I also wanted to get a surge protector before plugging it in, just in case. But everything looks good.
When you order, just make sure you specify "NO GH TAPE"
Anyways, came in very good shape and so far happy. Now they have the "double box" or "triple box" option on some items, where they double- or triple-pack it in boxes. I chose the triple-box option just because it's worth $3 not to have to deal with possible stress, and sure enough my Vortex 6" (original box is roughly 1' x 1' x 1') came in a 3' x 2' x 2' box, triple-boxed.
When the Lumatek arrived, it was so cold that I didn't want to fire it up and possibly cause any problems with condensation or anything like that. Plus I also wanted to get a surge protector before plugging it in, just in case. But everything looks good.
When you order, just make sure you specify "NO GH TAPE"
Omega Rasta
Member
Mackawber said:
HID Bulbs can be found cheaper at e-conolight DOT com....
with shipping as well.
I don't know your personal choices but MD Hydro has been my go to place for years now.....as I stated before Mr B will do whatever he can to help you out and along with your orders.
I have never had the tape, writing or decal problems as it's mentioned....but I did notice my cooltube had a slight crack in it. I drove to the front door and showed him.....replaced in and out in less than 5 minutes.
Only 1 question....Did I check it before the DHL truck left...NOPE....the guy dropped it at the door and ran to his truck LOLAs a matter of fact I'll stop by there next week in hopes to pick up more Foxfarm Ocean Forest Soil and possible a Red Bag too !!
Concerns on stealth are a HUGE thing.....sorry you guys experienced that
HIDEyourBUD
Member
They shipped my ballast in box from a cloner with pictures and all.
I've had reasonable good luck with Md hydro except their boxes i recieved were well marked as to what was inside in like 4" lettering. I ordered 4 cool tubes and even though they were very well packed 1 cool tube was broke, I called MD and told them and they told me to notify dhl, they sent me a damage claim report, SCREW THAT, it wanted to know what the item was and a description ect. not worth getting busted for so I just lost
Omega Rasta
Member
I wouldn't take a lost from anyone on items paid for. Tell them it's a glass tube for your security lighting or tell them it's used for your business.
They don't need specifics on claim reports
I'd try to contact DHL and MD Hydro again.....get it resolved.
They don't need specifics on claim reports
I'd try to contact DHL and MD Hydro again.....get it resolved.
Omega Rasta
Member
betterboy said:
I understand your desire to keep things stealth and stay that way.....but I wouldn't take a lost at all. Besides it's not illegal to buy anything from a hydro shop
....and I'm sure you've heard it before but.....business is business.
I'd contact DHL again....somebody would be replacing my item
wanna play a happy little joke.....take a nice plump tomato or pepper into the shop with you and say hey.....I can't grow my veggies with a broken cooltube....and let the games begin
..:::but seriously, I understand whatcha mean about stealth. It's #1
Omega Rasta
Member
clowntown said:
If you buy B12 are you selling coke or drawing attention to that fact ??
If you buy hay fever meds are you making and sellin Ice ??
If you go in a liquor store are you an alcoholic or buying it for minors ??
we could go on and on....and you are right ....a little paranoid behavior will save the day and keep you aware.....but there isn't anything wrong , attention drawing or illegal about hydroponics.
Unless you make it that way.
