uv sterelizer replacement bulbs

[new2natives]

i have a "SmartUV Lite" sterilizer, which i believe is made by emperor

its running on my outdoor pond, and the bulb is a year and a half old, and it doesnt seem to be doing the job this year

i only paid $40 for the whole unit, and the cheapest i can find a replacement bulb online is $50 !!! (plus shipping im sure)

Its model # 2215, a 40w bulb that is 3/4" diameter, 33 1/4" length, with a 4 prong plug


does anyone have any ideas where i can find cheaper bulbs?
Thanks

 

[DMD123]

Most UV instructions tell you to change the bulb out every 8-12 months, so after a year and a half its due for a change. Great deal to get the unit for $40! Isnt that like a $300+ unit? The bulb price seems about right when you google a UVC 40 watt.

 

[new2natives]

Yeah most online places are saying $250-300 but a friend who runs a local LFS sold them dirt cheap because they were being discontinued and he told me at the time that he wouldn't be able to get/sell the replacement bulbs

 

[loureyes]

I got uv bulbs pretty cheap from www.lightexports.com