Valve Brands (cepex, spears, etc)

[jdloftness]

I am planning the hard plumbing for my new 180g. I have been pricing everything from a well-known site many use, but am alarmed by some of their prices.

A 1" ball valve is $37 and a 1" gate valve is $55, and are manufactured by cepex or spears. I know enough to stay away from the hardware store valves, but there are numerous other manufacturers with much lower prices.

Any advice regarding valves? Are cepex and spears the must have valves, or am I overthinking it? I appreciate any advice.

 

[homer1475]

What set the spears and cepex valve apart, they can be broken down, cleaned out, and specific peices can be replaced. Unlike most valves that are a one piece design.