VERY custom tank builders in Calgary?

[mccrat]

Hey There,
I know that Golds will build me a tank, not sure how custom they will make it for me though. I did get a quote from Denis but it was a very standard tank. I want a 72" x 32" x 24" rimless tank with 1/2" plate starfire on three sides, external box style overflow drilled with 3 holes and 5 holes drilled on the bottom plate. It will involve some acrylic work for the overflow teeth (bonding glass to acrylic unless the builder can cut the teeth from glass) I have been trying to look for someone that builds very custom tanks and am finding there isn't many people/places out there that will do it for me. Anyone have a tank custom built here in Calgary and are very happy with it? Care to share who built it for you?
Thanks so much!
Theresa

[calkrog]

have you checked out bow valley aquariums ? they will build whatever you want, but im sure golds will get it built any way you want aswell, you just have to be very specific in what you want?

[mseepman]

Theresa,

Aquarium Illusions out of Edmonton builds custom tanks to your spec. Also, Aquarium Obsessions out of Toronto does too. I know both seem far away but I've got a quote from both and it wasn't as bad as it sounds and I'm farther away than you. To put perspective on it, Aquarium Obsessed is like the Oceanic of customer tank builders...higher quality and very good ratings. Aquarium Illusions is like the All Glass builders...very good quality and nice decent ratings.
I've also heard that Albert is an excellent resource for getting anything you want and he's helped me any time I've been into Golds. I just don't know who builds their tanks for them.

Here is a thread that you might want to follow along with as it is close to what I plan to get and similar to what you're looking for.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=37962

Again, this is all just my opinion from the research I've done, but I can tell you that the knowlegeable people on here will really help you out.

Mark.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I'm pretty sure Gold can build you that tank. You should ask specifically (it sounds like you didn't before).

[Delphinus]

Acrylic over glass overflows is quite common actually. Although usually for glass overflows, instead of teeth, you usually see black eggcrate. This might be slightly advantageous because eggcrate is easily replaced whereas a broken overflow tooth might not be as easily redone.

My 280g was built by Bow Valley, although it was 3 years ago. I'm aware of their reputation but they were fine for me and based on my experience alone I'd have no reason not to go back and have another built. That said, I know the tanks that Albert & Dennis build are fine too.

Just be firm with what you want when you speak to a builder ... it helps to have drawings. I found there were a couple of things I wasn't that firm on and I got talked out of doing (for the sake of a lower cost) but in the end I kind of wish I had insisted on - the problem was I didn't really know what I want so I kind of let the builder steer me on a couple issues. Looking back, now that I have the tank in the spot I want it there are things I wish I had done differently (eg. overflow in particular). Oh well, it is what it is, I'll live with it since the alternative is .. well .. not practical. So my best advice is plan this as detailed as you can, do some drawings and say "This is what I want. Make it so!"


PS. Welcome to Canreef!

[wickedfrags]

Depite my bad experience with them, you should also see who can get uou a quote on a Miracles tank. Historically they build great tanks and can include any feature you can think of.

[Brent F]

Originally Posted by mccrat

Anyone have a tank custom built here in Calgary and are very happy with it? Care to share who built it for you?
Thanks so much!
Theresa

I had a custom sump built by Golds in December. I took in the dimensions and Albert designed a baffle system for me. Built exactly as drawn and the baffles do exactly what they should. Very happy with the result.

I also have a custom tank from Bow Valley that was built in the past year for Hurley who posted on this thread. It's a nice solid tank that meets my needs perfectly. I had to add an internal overflow because it was originally built to be used with a canister. Just went to Speedy Glass and had the pieces cut, then siliconed them in myself.

[Skimmer Juice]

got o golds I have dealt with bow valley before they are horrible, (likes to lie). I have had a couple tanks built through golds and they do a much better job, and they dont lie about how long it will be before you get the tank, I should have a custom tank hoppfully today thhat I had order form them I will post pics if it shows up today and then you can make the call. I got a 60g with herbies style external overflow returns in the euro brace starfire pannels and a custom sump designed by albert.

[jasond]

Seeing as Albert just built my tank in the fall, thought I would offer my 2 cents. I am fairly new to this hobby (< 1 year) and am realising a lot of it is trial and error. When I had my tank/stand built, I thought I had everything exactly the way I wanted it, and wouldnt want anything done differently. Now that is is set up & running, there are several things I would have done different on both the tank and the stand. Overall I am definately happy with the tank the way it is, but when I upgrade I know what I will do differently.

Seeing as you seem to know exactly what you want, I think you will be fine. They herbie for overflow is awesome as many others will attest to, but I recommend tracking a gate valve down, even though Albert will tell me to suck it up and be patient with the ball valve

Goodluck, cant wait to see the build thread!

[digital-audiophile]

[quote=jasond;295135]I recommend tracking a gate valve down, even though Albert will tell me to suck it up and be patient with the ball valve [\quote]

LOL I hear ya!! I think I finally have my ball valve dialed in.. despite what Albert says it is a really is a pain in the backside! If I was to do it again I would order a gate online.