Getting tank built?

parkinsn · #1 06-26-2009, 02:58 PM

I had RC build my tank (well Gary) he did a great job. He also went the little extra and dropped it off at my house and helped me and my cousin unload it into my basement.

karazy · #2 06-26-2009, 09:47 PM

elite aqutics can get that built up for you no sweat.
my tank and sump are both from there, and they rock.
plus elite aquatics has access to a CNC machine for circular corners, shapes, ect in the glass.
and all tanks are made in store (one of the only stores in canada that makes them in store)

lorenz0 · #3 06-27-2009, 06:10 AM

mine was ordered through red coral and no complaints there. instead of going rimless i highly reccomend euro bracing that tank. I personally have alot of surface tension and iwthout the bracing it would be all over the floor. just something to think about

Eb0la11 · #4 06-27-2009, 07:34 AM

Bow Valley Aquatics. Will custom build whatever you want and are very reasonably priced as they are the wholesaler who supply Big Als, Pisces etc with their tanks.

$425 for a 180G with overflows interior or exterior. Just the tank/canopy glass/trim.

Mine will be done on Monday and I can let you know how it goes.

He has all the plumbing parts you need at the shop as well - not to mention a 3 foot grand cayman alligator in a massive tank just to show off how good he is.

lorenz0 · #5 06-27-2009, 09:06 PM

Personally i would stay away from bow valley, it may be cheap but the materials used are cheap as well. if you trust some of your tank made out of a glass shower door, go for it cause it really comes down to you get what you pay for.

Snappy · #6 06-27-2009, 09:50 PM

Starphire is nice & clear but scratches very very easily.

fishytime · #7 06-28-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

Elite does top-notch work. If you want ground and polished edges they do that. A must I think.

FWIW Gary can polish and bevel edges too. Its just an expensive option that not many people decide to go with.

If you really wanna get a feel for who does the best tanks...ask some of the peeps here with big tanks(like 300g+) who did theirs like Snappy, Yeeg etc.

Eb0la11 · #8 06-28-2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lorenz0

Personally i would stay away from bow valley, it may be cheap but the materials used are cheap as well. if you trust some of your tank made out of a glass shower door, go for it cause it really comes down to you get what you pay for.

Have you even seen his shop? He has tons of 12x12 (or so) sheets of glass standard on a rack against the wall.

If the tanks at Big Al's are cheap then you have a case, but they're not.

lorenz0 · #9 06-28-2009, 09:20 AM

I have seen his work and personally you get what you pay for from him. If your buying a 180 gal from him for cheaper than everyone elses qoutes, there is a reason. I was given enough reasons not to go to him. I hope you enjoy your tank and you never face what i fear about his work.

kien · #10 06-28-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lorenz0

Personally i would stay away from bow valley, it may be cheap but the materials used are cheap as well. if you trust some of your tank made out of a glass shower door, go for it cause it really comes down to you get what you pay for.

Do you know this for a fact or is this what you hear? I'm just curious because I'm in the same boat and looking at quotes. From what I hear he does build lots of tanks for commercial use in Canada and the US. Seems like if he cheaped out on materials all the time that his business would get a lot more complaints than I've heard. In fact you are the first person to say anything bad about them. I don't know.. Just seems like he is offering near wholsale prices to any average Joe who comes into his shop.