Tanks from Source Aquatics Calgary? Too good to be true?? - Page 2

DiverDude · #11 04-12-2010, 04:25 AM

I had the exact same thought as GlobalDesigns. However, this is perception and may not hold true but history shows that reputable businesses spend money to do things right so I'd be a little hesitant based on that alone.

Moreover, your tank will be holding 180 Gallons of salt water and all your expensive livestock. If there is ANY chance that could let go, you will rue the day you decided to save $200 or whatever on a high quality tank.

Just my $0.02

Arok3000 · #12 04-12-2010, 04:37 AM

I was looking at buying a tank from these guys about 12 months ago when I first saw their ad on Kijiji.
I called the guy, we talked and settled on a very reasonable price.
He said to swing by the shop, gave me the address, and I was on my way.

When I got there, he wasn't there (I believe it was Ray) and there was just a lady at the front desk. She said he wasn't available and wasn't involved in sales but asked if she could help me. I told her the tank and price I was quoted and she said she would never sell me that tank at that price.

I gave up at that moment and never thought twice about going back. Then again, I really like to deal with people who have all their cards lined up, not all over the place.

That being said, I have never bought a tank from Red Coral, but I have bought quite a bit there, and I have never had even the smallest negative thing to say about them.

zum14 · #13 04-12-2010, 05:13 AM

Any threads with these guys names in it seems to spark quite the debate. I definitly agree that a company that is very organized and prompt seem to always be the better choice.

zum14 · #14 04-12-2010, 09:18 PM

Ok so mulling over this a bit more and i think i should put this out there to see what people think because its one thing that i kind of have trouble with. I find that once a company knows that they have the repor to do so they will bend you over a barrel. What i mean is that you have a company such as source aquatics, they may not have such a good track record, they prob spend $100 on glass and $100 on man hours to make a tank say 180 gal. They then turn and sell the tank for 450$. I will not deny the chances of getting a sub par product because, to a point, it is true you get what you pay for. But my problem is you get places that have a good repor with everyone and all the sudden there stuff is gold. They may spend $200 for the same amount of glass but better quality, and maybe $250-300 for man hours for better built product, But they then turn and sell it for $1500-$2000 for there name and because they basically go well its this or the bad stuff. I just have trouble trying to figure out wether or not the extra 1000 is worth the bragging rights. In the end i will prob spend the extra for the peace of mind but its just something that i find troublesome.

Namnuta · #15 04-12-2010, 10:22 PM

There is a lot more work that goes into tanks that are more expensive. I have a bow Valley tank, and it has rough cut edges, bubbles in the silicone and overall is a very very entry level tank.You could almost say low quality. (I have a 165G tall)

Then you can take a look at Jays tanks at Elite. The care and attention to detail is amazing, he offers things no one else is offering like his amazing 1 piece Euro Bracing. Honestly they are some of the nicest tanks i have every seen.

Bow Valleys tank cost me $500 when i bought it 6 years ago. Jays tanks @ Elite are almost 4 times that amount. But you get what you pay for.

Also price can also depend on the buying power of the maker. Bow valley makes a lot of tanks vs jay at Elite is a one man show, so obviously his costs are going to be way higher.

When i upgrade im getting a tank from jay or something comparable.

IMHO bow Valley tanks are good for new people in the hobby, but i would never upgrade to one. This post was in no way meant to be a plug for Elite or jay, it was just an easy example.

zum14 · #16 04-12-2010, 10:29 PM

i totally agree with you, my only thing that i have trouble with is it takes me a while to decide that the extra $1000 is justified you know? Yes i agree, attention to detail is worth alot, fit and finish is worth alot but is it worth what there selling it for. The only thing i can come up with is it must be because there still in buisness and still selling tanks. But i guess i need to run through the paces of working my way up there.

Red Coral Aquariums · #17 04-13-2010, 04:42 AM

People don't realize that the tank is really the cheapest part of the whole setup and it's the one thing that many people try and get away with spending the least on.
Kevin

zum14 · #18 04-13-2010, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Coral Aquariums

People don't realize that the tank is really the cheapest part of the whole setup and it's the one thing that many people try and get away with spending the least on.
Kevin

Do you mean like compared to lights and such? I dont know if id say its the cheapest (compared to pumps, fittings, rocks and such), but really it is the backbone of the system. I think the complication of the tank im going to be after is going to force me to go with someone that is really organized to make sure the tank gets setup proper.

Zoaelite · #19 04-13-2010, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zum14

i totally agree with you, my only thing that i have trouble with is it takes me a while to decide that the extra $1000 is justified you know? Yes i agree, attention to detail is worth alot, fit and finish is worth alot but is it worth what there selling it for. The only thing i can come up with is it must be because there still in buisness and still selling tanks. But i guess i need to run through the paces of working my way up there.

I think the bigger reason behind the $1000.00 is guarantee of workmanship, you receive a tank (At least in Jay's case) that is flawless and on top of that someone that stands behind there work.

If your bowvalley tank explodes on you at 2:00am will the builder be at your house helping you clean?

zum14 · #20 04-13-2010, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoaElite

I think the bigger reason behind the $1000.00 is guarantee of workmanship, you receive a tank (At least in Jay's case) that is flawless and on top of that someone that stands behind there work.

If your bowvalley tank explodes on you at 2:00am will the builder be at your house helping you clean?

Well first i do agree, but for the sake of debate, No bow valley is not going to care. Also i have to say that if for some unknown reason one of lets say jay's tank goes for whatever reason, even though he backs it up, hes not going to pay for your insurance deductable, the loss's for your livestock, I would imagine a new tank would be coming but again, he doesnt have to find someone to insure your house after youve had a claim like that or help you clean either. Is your tank from him?