Please comment on Bow Aquarium tank made in Calgary

mandarin man · #1 03-05-2009, 02:31 AM

Hi,

I am interested in a 120gallon customer made a tank from Bow Aquarium. Please advise or comment on your experiences from Bow Aquarium tanks.

Thanks

i have crabs · #2 03-05-2009, 02:38 AM

mitch the owner can be a real pain to deal with but ive always thought he builds the best tanks,
ive had probably 6-10 tanks and sumps built by them and i think 4-5 from the other main tank builder around calgary and i have to say id rather go through bowvalley

mandarin man · #3 03-05-2009, 02:49 AM

Thanks for your response,

I also came across the company called "Trigger" aquarium (the name could be misspelled), the gentleman said that "Trigger" is the best place to build tank in calgary, metal stand, best quality glass.......He really made me wonder which one to go to, Bow and Trigger.

Is it true that Bowvally uses used glass for their tanks (low quality)?

Please provide comment if you have or had experiences with the two.

Thanks

i have crabs · #4 03-05-2009, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandarin man

Thanks for your response,

Is it true that Bowvally uses used glass for their tanks (low quality)?
Thanks

i dont doubt that it has happened but ive never had anyproblem with him or any of his tanks

mark · #5 03-05-2009, 03:39 AM

Have a custom BVA (and new glass). Was definitely a long frustrating experience but no complains with the aquarium itself (and the 75g sump that he basically threw in for free). Wouldn't hand over any money up front in case you just get fed up after a few months and walk.

Should say this was my experience from about 4 years ago.

karazy · #6 03-05-2009, 03:46 AM

haven't had experience with bow valley, but just keep in mind that Elite aquatics does customs.
i got a sump made by them and it was done very professionally.
made my order,put down a deposit, they called about a week or two later to tell me its done, i go in, and i get exactly what i asked for

in my experience elite aquatics does a very good job and gets it done in good time. I'd defiantly recommend them

JDigital · #7 03-05-2009, 04:47 AM

Red Coral Aquarium has built some really nice tanks too... roommate has one by them, and I've seen a few that have been in the shop waiting for customers to pick up... all very good looking tanks.

lastlight · #8 03-05-2009, 04:56 AM

All I had Mitch do was cut my sump glass. One of the most frustrating experiences EVER. I was also inside his place on about my 10th trip back to get the last piece cut he forgot. The place is filled to the ROOF with used glass. Lots of it is still in old wooden window frames. I snapped a few pics too lol.

Colby at Elite built my tank. It's far cleaner than Mitch's work and he can do ground and polished edges while Mitch will not. He also delivered the tank to my house and helped me get it on my stand. Highly recommended.

golf nut · #9 03-05-2009, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandarin man

Hi,

I am interested in a 120gallon customer made a tank from Bow Aquarium. Please advise or comment on your experiences from Bow Aquarium tanks.

Thanks

As with any tank build, get it in writing with delivery date and ask for insurance coverage.

castaway · #10 03-05-2009, 01:00 PM

Mitch makes a good tank never had a problem and he custom made me some huge tanks.
I used to sell them when I had my shop in Edmonton