Misbar Clown
Bedford,#2General Comment
Tue, June 11, 2013
Dear Unhappy Fellow Customer:
One should never add livestock to an aquarium until it has "cycled," and the ammonia level has reached zero. Once the nitrogen cycle in the aquatium has stabilized, then it is safe to SLOWLY add fish, crustaceans, and corals. The cycle time for my first marine aquarium was six weeks. It is extremely difficult to be patient until the aquarium is ready for fish. One thing I would like to add - the so-called "nitrifying bacteria" cultures commercially available do not work. Neither the liquid nor the freeze-died products contain the desired bacteria. They simply are unable to remain viable for more than a day or two on the shelf. It is far better to add a few cups of sand or gravel from an established tank to seed your aquarium with the "good" nitrifying bacteria.
If you put fish in the tank before the aquarium has "cycled," most of them will die within a few days.
I once purchased a non-functioning filter from Mid-Cities Aquarium. I brought it back, and they replaced it quickly with a new one, much to my satisfaction. I think that if you let Vincent or Tommy know about your problem, they will do their best to satisfy you. Most of their business is from repeat customers.
As a first time marine aquarium owner, I know you will make a few mistakes. You must read up on the subject and learn by experience. Even though you may be paying for expert care of your aquarium, it would be useful and instructional for you to monitor your own water parameters.
JovicLimar
Azle,#3Author of original report
Fri, November 11, 2011
Every company receives complaints, but how they handle those complaints separates good business from bad business.
I spent over an hour with Tommy Cu (owner) of Mid-Cities Aquariums has made good on his *word* ... to take care of the initial situation (TANG) which I expected, but due to *busy* business, either wasn't available to address this issue IMO -- a timely manner, but was sincere in explaining his intentions were always to make sure I was happy and explaining why he was not able to take my calls.
Not sure about cell phones ... as he was adamant that he indeed did return my calls twice and left me one message ... I do believe this though never received and *my* phone records do not show any incoming calls from the store or his cell phone. My phone number was left with other staff who possibly wrote the return call number down wrong.
After all the time that had passed, I was not *expecting* Tommy to *take care of me* at all, after not being able to contact or get a phone call back. BUT, not only did he make good on his word in regards to the initial issue, ALL issues have been resolved as well. That's a big WOW!
A friend introduced me to several aquarium shops, gave me the pros and cons about almost every LFS in the metroplex and Mid-Cities Aquariums is the *trusted* store on his advise to me. That has now been proven. TRUST is very valuable!!!
The time spent with Tommy today shows why they just had their 5th Anniversary ... successful operations --- customer service/ customer care = 1st priority!
Public usefulness is reason for update ... you do want to know who your dealing with and how well they treat their customers. ...
Mid-Cities Aquariums = Buy with confidence! Tommy proved and works hard to earn your business and especially your repeat business.
Business Trust + Customer Loyalty = my relationship with Mid-Cities Aquariums.