great experience at Swamp Bottom

[Rainer Feyer]

Wow,

as most of you know, I am easily amused, but seldomly impressed. But, I was impressed with my first visit at SwampBottom yesterday! Great place and even greater owner!

For me it was a 60 mile each way trip from out West here.

Once arrived, Tony was the most pleasant and personable guy I met in a long while, giving sound and plentiful advise. His place is stocked more than any other with coral, and, above all that I was impressed with the following:
1) The place was clean! Wow, what a concept! It made you feel like he actually cares about his coral
2) I overheard him gie advise to a newbie ( real newbie ) - the time when we are most vulnerable to being sold tons of 'stuff' we may not eventually need. And yet, his advise was still sound ,calm, and coral oriented, not sale oriented.

Gotta Give Tony credit ( and those in the club who recommended him )

 

[ChrisBuono]

Great to hear! I'm headed out for my first visit today.

 

[Lakeside518]

Its always well worth the trip. I would visit often if it wasn't for the drive. Great Shop/ great guy!..

 

[scorp1on]

Whenever I make it to Tony's I make sure I leave alot of money home, way to many great pieces there. And he does consistently care about his stock and gives sound advice. Chris how was your 1st trip?

 

[Krazy]

I agree, I like to make it out to Tony's when I can, He's a good guy, we always chat for a while and of course I leave with at least 1 piece of something !!

I just wish tony was a bit closer !!!

Its nice to see someone take pride in what they do and what they have to offer !!

 

[WinkeyWoneye]

Tony is the man. First time I met him, I was talking with him like we knew each other for years. Great guy, great shop. Always has lots to offer. I can get lost looking at all the stuff in his tanks. If he still has the angler fish there, ask him to feed it for you. That thing is insane!

 

[ChrisBuono]

I went; I saw; I left with stuff.

It was a long ride. Longer than I thought it would be. But on the motorcycle, it wasn't all bad.

Once I got there I thought, "Who the hell would put a store here!?"

Well, I learned the answer to that question is... a man who loves his hobby so much that he turns it into a business (regardless of the location).

I definately enoyed having another option for fish, coral, etc. other than Eddie's (or Davey Jones) (or Something Fishy). I'd even say Tony was more well-stocked than Eddie's.

(As an aside, I like Eddie's, I just wish they stocked a more diverse selection and were more reliable with 'on-holds'. And I mostly like Davey Jones Locker, but the picken's is slim and I don't like the guy. Something Fishy is... just that, "something's fishy". Be afraid!)

So, back to Swamp Bottom, Tony's tanks are gorgeous! He has some amazing stuff there. The giant frogfish, the giant clam, the giant hammer coral; wow. And the diversity of his more modest inventory was impressive as well.

As is typical for me, I left wishing there was more colorful stuff to be had, but I did leave with with a few things, including some very reasonably-price frags.

In short, well worth the trip, even if just for the showcase tanks. I can see myself going once every few months for livestock shopping.

Tony, I wish you were closer.

PS - I want that fire-stripped pipefish.

Chris

 

[plandy]

I was there today and made out quiet well. In fact I am very pleased. I second all the great things said about Tony and they are really true. Let me point out one thing clearly, Tony is a hobbyst at heart. His shop, while a bit out of the way, is located in a very pleasant country environment surrounded by ponds and cows. Without a doubt Swampbottom has a larger selection than Union and Eddie's combined. The quality of his speciments are outstanding. I saw what was the biggest and blackest frog fish which Tony described as his mascot

I didn't beat around the bush coming with the intentions of bringing few nice pieces home. I was not disappointed choosing a medium sized neon green/beige blasto and vivid red brain coral. Tony offered me generous discounts with free take home refugium macros. Plus he treated my little boy with free ice cream On the way out to my car to wipe the dripping ice cream. Tony once again to the rescue ran out with clean towel to take on our way home.

Comparing my disappointing experience with Eddie's: In fact I don't think much of them for good reason I rather not mention in public. Swambottom is the best reef and marine shop within couple of hours around here.

Every chance I get I'll take my business to him!

 

[Dave ESPI]

yep

Good to hear good things about SB .

"For the hobby, By a hobbyist"...... words that ring true every time I hang with Tony.

Good peeps for sure.

Once I get my "nightmare of a tank issue" sorted out after my apartment move, I'll be going to NJ with him on a buying trip hopefully,and we can pall around down at Bennets place.

 

[Rainer Feyer]

Weel said, Dave

 

[xian]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8160165#post8160165 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Krazy K

I just wish tony was a bit closer !!!

As I am now emloyed 5 minutes up the street from SB I will be willing to pick stuff up on weeknights and bring it back to Troy with me to save anyone a trip.



P.S. Tony, thanks for helping out with the school tanks.

P.P.S. Nice seeing everyone on Friday.

 

[Ken668]

Hehe.......I thought I was late for a club meeting or something!

 

[Coral007]

Yeah, I thought I missed something as well. I can't wait to get a chance to get down there. Or is it "out" there?

 

[Ken668]

It's not "out" there. It's "way out" there. Seriously though, it's not that bad. About 45 minutes from Albany. But well worth the trip in my opinion. By far the best selection for corals in the area.

 

[sbertomen]

I went yesterday - my first time since the fire. The store looks great, what a selection. I just got a couple of peppermint shrimp - wicked good price. I wanted lots more - just don't have the room now.

I think I need a bigger tank.

 

[jallard]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8172026#post8172026 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sbertomen
I think I need a bigger tank.

Yup and we can help set it up