Attn: AGE owners (need help ...)

[dipan]

To anyone who has ordered a tank from AGE ...

I know they are usually pretty slow to build a new tank from order to delivery time, but both my LFS and I are a little concerned. Gabe's Fish and Exotic Pets where I order the tank from had not ordered from AGE before and didn't know what to expect in terms of wait time. They are used to 2-6 weeks from various manufacturers. A few weeks ago I got some pictures from AGE when the base of my tank was being milled, and Gabe was told that the tank would be done in a few days. Well, since then Gabe's been trying to get in touch with AGE, but has not had any luck at all. The total lack of response has him (and me) spooked. He even suggested that we order another tank from Deep Sea Aquatics. He even said he's willing to take a loss for the transaction (stand up guy). AGE has been paid half of the quoted cost at this point.

Or maybe this is just the way transactions go with AGE. Doesn't seem very business-like, I'm afraid. But I do know they make a mean tank. I'm still hoping it's just going to end up at my LFS any day now, but the other half of the payment hasn't been claimed yet, so I'm not very hopeful that it was shipped to date. Any thoughts on what I should do?

 

[fishypets]

There's nothing you can do but wait and be patient. Tom and the guys at A.G.E. build top notch tanks second to none. Your tank will arrive when it arrives, nothing you can do to speed up the process. My first A.G.E. tank took over four months and I know others that waited that long or longer. Personally I would have gone through Kingfish Aquariums in Austin for your A.G.E. tank, they buy their share of A.G.E. tanks and have a good rapport with Tom.

Good luck

Clint

 

[eddybabyhd]

You cannot go wrong with Tom at AGE. He is a super nice guy, he built my 340 for me and a 600 for a good friend of mine.

I don't want to step on anyone's toes here, but...if the LFS didn't tell you about Tom's lead time, then that's their fault.

I ordered my tank in January of 2007, and took delivery in August 2007. But I was told about the wait.

 

[dipan]

Guys, it's not the lead time or the need to wait that's the problem. It's the lack of communication. I can be patient, and have been patient. I don't have any problems with that. It's when the LFS tells me they're worried because they've called for weeks without a single response. Oh well, what can I do. I know they make good tanks. That's why I ordered it from them in the first place. Maybe the crew's on vacation or something.

 

[Ian]

how long has it been?

 

[dipan]

how long has it been?

Last week of July or first week of August best I can remember. Based on what I've heard from other's wait times, including eddybabyhd, that's not too bad. I had no preconceived notions that it would only take a couple of weeks or something. What was getting me concerned was that they told the LFS that the tank would be done in a few days (after sending the pics of the base being milled). Presumably there may be water testing, and other stuff that it needs to go through before being crated and shipped. Still, how would you feel if for the last 2-3 weeks you called, left messages, and didn't get a response?

BTW, did Tom deal with you guys directly after the order? I've not had any direct communication. Any info I got, including the tank CAD drawing and the pics of the base being milled, I got forwarded through the LFS.

 

[fishypets]

Trust me you have nothing to worry about. Just because your LFS hasn't been in contact with Tom doesn't mean he took your money and ran. Tom and your LFS may have missed each other but you'll get your tank. And when you do you'll be glad you went with A.G.E.

 

[dipan]

Trust me you have nothing to worry about. Just because your LFS hasn't been in contact with Tom doesn't mean he took your money and ran. Tom and your LFS may have missed each other but you'll get your tank. And when you do you'll be glad you went with A.G.E.

Thanks. I do feel reassured. I did ask Gabe to give it more time. I'm not about to bail at this point, but was just unsure about the deal. I did have the chance to see at least a couple AGE tanks at River City Aquatics in nearby Austin and they surely do make a NICE tank ...

 

[amore169]

I spoke to Tom from AGE and he doesn't deal with customers, I went with a LFS and they talked to Tom and my LFS said that there's a minimum of 12 weeks for delivery, there's a really good feedback on them, I wouldn't worry, good luck.

 

[90reefernyc]

I ordered two tanks from them. The first one came a little later then promised and with the second one I was having the same problem as you. Don't worry be patient there tanks are definitely worth the wait!

 

[Cantonesefish]

Yeah, it seems from everything I've read trying to get in contact with AGE is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Contact with AGE

Contact with AGE

AGE is a manufacturer. They don't want to be a retailer and that is why you make your purchase through LFS. Calling AGE to check on assembly is kinda like calling Toyota and asking on the status of that Camry you ordered...

I know it took 22 weeks from order to delivery on the tank I later purchased new from my LFS. That was about the same time eddybabyhd and our mutual friend were ordering tanks.

I will say that following the purchase, I had no problem getting an e-mail response from Tom regarding installation and construction questions that I had.

Once you see how well these tanks are constructed, you will sleeep well at night with your AGE tank.

You mentioned that your bottom was being milled...I assume you ordered PVC bottom? Good move, IMO. Exterior overflow? Another great feature.

Congratulations on your forthcoming tank!

LL

 

[dipan]

Thanks for all the reassurance, guys! Just as luck would have it you all were proven right. Tank is done and should be here by Wednesday at my LFS. Boy am I now feeling the pressure to get all the little details worked out on the install. i haven't even order the ball unions and some other plumbing, light rack, lights. Man am I behind.

Turns out that the messages Gabe was leaving was at the main number and apparently everyone was at a convention or something and my LFS didn't have Tom's cell number. He got back today I guess and saw all the messages from the past weeks.

I got the word from Gabe today!

 

[amore169]

Good to know!!