CADlights 39g Pro build thread

[schnitm]

I hear ya! Eddie is a cool guy! I didn't realize how young he was until I met him. The stock sump works well if you are looking to use a Fuge. I really liked mine. I went with a different design for better skimming options and the use of the zeovit reactor. If you're interested in the simple design I have (15 ga two chamber), http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=106086&stc=1&d=1269368360.

The diagram is for an included small area for macro algae but I chose to not install the second set of wier dividers on the right because of the reactor. I now have an 9 x 13 inch skimmer chamber and 10 x 13 inch reactor/pump chamber. More space, no micros in display and simple/yet effective.

Eddie is great. Called me right back and said they were boxing another one up for me. No questions asked. Got the feeling he's used to this.

It's going on a bigger cabinet than usual. Planning on a big refugium, a turf scrubber, GFO and GAC, no skimmer. I run my other systems like this. It's forgiving and resiliant. Just haven't chosen the actual sump. I might build it.

I'm not rushing this one. I want to get out of the Biocube, but I also have a 90 gallon display with two sumps and total system volume around 210. Lots to play with!:crazy1:

 

[meinestrasse]

So you're not going with CAD after all? Sorry to hear that!

My brother had a 75 long rimless from them (Glass Cages) and had some bad luck as well. The shipping was good but he had issues with their seams and specs. He eventually had it worked out but I guess their are issues with everyone.

You should tell Eddie to send you an artisan tank at the same cost, for all the trouble you've gone through!

Good luck!

Happy Reefing!

Tivo

Yeah, the Artisan style tank doesn't appeal to me. I'm looking at the rimless tank from Glass Cages with PPG's Starphire glass all around. They make a reef ready tank pre-drilled with built-in overflow box, much like the CAD.

My guess is that Eddie gets his money back from UPS on the damaged tanks. He would have to make it worth his while to keep replacing broken tanks. My guess is he buys all his glass and components by the boatload from China at deep discounts. Probably rents a shipping container out of Hong Kong or something, and does it all for a fraction of what he makes on the sale. Cheaper to probably set up shop in California where the shipping barges arrive at his front door. Just a guess.

 

[marinetankdiver]

Very interested in photos of both. How did you attach/place the screen in overflow? Loose or in a frame? Are you using the screen in current sump?

As you can tell bubbles and gurgle are still a problem on my system.

Here is a picture of the screen in the sump, I used ceramic magnets to hold the screen in place. I am using the stock sump though thinking about changing it out as I still have bubbles and think it is more with the design of the sump than anything.

i didn't have any problem with bubbles in my 120 and that was dumping 1200 gph into the sump. The sump i was using on the 120 was an ADHI sump that had a significant bubble trap that did not slow down the water flow.

I'm finding that if I use sponges on both sides of the Cad sump i have little to no bubbles. The problem with that is that the flow slows down so much I can't to turn my eheim return pump down enough and it eventually drains the return chamber.

I don't have a picture of the screen in the overflow but I basically attached it the same way most have attached the cd case or baggies, with zip ties, and then loosely rolled the remaining screen so that it stayed put next to the side of the overflow. It's not silent but it isn't much louder than a small water fountain so I kind of like what sound there is.

The screen I used is designed to withstand cats climbing on it so it is much stiffer than standard plastic screen and therefore stays put in the overflow without any problem.

 

[marinetankdiver]

Wow! And it keeps happening over and over again

Personally I believe that the main problem is everything that is being packed with the tank. Putting a 10 pound ballast in the tank and then the return pump in-side the sump is just asking for problems.

I ship a lot of glass and ceramic products without any problem. Though I always pack it in one box by itself and then pack that box in another with bubble wrap around it. The double boxing gives some movement cushion, as meinestrasse noted above. Any extras that go with the glass are always packed separately so they don't bounce around and break the glass. I may pay a bit more for boxes and cushion materials but I also don't have to hassle with damage claims very often.

At some point UPS is going to stop paying out insurance claims on these tanks and Cadlights will have to change their shipping procedures.

All of these broken tanks are not just UPS's problem.

Aside fro the that the tank is great!

just my two cents on the subject of broken tanks.

 

[reeftivo]

Yeah, the Artisan style tank doesn't appeal to me. I'm looking at the rimless tank from Glass Cages with PPG's Starphire glass all around. They make a reef ready tank pre-drilled with built-in overflow box, much like the CAD.

My guess is that Eddie gets his money back from UPS on the damaged tanks. He would have to make it worth his while to keep replacing broken tanks. My guess is he buys all his glass and components by the boatload from China at deep discounts. Probably rents a shipping container out of Hong Kong or something, and does it all for a fraction of what he makes on the sale. Cheaper to probably set up shop in California where the shipping barges arrive at his front door. Just a guess.

The shop here in California is right next to the Ontario Airport and the railsystem transfer is a block away. They chose a prime location over here.

The warehouse is adequate for what they do (maybe 5,000sq ft.) and they are building a fabrication area inside. I believe it will be a while before they actually start assembling tanks there but we'll see.

 

[meinestrasse]

So Eddie finally got back to me tonight about getting a refund on the broken tank. He's assured me I would get a refund once UPS does the inspection and picks up the packages. I don't think he was happy about having to give a refund. He seemed a little reluctant in his e-mail.

Does anyone know how long it takes for UPS to come inspect the packages and/or pick them up? Or what the process is from here? My wife wants the broken glass out of the house, especially with two little kids at home that like to build forts from large shipping boxes. I'd assume just put the box in a dumpster but Eddie insists I hold onto it. I think the cherry stand is damaged too, and these boxes are massive.

 

[marinetankdiver]

I'm using the Vertex 1.5 reactor with .40 liters of zeolites pumped twice daily.

I'm beyond the first exchange of zeolites so my dosing has changed from the initial start up dosing.

3 times weekly= 2 drops zeobac, 2drops Food7, .025ml Pohls Xtra, .15ml Zeo start.

Twice weekly alternating= 2 drops Sponge Power, .25ml Xtra, .15ml Start.


The supplements are food as well for the corals along with the mulm that is created by the reactor. I only feed 5ml of chromaplex twice weekly and lightly feed my fish spectrum once a day.

Thanks for the info on both the zeovit and the sump diagram. Your tank looks amazing and the colors really pop, I'm sure they are even more vibrant in person.

Forgot to ask if you have noticed any ill effects on your inverts like snails and crabs?

 

[marinetankdiver]

So Eddie finally got back to me tonight about getting a refund on the broken tank. He's assured me I would get a refund once UPS does the inspection and picks up the packages. I don't think he was happy about having to give a refund. He seemed a little reluctant in his e-mail.

Does anyone know how long it takes for UPS to come inspect the packages and/or pick them up? Or what the process is from here? My wife wants the broken glass out of the house, especially with two little kids at home that like to build forts from large shipping boxes. I'd assume just put the box in a dumpster but Eddie insists I hold onto it. I think the cherry stand is damaged too, and these boxes are massive.

It took UPS two days to come pick up my broken tank. They just showed up without warning. You might check the original tracking number for the tank, it should show that a pickup has been scheduled.

My experience with UPS/FedEx claims has been that after the pick-up UPS will take it back to their distribution center and inspect the tank/box to determine if the tank was properly packaged and that their was damage to the box. UPS then take takes a few days to a week after the pick-up and inspection to make a decision on the claim. Though Eddie shouldn't wait until UPS makes it's decision to refund your money since the tank was damaged and unusable regardless if UPS pays his claim or not.

 

[RealReef]

So Eddie finally got back to me tonight about getting a refund on the broken tank. He's assured me I would get a refund once UPS does the inspection and picks up the packages. I don't think he was happy about having to give a refund. He seemed a little reluctant in his e-mail.

Does anyone know how long it takes for UPS to come inspect the packages and/or pick them up? Or what the process is from here? My wife wants the broken glass out of the house, especially with two little kids at home that like to build forts from large shipping boxes. I'd assume just put the box in a dumpster but Eddie insists I hold onto it. I think the cherry stand is damaged too, and these boxes are massive.

It took UPS one week to pickup my damaged tank. Was delivered on a Friday nd the came to pick it up the following Friday. I had it packed up when they arrived and they never asked to look at it.

Sorry it did not work out for you. If anything they do have excellent customer service and will make right. Quality control sucks.

 

[meinestrasse]

It took UPS two days to come pick up my broken tank. They just showed up without warning. You might check the original tracking number for the tank, it should show that a pickup has been scheduled.

My experience with UPS/FedEx claims has been that after the pick-up UPS will take it back to their distribution center and inspect the tank/box to determine if the tank was properly packaged and that their was damage to the box. UPS then take takes a few days to a week after the pick-up and inspection to make a decision on the claim. Though Eddie shouldn't wait until UPS makes it's decision to refund your money since the tank was damaged and unusable regardless if UPS pays his claim or not.

Okay, I ran the tracking number and it shows:

03/22/2010 9:07 P.M. DAMAGE INSPECTION SCHEDULED

Here's a photo of the damaged tank, in case anyone wants to see. You may need to click on the photo to see it full-size:

 

[schnitm]

So Eddie finally got back to me tonight about getting a refund on the broken tank. He's assured me I would get a refund once UPS does the inspection and picks up the packages. I don't think he was happy about having to give a refund. He seemed a little reluctant in his e-mail.

Does anyone know how long it takes for UPS to come inspect the packages and/or pick them up? Or what the process is from here? My wife wants the broken glass out of the house, especially with two little kids at home that like to build forts from large shipping boxes. I'd assume just put the box in a dumpster but Eddie insists I hold onto it. I think the cherry stand is damaged too, and these boxes are massive.

UPS came the next day. Tracking number lookup said they would. Also tracked it back to Eddie. No questions, just took it.

 

[marinetankdiver]

Okay, I ran the tracking number and it shows:

03/22/2010 9:07 P.M. DAMAGE INSPECTION SCHEDULED

Here's a photo of the damaged tank, in case anyone wants to see. You may need to click on the photo to see it full-size:

View attachment 106199

You could probably also call UPS, 1-800-PICK-UPS (742-5877), to get the day they plan on picking up the tank. Like I said with me UPS just showed up, luckily someone was home to point them in the direction of the box. UPS is supposed to call to notify you of their intended pick-up but I wouldn't count on that.

Good luck with whatever tank you end up going with.

 

[reeftivo]

Thanks for the info on both the zeovit and the sump diagram. Your tank looks amazing and the colors really pop, I'm sure they are even more vibrant in person.

Forgot to ask if you have noticed any ill effects on your inverts like snails and crabs?

Nassarius snails are fine because of the 4 inch bed. The ceriths and hermits have taken a hit because the tank has much less organics. Still have a good sufficient clean up crew.

Tivo

 

[coolcorals]

I used ceramic magnets to hold the screen in place. I still have bubbles and think it is more with the design of the sump than anything.

Thanks for the photo. Where did you buy magnets? The more I research and ask around, more I believe the problem is the size and/or design of sump.

I'm finding that if I use sponges on both sides of the Cad sump i have little to no bubbles. The problem with that is that the flow slows down so much ... it eventually drains the return chamber.

That's my fear in adding too much material to slow flow - constant maintenance plus a new set of issues.

I basically attached it the same way most have attached the cd case or baggies, with zip ties, and then loosely rolled the remaining screen so that it stayed put next to the side of the overflow. The screen I used is designed to withstand cats climbing on it so it.

Did you zip tie screen to returns, like the CD case, or to the top of overflow skimmer teeth, like the baggies? Did you find the heavy screen at HD or Lowe's?

I like these ideas - thanks for sharing. Will try them, once I resolve some other issues with system.

 

[reeftivo]

Contacted Eddie at CADlights regarding the recent damaged tanks people are getting and as usual, he replied right back-really nice guy!

Heres his response:

Thanks for your concerns Steve. the new packaging was actually approved with UPS since December and we havent had any damages up to this point in the last 3 weeks. we shipped around 300 39G and 50G tanks since then. we are shipping the tanks Empty now but with all the packaging still the same. so basically it is 400lb of impact and weight capacity for only an empty 60lb tank. i really dont know what else we can do to make it better as the UPS reps and packaging experts that came already said it is better than most stuff they handle already. the only conclusion we came to now is that they laid off 300 employees. i am switching over to Fedex ground because they are handled by people.

dont worry, me and everyone here is doing all we can to make sure this will not happen again. we are also working with more and more stores nationwide to carry our tanks, so soon more and more people can buy our tanks in the stores too.

Thanks for your concerns, Steve i appreciate your friendliness. we may be moving to a new warehouse soon. it is In Rancho and is around 21000 SF.

Eddie

 

[reeftivo]

Thanks for the photo. Where did you buy magnets? The more I research and ask around, more I believe the problem is the size and/or design of sump.



That's my fear in adding too much material to slow flow - constant maintenance plus a new set of issues.



Did you zip tie screen to returns, like the CD case, or to the top of overflow skimmer teeth, like the baggies? Did you find the heavy screen at HD or Lowe's?

I like these ideas - thanks for sharing. Will try them, once I resolve some other issues with system.

The design of the sump is fine. The water level and depth of the fuge substrate are key factors. Granted, the sump is compact, but the turnover and amount of substrate in the fuge area will dictate the laminar flow through the center chamber. Higher water level = less micros to the return. Obviously you dont want 11 inches in that sump but I had no micro issues at all in mine while running it at 7.5 or higher. I did however have an issue with the micros when running below 7.5.

.02

Tivo

 

[schnitm]

Contacted Eddie at CADlights regarding the recent damaged tanks people are getting and as usual, he replied right back-really nice guy!

Heres his response:

Thanks for your concerns Steve. the new packaging was actually approved with UPS since December and we havent had any damages up to this point in the last 3 weeks. we shipped around 300 39G and 50G tanks since then. we are shipping the tanks Empty now but with all the packaging still the same. so basically it is 400lb of impact and weight capacity for only an empty 60lb tank. i really dont know what else we can do to make it better as the UPS reps and packaging experts that came already said it is better than most stuff they handle already. the only conclusion we came to now is that they laid off 300 employees. i am switching over to Fedex ground because they are handled by people.

dont worry, me and everyone here is doing all we can to make sure this will not happen again. we are also working with more and more stores nationwide to carry our tanks, so soon more and more people can buy our tanks in the stores too.

Thanks for your concerns, Steve i appreciate your friendliness. we may be moving to a new warehouse soon. it is In Rancho and is around 21000 SF.

Eddie

Got a similar response from Eddie a few minutes ago. My tank had not shipped yet. He wrote that FedEx just picked it up and it's on the way.

 

[reeftivo]

Cool schnitm!

If you received a reply from Eddie that seems a bit hesitant, it is because he is bummed out when these things happen. He and his people have done alot of work to rectify any shipping issues but when damages occur, he is as frustrated as the buyer is.

He mentioned that he will ship the tanks empty and I suggested that the styrofoam may be too rigid-even with an empty tank. With all the reports and suggestions I believe thats why the tanks are popping when UPS is Being UPS. Seems like a good choice at this point to go with Fed Ex.

A more forgiving foam around these tanks would be a better option IMO.

Tivo

 

[meinestrasse]

Cool schnitm!

If you received a reply from Eddie that seems a bit hesitant, it is because he is bummed out when these things happen. He and his people have done alot of work to rectify any shipping issues but when damages occur, he is as frustrated as the buyer is.

He mentioned that he will ship the tanks empty and I suggested that the styrofoam may be too rigid-even with an empty tank. With all the reports and suggestions I believe thats why the tanks are popping when UPS is Being UPS. Seems like a good choice at this point to go with Fed Ex.

A more forgiving foam around these tanks would be a better option IMO.

Tivo

This is certainly good news. I may now reconsider going with the CAD instead of the refund since Eddie is taking this seriously. Tivo, marinetankdiver, et al...thanks for all your diligence on this.

 

[marinetankdiver]

I found the magnets at Lowe's. They are at the end of the screws and hardware isle - assuming that all Lowes are set-up the same. I think I found the screen at Home Depot but I'm sure Lowe's sells it too. Look for the Pet Proof plastic screen. I think it was about $30 or $40 for enough screen to do our 6' patio door and enough left over for several other projects, and it really is pet proof - my cats climb it daily when the door is open.

CoolCorals - I think I have enough of the screen for another sump, PM me your address and I'll send you what I have to try it.

I zip tied the screen to the returns like the cd case. I did it this way to hide it a bit more. Not sure if attaching it to the teeth would make it even quiter. Though truthfully I prefer to hear the slight waterfall instead of just the fans and water rushing into the sump.

I think my water level in the fuge is at about 8" but I'll check tonight. If it isn't I'll get it to about 7.5" to see if that helps. The bubble problem does seem to come and go, well it really never goes, just gets better.

I think the design of the CAD sump is OK but I would really like to have enough space to put a good sponge/bubble trap in it. Not sure but I think if the section for the drain/skimmer wasn't divided there would be more area for bubbles to disipate before moving on the the next chamber.

I really like the design of the ADHI sumps unfortunately their smallest sump is 24" long . I sent them an email to see if they would do a custom fuge and what the cost would be.