I am an active aquarist in the marine aquarium hobby for the past 22 years owning tanks of all sizes, from several different manufacturers. I have also been an active member of two local aquarium clubs for the past 10 years.
Presently I have a Current Cardiff reef, a Nuvo by Innovative Marine, a Perfecto tank, an Aqueon tank, as well as my Cadlight aquarium. These tank range in volume from 30 gallons to 150 gallons.
My Cadlights Artisan 150 was to be the showpiece amongst all of my aquarims. Here is my experience with Cadlights-
Recently my 20 year old 150 gallon aquarium had a seal that was compromised and I had decided to replace it. At the time, I had considered Innovative Marine and Cadlights. I chose the Cadlights as I ultimately did not want to go with an all-in-one system.
My 150 Artisan was ordered directly from Cadlights and was delivered in a timely manner. It arrived from cross-country without an issue as the packaging was superior. This was in May.
Upon inspection of the system, I had noticed a few small imperfections. I had followed protocol and notified Cadlights. I had followed up with multiple phone calls, multiple emails to two separate company contacts, as well as private messages through aquarium related forums. Cadlights for the most part was unresponsive to my flood of correspondence with them-
Cadlights did work with me through my plumbing issues which ultimately were my fault. Cadlights sent the parts promptly and free of charge. Despite what you read in the forums, I actually do feel that their choice of materials is good. It should provide years of trouble-free service and perform well.
I had decided to overlook some of the imperfections and move forward, but after reading some other experiences with Cadlights, I have now decided to share them in this forum.
Stand: I was attracted to the "piano finish" as stated on the website. My vision of a piano finish would be jet-black, super glossy, and with a high quality of finish. While it is jet-black, it is super glossy, I can see marks made by a random orbital sander through the finish, particularly on the doors. Although it is difficult to capture in a photo, I have attached the same photo that was sent to Cadlights. In addition, a vertical stand support had been split where someone had overtightened a screw. Does this compromise the stand's integrity? Picts attached.
Overflow Cover: The cover on the overflow is clearly the wrong size. While it is minor, Cadlights should pay more attention to this as this is unacceptable.
Pict attached.
Aquarium Bracing: All seams on the tank are finished perfectly and the tank itself is nearly perfect. One section of the bracing was not affixed level to the other sections. While it does seem insignificant, when the glass cover is placed on the tank, it does not fit totally flush. Picts attached.
I had also requested specific information regarding the sale of the tank. I had spoken to an associate and was promised this information several times. I had never received it.
While preparing my Artisan 150 for service, my Innovative Marine Nuvo 24 randomly fractured after six months of use. I had purchased this tank used, despite the internet warnings- After contacting Innovative Marine, they promptly upgraded me to a fully loaded Fusion 30. They were kind enough to replace the tank, stand, upgrade the lighting, included a bunch of accessories, and were focused on making me a happy customer. I did not expect this as I was not the original owner, but they had EXCEEDED my expectations. Good customer relations!
I had considered purchasing a Cadlight skimmer and a Conic Media Reactor to keep my tank and accessories created by the same manufacturer as they know their products best. After my experience, I will no longer purchase them from Cadlights. This is disappointing to me-
The purpose of this post is to document my particular experience with Cadlights. With some minor revisions to their workmanship and customer service, I feel that they can greatly improve the companies perception.
The tank looks spectacular and commands the attention of everyone that sees it. Check it out-
Steve Szoke
Presently I have a Current Cardiff reef, a Nuvo by Innovative Marine, a Perfecto tank, an Aqueon tank, as well as my Cadlight aquarium. These tank range in volume from 30 gallons to 150 gallons.
My Cadlights Artisan 150 was to be the showpiece amongst all of my aquarims. Here is my experience with Cadlights-
Recently my 20 year old 150 gallon aquarium had a seal that was compromised and I had decided to replace it. At the time, I had considered Innovative Marine and Cadlights. I chose the Cadlights as I ultimately did not want to go with an all-in-one system.
My 150 Artisan was ordered directly from Cadlights and was delivered in a timely manner. It arrived from cross-country without an issue as the packaging was superior. This was in May.
Upon inspection of the system, I had noticed a few small imperfections. I had followed protocol and notified Cadlights. I had followed up with multiple phone calls, multiple emails to two separate company contacts, as well as private messages through aquarium related forums. Cadlights for the most part was unresponsive to my flood of correspondence with them-
Cadlights did work with me through my plumbing issues which ultimately were my fault. Cadlights sent the parts promptly and free of charge. Despite what you read in the forums, I actually do feel that their choice of materials is good. It should provide years of trouble-free service and perform well.
I had decided to overlook some of the imperfections and move forward, but after reading some other experiences with Cadlights, I have now decided to share them in this forum.
Stand: I was attracted to the "piano finish" as stated on the website. My vision of a piano finish would be jet-black, super glossy, and with a high quality of finish. While it is jet-black, it is super glossy, I can see marks made by a random orbital sander through the finish, particularly on the doors. Although it is difficult to capture in a photo, I have attached the same photo that was sent to Cadlights. In addition, a vertical stand support had been split where someone had overtightened a screw. Does this compromise the stand's integrity? Picts attached.
Overflow Cover: The cover on the overflow is clearly the wrong size. While it is minor, Cadlights should pay more attention to this as this is unacceptable.
Pict attached.
Aquarium Bracing: All seams on the tank are finished perfectly and the tank itself is nearly perfect. One section of the bracing was not affixed level to the other sections. While it does seem insignificant, when the glass cover is placed on the tank, it does not fit totally flush. Picts attached.
I had also requested specific information regarding the sale of the tank. I had spoken to an associate and was promised this information several times. I had never received it.
While preparing my Artisan 150 for service, my Innovative Marine Nuvo 24 randomly fractured after six months of use. I had purchased this tank used, despite the internet warnings- After contacting Innovative Marine, they promptly upgraded me to a fully loaded Fusion 30. They were kind enough to replace the tank, stand, upgrade the lighting, included a bunch of accessories, and were focused on making me a happy customer. I did not expect this as I was not the original owner, but they had EXCEEDED my expectations. Good customer relations!
I had considered purchasing a Cadlight skimmer and a Conic Media Reactor to keep my tank and accessories created by the same manufacturer as they know their products best. After my experience, I will no longer purchase them from Cadlights. This is disappointing to me-
The purpose of this post is to document my particular experience with Cadlights. With some minor revisions to their workmanship and customer service, I feel that they can greatly improve the companies perception.
The tank looks spectacular and commands the attention of everyone that sees it. Check it out-
Steve Szoke
