Not happy with new custom tank
- Thread starter islanddave
- Start date
If this was only the chipped holes, I could see debating whether they should be perfect since they were done later. But....the tank is also scratched and there are other issues. I don't think it should be on the buyer to have to fix a bunch of mistakes on a custom tank.
If they didn't notice that the tank was chipped and had a big scratch, could they have missed other things that aren't so visible? I would worry what else could be going on, but that's just me.
I hope you are able to come to a resolution with the builder on this. Sorry you're having so much trouble getting a tank in one piece!
If they didn't notice that the tank was chipped and had a big scratch, could they have missed other things that aren't so visible? I would worry what else could be going on, but that's just me.
I hope you are able to come to a resolution with the builder on this. Sorry you're having so much trouble getting a tank in one piece!
vhuang168
New member
I agree that the job was poorly done irregardless of when it was requested.
I just wanted to make sure we got the whole story.
If this was ordered with the holes and they did it after they built the tank or if OP added to it after it was built tells us more about the builder.
I'm surprised that they did not mentioned the issues before they agreed to do the additional work.
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I just wanted to make sure we got the whole story.
If this was ordered with the holes and they did it after they built the tank or if OP added to it after it was built tells us more about the builder.
I'm surprised that they did not mentioned the issues before they agreed to do the additional work.
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I think that you should send the builder a link to this thread, reminding him that you'd prefer to settle this without having to mention the company's name.
KnightReefer19
New member
You bought this tank because it is what you wanted, it is only right that it meet your needs and wants.
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ericarenee
New member
First i agree with comments above on the scratch...Not so much on the holes , But I have to wonder about a few things,
Do you have Contract with this person to build the tank for you, If so on this contract does it talk about Conditions of the tank, Delivery inspection and time frame for notifying them.
How was this tank delivered and by who. If shipped what does the packaging look like..
Now for the LAW Part. Its a Custom made product , Here in the us your rights are not the same as if you buy something off the shelf at a store, The company has a right to CURE The issues with the Product,, Being they could send a local glass company out to buff out the scratch and bulkhead holes , This would make you whole again.
Also what is there warranty...
I would give them the benefit of the doubt and request they send someone for a local glass shop to fix the tank.Give you a LIFETIME Warranty against glass breakage at the BULKHEADS and a Discount on the price for your Inconvenience ...
If they refuse the above then for sure they need to take the tank back. With that said i almost bet they have a Policy to make you whole but will not accept returns..
I know because the nature of my business we have customers who ask for specific things , When we are done they decide they do not like is . Such as paint color or type of tile or design. This is why we have at Sign off on plans and images of what we are going to do before we do it..
The tank can be the same thing if it was truly "CUSTOM BUILT" for you. If they refuse you can also get a local glass company to come out and repair it and sue them for the cost of repairs.but only after the tank builder refused to make you WHOLE..
The above is why 2 days after i complete any project or a area of a large project i get the Customer to sign off on it. This limits My liability in case they break it after the fact but even then i almost always Repair it for free. Unless i find the Customer went out trying to get restitution before working with my company to resolve the issue..
I own a Home Renovation Company.. my business is not always cut and dry, The tank should be but because of the word CUSTOM. That makes it not a NEW Tank but i built product....
Just my opinion from the other side of a Product provider. Yes he is liable to make you whole. Replacing the tank.I Do not think so if he can make you whole.. .I will add one more thing. If this is a ONE MAN SHOP . He should have notified you about the bulkhead chip and sanded it out himself and included bulkheads that would not be compromised .. The scratch could have just been messed...
Asking you to make any repairs yourself makes me feel this is common for his business... I have drove 20 miles across town to clean finger prints off a window that one of my guys where in to big of a hurry to do... I WOULD NEVER Ask a customer to fix even something minor them self..
I will stop typing now........ I am sure i will get a lot of flack from people on here for my OPINION.. This is JUST How it is Legally
Do you have Contract with this person to build the tank for you, If so on this contract does it talk about Conditions of the tank, Delivery inspection and time frame for notifying them.
How was this tank delivered and by who. If shipped what does the packaging look like..
Now for the LAW Part. Its a Custom made product , Here in the us your rights are not the same as if you buy something off the shelf at a store, The company has a right to CURE The issues with the Product,, Being they could send a local glass company out to buff out the scratch and bulkhead holes , This would make you whole again.
Also what is there warranty...
I would give them the benefit of the doubt and request they send someone for a local glass shop to fix the tank.Give you a LIFETIME Warranty against glass breakage at the BULKHEADS and a Discount on the price for your Inconvenience ...
If they refuse the above then for sure they need to take the tank back. With that said i almost bet they have a Policy to make you whole but will not accept returns..
I know because the nature of my business we have customers who ask for specific things , When we are done they decide they do not like is . Such as paint color or type of tile or design. This is why we have at Sign off on plans and images of what we are going to do before we do it..
The tank can be the same thing if it was truly "CUSTOM BUILT" for you. If they refuse you can also get a local glass company to come out and repair it and sue them for the cost of repairs.but only after the tank builder refused to make you WHOLE..
The above is why 2 days after i complete any project or a area of a large project i get the Customer to sign off on it. This limits My liability in case they break it after the fact but even then i almost always Repair it for free. Unless i find the Customer went out trying to get restitution before working with my company to resolve the issue..
I own a Home Renovation Company.. my business is not always cut and dry, The tank should be but because of the word CUSTOM. That makes it not a NEW Tank but i built product....
Just my opinion from the other side of a Product provider. Yes he is liable to make you whole. Replacing the tank.I Do not think so if he can make you whole.. .I will add one more thing. If this is a ONE MAN SHOP . He should have notified you about the bulkhead chip and sanded it out himself and included bulkheads that would not be compromised .. The scratch could have just been messed...
Asking you to make any repairs yourself makes me feel this is common for his business... I have drove 20 miles across town to clean finger prints off a window that one of my guys where in to big of a hurry to do... I WOULD NEVER Ask a customer to fix even something minor them self..
I will stop typing now........ I am sure i will get a lot of flack from people on here for my OPINION.. This is JUST How it is Legally
Darrell Brady
New member
Don't think I would feel safe long term with water in it.
anthonys51
New member
i have a question you bought 5 tanks and had or want to return them all. maybe this hobby isnt for you 
i would release the name of the company for tons of members here dont go through what you are. seem like they dont care about a crappy product they produced and not just that they are also treating you like an moron.
Your experience will save many hobbyist a headache down the road.
Your experience will save many hobbyist a headache down the road.
GimpyFin
Active member
Ironically, someone recently posted over in the DIY section about first time drilling a tank. Drilled multiple holes pretty much spot on.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2620837
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2620837
Dundermifflin
New member
Depending on how they presented themselves (professionals or backyard builders) I would return the tank. Delivery of a tank should be in perfect condition.
islanddave
New member
Update..............received the replacement tank and here it is.
My dissatisfaction regarding this second tank can be seen in three aspects.
First issue has to due with the silicone job.
It has two large voids in the silicone on the front panel. One near the top on one side and one near the bottom on the other side. The one at the bottom almost spans the entire width of the thickness of the glass. The void is open to the outside, but is not on the inside due to the fillet. This one concerns me most due to the fact that there is more outwards pressure on the glass at this depth. Both are eye sores as well as being potential leak spots.
Second issue would be the overflow holes drilled in the tank.
Yes these holes are clean (no scalloping beyond the gasket surfaces like the first tank) And yes these hole were presumably drilled with a press. However they are not level. This makes installing and using the third party overflow box problematic. The external overflow box came with complete instructions and a template. For both tanks I provided them the box, template and instructions for both installations. Interestingly the first time they drilled holes they were level and the box fit really nicely. Not so with this tank.From what I can tell they did not measure properly, and or the template moved. Either way an error on their part.
Thirdly the trim looks like crap.
My original complaint with the trim was that it was of poor quality. Typical Maineland tank trims look like finely engineered space age carbon fibre materials compared to this stuff. Aside from that, this trim has been improperly siliconed so that it is uneven in two corners, with no way to remedy without removal, which would more than likely destroy the trim and could further damage the tank.
Furthermore to answer preemptively yes I did check the tank out. I checked it out as well as could be done at the time. Each tank comes to me covered in finger prints and a layer of dust, presumably from assembly and while sitting in the shop curing. Each tank was brought from delivery truck down stairs, where upon it takes a good hour or so to clean it off and check it out.
Thanks David
My dissatisfaction regarding this second tank can be seen in three aspects.
First issue has to due with the silicone job.
It has two large voids in the silicone on the front panel. One near the top on one side and one near the bottom on the other side. The one at the bottom almost spans the entire width of the thickness of the glass. The void is open to the outside, but is not on the inside due to the fillet. This one concerns me most due to the fact that there is more outwards pressure on the glass at this depth. Both are eye sores as well as being potential leak spots.
Second issue would be the overflow holes drilled in the tank.
Yes these holes are clean (no scalloping beyond the gasket surfaces like the first tank) And yes these hole were presumably drilled with a press. However they are not level. This makes installing and using the third party overflow box problematic. The external overflow box came with complete instructions and a template. For both tanks I provided them the box, template and instructions for both installations. Interestingly the first time they drilled holes they were level and the box fit really nicely. Not so with this tank.From what I can tell they did not measure properly, and or the template moved. Either way an error on their part.
Thirdly the trim looks like crap.
My original complaint with the trim was that it was of poor quality. Typical Maineland tank trims look like finely engineered space age carbon fibre materials compared to this stuff. Aside from that, this trim has been improperly siliconed so that it is uneven in two corners, with no way to remedy without removal, which would more than likely destroy the trim and could further damage the tank.
Furthermore to answer preemptively yes I did check the tank out. I checked it out as well as could be done at the time. Each tank comes to me covered in finger prints and a layer of dust, presumably from assembly and while sitting in the shop curing. Each tank was brought from delivery truck down stairs, where upon it takes a good hour or so to clean it off and check it out.
Thanks David
Attachments
islanddave
New member
islanddave
New member
Desert Sea
Member
What is the trim made out of? It almost looks as if its metal.
Potatohead
New member
Looks like wood, and they didn't fully stain the inside part of it? Weird.
islanddave
New member
No just plastic trim. What concerns the most are the gas bubbles. I am concerned that they are potential leak areas.
dlp211
New member
Ok, I need to know who this is because I am currently shopping around and getting quotes for my new 125g project. If not on the thread, can you PM me their name or name some companies that this isn't? I'm so sorry that you got such shitty work.
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