Reefsavvy's Ghost Overflow: Patent Pending?

[Steel_Wind]

Side note the Ghost is on hold until spring 2014. Seems the current design dosn't allow for enough profit margin so a redesign / mold will be used on future production with new pricing. This information could be incorrect but is what I was told.

I will either remain with a glass-holes 1500 or look into having something custom made to use my existing 2 drilled holes.

This is beyond disappointing.

Local guys contacted Reef Savvy last week and they were told April/May 2014, but nothing is etched in stone.

I infer that production is being switched to a mold based system and, presumably, is being manufactured in China and shipping times must be factored in. *sigh*

The two major European small footprint overflows remain exactly that -- European and essentially unavailable in North America. Consequently, my tank build has been brought to a screeching halt over this issue. Really, really unhappy about this.

 

[NeveSSL]

I know all of Reef Savvy products are made in the US. I seriously doubt they're moving production to China.

Brandon

 

[Steel_Wind]

I know all of Reef Savvy products are made in the US. I seriously doubt they're moving production to China.

Brandon

You may be right, but given that all of their other products are essentially custom built products and this is their first "mass market" (read, larger scale niche market) product, I would not at all be surprised if they moved production offshore to increase margin and lower price.

Because frankly, that's what they should do. At $210-$220, the overflow is overpriced.

At $100-$160 after adding a few more model sizes, I don't have much doubt that it would own the market. Given the cost of std in-tank overflows at about $75-$85 with the cover, why would you seriously buy anything else if you could get a small Ghost for $100-$120?

You might be able to come up with a few, but you'd have to go carefully looking for reasons first, imo.

At this point, I just want to be able to buy one!

 

[B0red04]

I just got my 16" the other day. It's really nice. But i dont see how it not profitable, there $200 for some acrylic. If they already have the tools and experience of working with acrylic. one person could build dozens of these in one day. theres not that much to them.

 

[SeedlessOne]

This is beyond disappointing.

Local guys contacted Reef Savvy last week and they were told April/May 2014, but nothing is etched in stone.

I infer that production is being switched to a mold based system and, presumably, is being manufactured in China and shipping times must be factored in. *sigh*

The two major European small footprint overflows remain exactly that -- European and essentially unavailable in North America. Consequently, my tank build has been brought to a screeching halt over this issue. Really, really unhappy about this.

What European manufacturers makes small footprint overflow boxes? I can't wait until April for my overflow. I still don't get why they are not selling more of these ghost overflows. Pretty dumb IMO. I agree they are overpriced but I would gladly drop the cash down just to get one now. It's not like they are losing out on these things. It's just some acrylic for crying out loud.

 

[NeveSSL]

You guys who know so much about acrylic manufacturing should really start your own companies since its so easy and you can build dozens of boxes a day.

Brandon

 

[Huntor0]

Reef Savvy is a Great group of folks I really like Felix and the folks I have spoken with there over the years, I even have 2 reef savvy tanks. But sadly they are a victim of their own success. And with the way I was recently treated by them over the Ghost issue I will be looking to other manufacturers when I make purchases in the future (including my current 180 build).

 

[SeedlessOne]

You guys who know so much about acrylic manufacturing should really start your own companies since its so easy and you can build dozens of boxes a day.

Brandon

Brandon please don't take this the wrong way as I mean no foul. But maybe you should stop acting like these are hand made/cut and takes 4 days to make one. There is obliviously other reasons for the delay. My guess, it's outsourcing for a higher profit. :beer:

 

[NeveSSL]

I understand what you're saying, and no offense is taken. I also mean no foul. The problem is that they are assembled by hand, as is everything else that Reef Savvy and Syngergy do. Does it take 4 days to build one? Nope, definitely agree with you. Is this the only thing they build? Nope, this may be where the issue lies. I would guess it takes about 3 to 4 hours to cut one out and put it together. Keep in mind there are two boxes and the magnetic lid to assemble. To do it so that things are perfect is not a quick process. Have you ever tried to glue acrylic? It can be very challenging making sure everything is lined up perfectly and that you don't get glue everywhere. Not to mention finishing the edges. There is no way to make dozens of these a day by hand with one person.

Brandon

 

[MK]

What you guys think about this?
Very interesting...

CNC laser cutters are not the right tool for the job and here is why: Laser cutters/engravers cut acrylic sheet material/stock with a very hot beam of light which "burns" a very narrow cut through the acrylic with a nice shiny edge. You might be thinking what's wrong with that "¦shiny edges look great! Wrong, And here is why; when an industrial laser cuts through acrylic sheet stock the edge and face of the acrylic material becomes hot enough to liquefy said material followed by a rapid cooling process. This liquefying and cooling process results in excessive and unnecessary internal stress within the newly cut acrylic material. Is this a problem? The answer is no "œif" and only "œif" you don't intend to solvent weld (glue) the newly cut edge to any other vertical component (wall) of the overall sump assembly. The fact of the matter, however, is that nearly every permanent connection, or joint, involving a cut edge abutted against a flat surface of the overall acrylic sump assembly is solvent welded. The solvent we use to chemically weld (glue) sump components together is of the absolute highest quality, assuring that each and every joint that is a critical part of the overall sump assembly is as strong and durable as the surrounding acrylic material itself. When solvent is used to join a laser cut acrylic face to an uncut flat acrylic panel surface, the solvent welding process creates unavoidable, and unnecessary stress and strain within the final joint creating thousands of micro cracks throughout the joint itself. This phenomenon is called crazing and is documented in any number of technical engineering studies that address the practice of using solvents to adjoin acrylic materials utilizing laser cut joints. Said studies also confirm that crazing effectively weakens acrylic materials with time. Additionally, the problem of crazing can be significantly worsened when sumps/tanks are assembled with laser cut joints and cleaned with any alcohol-based cleaners. Finally, and in addition to the above-stated problem of crazing, CNC laser cuts do "œnot" allow for sharp 90 degree edges at any given joint between acrylic assembly components which seriously compromises the physical solvent welding process.

 

[dukduk]

Are they talking about impact/bullet resistant glass!?

 

[NeveSSL]

There are a ton of acrylic companies using laser CNC to cut out their products. There are too many variables to make a blanket statement such as "it doesn't work well because of crazing". Temp of the laser, density and even color of the acrylic, etc. I'm sure its not perfect, but I'm also sure its more than fine for our uses. In a sense, I can't see how its not, seeing as its been used for a long time in our hobby.

Brandon

 

[MK]

There are a ton of acrylic companies using laser CNC to cut out their products. There are too many variables to make a blanket statement such as "it doesn't work well because of crazing". Temp of the laser, density and even color of the acrylic, etc. I'm sure its not perfect, but I'm also sure its more than fine for our uses. In a sense, I can't see how its not, seeing as its been used for a long time in our hobby.

Brandon

You're talking about whole industry or aquarium products only?
If aquarium then filter socks holders, auto top off brackets, probe holders and other gadgets or aquariums and sumps?

 

[NeveSSL]

I'm talking just about aquarium products, namely sumps and other custom fab'ed items. When I look at Avast Marine, MRC, Trigger, Synergy, etc., most of their items are laser cut.

Brandon

 

[MK]

I'm talking just about aquarium products, namely sumps and other custom fab'ed items. When I look at Avast Marine, MRC, Trigger, Synergy, etc., most of their items are laser cut.

Brandon

So it means there's nothing to worry about, good!
Anyway I believe that companies mentioned above have good insurance in case of product fail.
One of my friends neighbor (floor below) has few million dollar arts on the same wall where's my friends tank placed lol
He flooded his ceiling once already that's why he know

 

[NeveSSL]

I don't think there's anything to worry about. I'm sure its not a perfect process but perfect processes are rarely needed with anything.

A few million dollars of art... I would be constantly nervous something would happen to it!

Brandon

 

[NeveSSL]

Reef Savvy is a Great group of folks I really like Felix and the folks I have spoken with there over the years, I even have 2 reef savvy tanks. But sadly they are a victim of their own success. And with the way I was recently treated by them over the Ghost issue I will be looking to other manufacturers when I make purchases in the future (including my current 180 build).

Which two reef savvy tanks do you have?

Brandon

 

[SeedlessOne]

What upsets me is how I read about other people still getting these overflows. Is reef savvy picking favorites now? I've sent several emails to get on the "list" and I get no response. I hate to act entitled, but get your story correct. Don't tease with a product and them string people on. Bad business.

 

[flamron]

I just bought three more. They deliver next week. Lolz

 

[SeedlessOne]

Please tell me you are trolling me right now.