It is now time to talk of my tank disaster after waiting 18 months. My 500 gallon custom- built tank by Eddie from Cadlights was lost in a matter of minutes. Who knew what was beyond what the eye could see? It was admired by everyone lucky to see it. It was all deemed as a result of the manufacturing process. I was hoping that the company responsible would make good for the damage caused and huge loss incurred. After a conversation at the time of the disaster as well as several times thereafter, the responsible person/company has chosen to ignore messages, emails or promises offered. I have tried to ask them to "œwork with me".
This has left me no other alternative but to take to the forums to tell my story.
On March 21, 2014 this is what my wife walked into (650 gallons in total "“ tank and sump system):
Sand, rocks, dead coral and fish and 650 gallons of water throughout the downstairs of my home. I rushed home worried for risk of fire and electrocution , unable to conceive what I had just been told. My tank was slated to be on a tank tour with a write-up as it was pretty spectacular. Only pictures can show the scene of devastation:
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The front panel of ¾" starfire glass 96"x30" had come loose and blown out.
The house had just had a complete remodel. Everything was new from structure to furnishings. Being a longtime hobbyist, some of the livestock I had had for several years; the oldest being two Tomato Clowns which were 12 years old. NOTHING survived. I dedicated several hours per week to keep my tank and systems running in pristine condition.
The saltwater is considered black water (sewage water) due to the presence of livestock AND thus the whole bottom of the house had to be gutted to stud level and rebuilt. Some of the loss included home furnishings , AI lighting system, Apex system, chiller, Tunze pumps, tank cabinets to name a few of the pricey losses.
An engineer has determined that the cause of failure was all in the manufacture of the tank.
We lived in a hotel for 4 months while the house was being rebuilt. Sounds like fun for the first week. It was sheer stress on our marriage and disruptive to daily living.
To date I still do not have a tank and Cadlights has still not given me any compensation which runs into thousands of dollars. It's a pity that I only found out after the fact as to how many problems this company has and the poor reviews it continues to sustain. I hope you research all options when it comes to purchasing supposed custom built and expensive products.
I am a reasonable person and would have hoped for some resolution and compensation after all this time. It is still not too late for Cadlights to resolve this and make right.
They have my number.
This has left me no other alternative but to take to the forums to tell my story.
On March 21, 2014 this is what my wife walked into (650 gallons in total "“ tank and sump system):

Sand, rocks, dead coral and fish and 650 gallons of water throughout the downstairs of my home. I rushed home worried for risk of fire and electrocution , unable to conceive what I had just been told. My tank was slated to be on a tank tour with a write-up as it was pretty spectacular. Only pictures can show the scene of devastation:


[IM[/IMG]

The front panel of ¾" starfire glass 96"x30" had come loose and blown out.
The house had just had a complete remodel. Everything was new from structure to furnishings. Being a longtime hobbyist, some of the livestock I had had for several years; the oldest being two Tomato Clowns which were 12 years old. NOTHING survived. I dedicated several hours per week to keep my tank and systems running in pristine condition.
The saltwater is considered black water (sewage water) due to the presence of livestock AND thus the whole bottom of the house had to be gutted to stud level and rebuilt. Some of the loss included home furnishings , AI lighting system, Apex system, chiller, Tunze pumps, tank cabinets to name a few of the pricey losses.
An engineer has determined that the cause of failure was all in the manufacture of the tank.
We lived in a hotel for 4 months while the house was being rebuilt. Sounds like fun for the first week. It was sheer stress on our marriage and disruptive to daily living.
To date I still do not have a tank and Cadlights has still not given me any compensation which runs into thousands of dollars. It's a pity that I only found out after the fact as to how many problems this company has and the poor reviews it continues to sustain. I hope you research all options when it comes to purchasing supposed custom built and expensive products.
I am a reasonable person and would have hoped for some resolution and compensation after all this time. It is still not too late for Cadlights to resolve this and make right.
They have my number.