CAD-Lights 45g shallow reef? yay nay?

[MRRBW]

I've had several change of plans this past year, needless to say, condo life is dictating a downsize in tank. I'm wanting a nice overall tank that I can have the little bells and whistles without getting out of hand. The dimensions of this tank are very interesting and one of my favorite tanks has similar type dimensions. Question I guess is are there alternatives to the CAD aquarium that come as complete as this set up, are there any here who have it that love it or hate it?

 

[erinmegan85]

Someone else just asked about a CAD lights tank, so I'll chime in on this one too. I'm sure of other alternatives, but I would do research and find something other than a CAD lights tank. I have a 68 gallon Versa. The tank itself is beautiful and I like the stand it came with. Where things go way south is their customer service. It is the worst thing I have ever had to deal with. If something goes wrong plan on it taking months for it to be resolved. I see that you live in Canada, so I can imagine that if something went wrong with shipping or things being damaged during shipping it would be worse for you. They sent my tank to me without the sump or some of the plumbing, along with the glass lid that was supposed to come with it. After finally getting that straightened out, which took about a month, I got the sump and the missing pieces, and a smashed glass lid. I gave up at that point and didn't even contact them about the lid. They are impossible to get a hold of if you have an issue. They are absolutely terrible at responding to anything. I know I won't buy anything from them ever again, and I certainly won't recommend them to anybody. It's shame because they really do make a beautiful tank.

 

[MRRBW]

Someone else just asked about a CAD lights tank, so I'll chime in on this one too.

I read the other thread but didn't want to redirect it towards my own questions. I've red their customer support/service is either 5stars or subzero. I will most likely be ordering from a LFS that retails them, so hopefully servicing will be easier, but it's definitely a worry. The cost of the set-up and quality of the tank is really making think the risk is worth the reward. Living in a medium sized condo, I really want it to be a worthy piece to look at and not just another glass box. Thank you for your response though, definitely something I need to think about.

 

[erinmegan85]

. I will most likely be ordering from a LFS that retails them, so hopefully servicing will be easier, but it's definitely a worry.

The LFS will actually have the tank there to purchase or will order it from them to have it shipped to you? I only ask because we bought the tank online through a vendor, and still had issues. The vendor had just as much trouble trying to get in touch with them as we did, and all the could do was apologize for CAD lights crappy customer services. It was literally us and the vendor contacting them, and neither one of us got responses in a timely manner. Truly, if there is another company that makes a tank similar to the one that CAD lights makes I would go with them. Pay the extra money. Trust me, it's worth it.

 

[devin]

I have that tank I like the dimentions and the recessed glass lid. Stand is nice but doesn't come with instructions but assembles like something from ikea so fairly straight foreward. It's been drilled for emergency drain, plumbing was re done along with upgrading sump and return pump. Customer service is indeed really bad.

Before pulling the trigger I would look into a custom tank.

 

[MRRBW]

I've perused several forums and the consensus is pretty much the same regarding customer service. Seems such a shame, their tanks look great. I guess it's best to hold off for a bit and look around some more. Still super tempted to pull the trigger though...

 

[starfish8726]

I get your situation, I moved to a 2 bedroom apt. and got the 45g shallow, an I love it it fits perfectly. As for the customer service I received it in like 4 days everything came perfectly but maybe it's a hit or miss but i'd def recommend it if your trying to save space iv'e been getting alota compliments on it too good luck though.

 

[Esage]

I almost pulled the trigger on this tank. I was looking to downsize and loved the dimensions. After a lot of researching and sleepless nights, I went with the Innovative Marine Lagoon 50g.