New tank with gaps / bubbles in silicone seam

[fabianghost]

Can you guys help me? I am panicking a little bit, I just got this custom aquarium delivered yesterday.

I have been waiting for 4 weeks to get it and was super exited to receive it so when i finally helped get it in the bed room (on the first floor) i did not think much of inspecting it, i was just happy it has finally arrived and i handed the money over.

Is this acceptable craftsmanship ? Should have i refused payment?

A local Romanian aquarium company made it for me, when i send the picture and they look at it i got told that it happened while the silicone was drying and that is not a big deal since i have a 2 year warranty, well my problem is that i want it to last more then 2 years.

Is this tank going to fail? ( the "gap" is in the bottom 10% of the tank, just above the bottom rim ).

 

[Jasongtr]

I bought a custom tank through my lfs, wasnt as bad as that but i still took it back for a refund, i wasnt prepared to take any risk when the tank didnt have anything in it, id always be worried it would of let go. Ended up buying a new tank elsewhere

 

[exnisstech]

That looks like crap. I can't say that it will fail but I can say I would be demanding a refund or replacement. I wouldn't be able to stand looking at it everyday. Hopefully you paid with The CC so you have some recourse.

 

[Derrick0580]

I would demand replacement or full refund. 2 year warranty isn’t going to cover repair costs when it gives out and covers and ruins everything around the tank!

 

[diverjm]

In my opinion that is unacceptable. Why go through the potential catastrophe of having a tank fail and all that comes with that. It sounds like they are being lazy and need a push from the customer.

 

[jabberwock]

Yeah, I agree with the previous posts. The fact that you are asking the question answers it. Don't settle for poor quality.

 

[drukkosz]

Do not accept tank like that. Thats just crap! They say its not a big deal? hahha so they can keep it and shop somewhere else.
I would not be able to look at this everyday. They have to get you a new one or refund your money. They should take a pride in building custom tanks. Clearly they just want to make quick $.

I had similar issue with my Planet Aquarium tank. Check my build thread post #8. Unacceptable

Build Thread - Drukkosz upgrade - something little different

Hello all, With last year purchase of a dream house it was also a time for a new tank as well. It has been a crazy journey that I have been working for over 7 months now. Didn’t really have a plan at the beginning so was modifying things as I went. Main goals: 150g premium crystalline...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Uncle99]

That’s not correct.
I would expect a good custom manufacturer would know that.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Can you guys help me? I am panicking a little bit, I just got this custom aquarium delivered yesterday.

I have been waiting for 4 weeks to get it and was super exited to receive it so when i finally helped get it in the bed room (on the first floor) i did not think much of inspecting it, i was just happy it has finally arrived and i handed the money over.

Is this acceptable craftsmanship ? Should have i refused payment?

A local Romanian aquarium company made it for me, when i send the picture and they look at it i got told that it happened while the silicone was drying and that is not a big deal since i have a 2 year warranty, well my problem is that i want it to last more then 2 years.

Is this tank going to fail? ( the "gap" is in the bottom 10% of the tank, just above the bottom rim ).

Poorest worksmanship ive seen in years and is UNacceptable and they can replace with better tank Or Get your money back. How can manufacturer and retailer NOT see this

 

[fabianghost]

Oh my GOD, well we do have a contract, i don't know if this is the right place, can you guys tell me if i have any legal power here? ( pic of contract ).

I have paid in full, mostly by bank transfer and the rest with cash and since i have a debit card not a CC the bank will be not be much help ( in the past they tell me they can't undo a transfer, unless the other person accept/approve of it ).

It's called a written agreement i believe.

Should i go to a lawyer?

 

[fabianghost]

What do you think of this?

 

[fabianghost]

Ok guys i left a bad review ( lots of detail ), and i have contacted a lawyer that does consumer protection in my area and will meet him tomorrow or the day after.

I will keep you guys up to date by replying to this thread and hopefully be able to show you some results when i finally manage to get a hold of him.

What a trip this is going to be, when this was supposed to be my dream tank.
Thanks tons for the advice!

 

[drukkosz]

Did you contact the manufacture? what did they say?

 

[fabianghost]

Did you contact the manufacture? what did they say?

They said that i am entitled only to repair/replacement and how they go about is their choice and only if it can't be repaired then i can get a refund since it's a "made to order" product.

I check the law and that seems correct, i have no protection in terms of refund ( like a 14 day right to request that they give my money back ), and even with defective product received i have to give them a opportunity to repair it.

The law in Europe ("If goods you bought anywhere in the EU turn out to be faulty or do not look or work as advertised, the seller must repair or replace them free of charge or give you a price reduction or a full refund. You can usually only ask for a partial or full refund when it is not possible to repair or replace the goods.")

They say that they will repair it ( will inject silicone with a syringe in the seem ).

My problem is that new silicon does not bond to old one i think ( it's the same type ).

What do you think?

 

[drukkosz]

If repair/replacement are your only option I would ask for replacement. I would not want them to "repair" the current tank. I would not trust it and new silicone doesn't bond to old one. Not sure if you saw my build threat but you can see how much trouble I went with mine.

 

[drukkosz]

Keep us updated.

 

[Uncle99]

I’d go for the repair to start, see what it looks like.

 

[fabianghost]

If repair/replacement are your only option I would ask for replacement. I would not want them to "repair" the current tank. I would not trust it and new silicone doesn't bond to old one. Not sure if you saw my build threat but you can see how much trouble I went with mine.

I’d go for the repair to start, see what it looks like.

I don't think i get to choose the replacement option...

( "You can choose whether to have a defective product repaired or replaced, unless your choice turns out to be impossible or disproportionately expensive for the seller. ( it kind of is considering it's a custom made product and he stated that he "does not have what to do with it" )

What i can do is cancel the purchase contract for unacceptable quality and dubious chances of the repair lasting a long time ( i hope as i can see that it's a nightmare to deal with a bad aquarium in your post ).
And it's an eye sore!?

I mean guys look at this photos ??????? bank note? in the gap between the pieces of glass ( no force was used ), i have looked at the internet for a very long time now and i have yet to find a tank as shameful as this.

I have no choice but to go thru with my lawyer appointment ( Friday morning from the looks of it ), because this is crazy... i am ashamed i ever even considered of accepting this glass pile as an aquarium.

 

[GatorGreg]

Gotta remember guys a lot of us are spoiled Americans in sue happy United States. The guy or gal is in Romania. Things may be a tad different there. You might be in a tight spot here OP depending on how your consumer protection laws work and how much your local courts would even care about a matter such as this.

 

[Uncle99]

I don't think i get to choose the replacement option...

( "You can choose whether to have a defective product repaired or replaced, unless your choice turns out to be impossible or disproportionately expensive for the seller. ( it kind of is considering it's a custom made product and he stated that he "does not have what to do with it" )

What i can do is cancel the purchase contract for unacceptable quality and dubious chances of the repair lasting a long time ( i hope as i can see that it's a nightmare to deal with a bad aquarium in your post ).
And it's an eye sore!?

I mean guys look at this photos ??????? bank note? in the gap between the pieces of glass ( no force was used ), i have looked at the internet for a very long time now and i have yet to find a tank as shameful as this.

I have no choice but to go thru with my lawyer appointment ( Friday morning from the looks of it ), because this is crazy... i am ashamed i ever even considered of accepting this glass pile as an aquarium.

If you have no choice (except legal) then you have little to lose to see “their” repair. They fill cracks in windshields so you see nothing so they may be able to help you more than you think.
Then after repair, if your not happy you can sue, but this is expensive and difficult because they are likely not in breach of the terms.