Proof is in the pudding? Releasing data on AIO tank longevity.

[Ross Petersen]

Late night thoughts:

Would it be in everyone's best interest if the big tank manufacturers many of us support released data on tank lifespan, average failure rates, etc.? Nothing too specific, just long-term data for particular makes and models?

Sure that could be bad for business in the short term. And maybe give ammo to the sensationalists out there (on both ends). But maybe it would do the contrary: increase customer confidence and help to promote positive product changes over time.

I'm seeing a lot of reports - from reputable folks whom I refuse to blanket classify as "haters" - of tank failures within the first few years.

Perhaps there's room for growth - thicker glass, tactful euro-bracing, new silicone technologies, better customer training with respect to tank setup, etc.

I've told my university and high school students to always use objective data in their lives... perhaps a bit more objectivity and fewer Facebook battles would benefit the reefing community.

Curious to get your take.

 

[Quietman]

Always like discussions like this, although I tend to be the defender of "the man"...my younger self would be surprised by that. Plus I'm usually more longer winded than my user name implies.

You didn't state which product segment so am assuming mid-level packaged systems and not mass produced entry level or custom built high end. I also set aside the higher proportion of negative responses to positive ones which skews perceptions.

Everyone's interest? Maybe it's in our hobbyist interest, but there has to be enough market driven motivation for the manufacturer to put money into long term multiple year studies that would be sufficient to use.

Not sure it's even practical as you'd have to define normal use over years.

I also think we are seeing 1 and 2 year limited warranties which I suspect would be their response to failure reports instead of longevity studies. There's market science behind warranties that makes that more attractive to them and benefits the consumer. Maybe not as much as with open data but still a benefit.

Their typical consumer is typically in the hobby for what...less than a year? Two at the most? A two year warranty sounds like a good thing to that consumer. If people start buying from only those companies who provide that level of support, you're more likely to see change.

I can also see the forums leading to increased long term success for the new hobbyist, which may lead to a demand for higher quality products as they stay in the hobby past the 2 year point in sufficient numbers to impact sales.

We do have premium tank manufacturers though that have longer term warranties. So maybe that segment satisfies the need. But they are higher priced and probably not for the entry level hobbyist.

 

[Ross Petersen]

Always like discussions like this, although I tend to be the defender of "the man"...my younger self would be surprised by that. Plus I'm usually more longer winded than my user name implies.

You didn't state which product segment so am assuming mid-level packaged systems and not mass produced entry level or custom built high end. I also set aside the higher proportion of negative responses to positive ones which skews perceptions.

Everyone's interest? Maybe it's in our hobbyist interest, but there has to be enough market driven motivation for the manufacturer to put money into long term multiple year studies that would be sufficient to use.

Not sure it's even practical as you'd have to define normal use over years.

I also think we are seeing 1 and 2 year limited warranties which I suspect would be their response to failure reports instead of longevity studies. There's market science behind warranties that makes that more attractive to them and benefits the consumer. Maybe not as much as with open data but still a benefit.

Their typical consumer is typically in the hobby for what...less than a year? Two at the most? A two year warranty sounds like a good thing to that consumer. If people start buying from only those companies who provide that level of support, you're more likely to see change.

I can also see the forums leading to increased long term success for the new hobbyist, which may lead to a demand for higher quality products as they stay in the hobby past the 2 year point in sufficient numbers to impact sales.

We do have premium tank manufacturers though that have longer term warranties. So maybe that segment satisfies the need. But they are higher priced and probably not for the entry level hobbyist.

I like your slant on thinking about the average customer. It's true, most people perhaps only stay around for a year or two.

For the higher end, premium all-in-one systems (over ~$2,000), I wonder if the warranties will extend beyond 2-3 years in the future. Perhaps people will push for this. Perhaps technology will advance these systems.

I suspect euro-bracing will come back in style. But I have no clue!