Waterbox Dream turned Nightmare

[Veetz89]

I’m considering setting up another temporary emergency tank (since my primary qt is full of fish in treatment) & putting my rock in a brute with a pump. I know this kind of thing goes with the territory but, this is a relatively new tank bought brand new.

I hope everything works out before you leave!

 

[Natasha Mcvicker]

Something of sorts happen to me and my Waterbox 75.2. I had just started to fill up my overflow box up with water and got a leak at the bottom connection where the return pump line connects too. I email Waterbox and got Jessica... she was awesome. She emailed me overnight a replacement part for Saturday delivery. When I got the part I also saw that they put some extra epoxy around the part. I still love my Waterbox.

It is a beautiful tank. Waterbox has returned my email. Hopefully, today they can work some magic. Trying to stay positive but, I’m running out of time to make decisions & do what I’ll need to do. I have three days (after work )to pack & prep for vacation time!

 

[Daniel Ruiz]

It is a beautiful tank. Waterbox has returned my email. Hopefully, today they can work some magic. Trying to stay positive but, I’m running out of time to make decisions & do what I’ll need to do. I have three days (after work )to pack & prep for vacation time!

Is someone watching your tank for while you are away? The one thing that I have now is a wifi camera watching my sump. It's a Wyze Cam really good camera cost $27 for the one I have watching my sump and I have two other ones watching my front and back door. Those one that moves and cost $37. I totally forgot my story when I went away for a week, but I did have a person come feed the fish and cats every other day. I lost power 3 day into the week protein skimmer and return pump went off and never came back on. I didn't think of this scenario would happen so the person didn't think anything was wrong. Came back saw that my level was low in my display tank. A bubble film on the surface and temp was at 72 degrees (thank God it was the summer time) no fish or coral lost. Now the only thing I need not to go out is my wifi and I can watch my sump,turn off/on return pump and protein skimmer.

 

[Natasha Mcvicker]

Is someone watching your tank for while you are away? The one thing that I have now is a wifi camera watching my sump. It's a Wyze Cam really good camera cost $27 for the one I have watching my sump and I have two other ones watching my front and back door. Those one that moves and cost $37. I totally forgot my story when I went away for a week, but I did have a person come feed the fish and cats every other day. I lost power 3 day into the week protein skimmer and return pump went off and never came back on. I didn't think of this scenario would happen so the person didn't think anything was wrong. Came back saw that my level was low in my display tank. A bubble film on the surface and temp was at 72 degrees (thank God it was the summer time) no fish or coral lost. Now the only thing I need not to go out is my wifi and I can watch my sump,turn off/on return pump and protein skimmer.

I do have a camera I can use. That is a good idea. I just don’t know if I want to watch to flood that would ensue if I lost power. My house sitter will be there in the evening. So, if it happens during the day.... I think my insurance agent would disown us. They just replaced the flooring a few years back after a plumbing failure.

 

[Natasha Mcvicker]

So, an update on the Waterbox Nightmare.... Everything went fine while we were gone & props to my brother for going above & beyond for taking care of my water babies. Now, to the tank. After about a week of back & forth because email is the only way to talk with customer service they decided the tank is covered under warranty and a few days after that, shipped it. Today, I stayed home from work to receive it and it is only delivered to your door. They will not bring it in. So, I’ve had to hire a couple of guys to carry the 255 lb tank in my house for a second time ( not to mention I’ll have to schedule & pay that again when I transfer the tanks). It’s currently still on my porch til they get here. I opened the crate to take a look at the tank. This tank has worse silicone on it than the one I currently have! The old one at least looked good to start with before the silicone gave way. This one has 2-3 inch areas where the silicone is pulling away & where the bead was too thin. I’m not even bothering putting water in this thing. What are the odds that 2 tanks with this flaw came to only me (not likely)?How in the world did quality control allow this to go out? Especially, to someone replacing a tank with this exact issue? I attempted to call them but, they never answer. Now back to the email game. To make it worse the old tank has started a fun new way to leak water. I had to significantly lower the water volume over all to minimize the risk if/when I have a power outage or pump issue so the sump won’t overflow. Because of that I have to leave the valve fully open coming from the overflow to allow enough water for my return pump not to run dry. This causes a lot of turbulence in the first chamber of the sump which backs up daily because of the amount of sand & silt that makes its way in there & clogs the felt sock. It then bubbles over the side of the sump into the cabinet & eventually makes its way out under & around the tank. This happens slowly unfortunately & my floors are paying for it. My tank that once brought me so much serenity & joy is now just loud and a constant stresser. Instead of sitting & enjoying my tank I’m constantly checking for something going wrong & doing work on it. Instead of a hobby it’s become a second job. I’m fully regretting going with Waterbox over a RedSea.

 

[Natasha Mcvicker]

Not the best pic. Had to take it in the dark outside.

 

[Fishnut]

Thanks for sharing. I was debating which brand to buy also. You helped me make the decision and avoid some possible headaches.

 

[Daniel Ruiz]

Thanks for sharing. I was debating which brand to buy also. You helped me make the decision and avoid some possible headaches.

Dont forget nothing in this world is 100% , I have a Waterbox and very happy with them. I'm sure there are people who have the same problem with Red Sea. What it comes down we take risk when buying a product. They can have 4.5-5 stars but you will always find that 1 star review.

 

[infinite0180]

Sorry to hear that man. I saw recently that BRS removed them from their site. I wonder if it has to do with the quality of the tanks...

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Loc-tite brand sells aquarium safe silicone. I would get some and seal it up.

 

[Natasha Mcvicker]

Dont forget nothing in this world is 100% , I have a Waterbox and very happy with them. I'm sure there are people who have the same problem with Red Sea. What it comes down we take risk when buying a product. They can have 4.5-5 stars but you will always find that 1 star review.

I agree. The first time there was an issue it was frustrating but to receive a second item with the same issue is more than just a fluke. One would think they would have quality control check the replacement product well to at least provide a proper product the second time around. Especially, since time is an issue with this problem.

 

[Natasha Mcvicker]

Loc-tite brand sells aquarium safe silicone. I would get some and seal it up.

I will as long as there is assurance from them that it will not void warranty. I would really feel better if I cut the caulk lines & run two proper continuous beads. Sometimes caulk patches just aren’t as strong. We’ll see. I just shouldn’t have to. I would have bought a used tank and recaulked it for a third of the price otherwise.

 

[KrisReef]

I was hoping for a more positive update. Sorry this tank has been such a challenge.

 

[Fin]

I will as long as there is assurance from them that it will not void warranty. I would really feel better if I cut the caulk lines & run two proper continuous beads. Sometimes caulk patches just aren’t as strong. We’ll see. I just shouldn’t have to. I would have bought a used tank and recaulked it for a third of the price otherwise.

Silicone will not adhere to cured silicone, so you would need to completely cut out the old silicone - and get every bit of it off. Not something I would even consider on a brand new tank. I hope they make it good for you.

 

[Natasha Mcvicker]

Silicone will not adhere to cured silicone, so you would need to completely cut out the old silicone - and get every bit of it off. Not something I would even consider on a brand new tank. I hope they make it good for you.

I agree.

 

[Natasha Mcvicker]

I was hoping for a more positive update. Sorry this tank has been such a challenge.

Thanks. Me too. To be continued unfortunately.

 

[Wrasse-cal]

This is not ok. @Waterbox Aquariums, this person needs some extra help.

 

[Manny Tavan]

wow that silicone on a brand new tank looks terrible. They always brag about how good their silicone is. I'm going to inspect my 190.5 very closely when it gets delivered

 

[MnFish1]

Silicone will not adhere to cured silicone, so you would need to completely cut out the old silicone - and get every bit of it off. Not something I would even consider on a brand new tank. I hope they make it good for you.

But the new silicone will adhere to the glass where it isn't present (won't it)? BTW - I also wouldn't settle for this on a new tank - one suggestion - when you are receiving something like this have it scheduled to be shipped on a day when you're home - and you can open the crate while the person is still there - if there is a crack or flaw, etc - you can refuse delivery. If they just drop it off when you are not home - you may not have that right. Also BTW - every time I've received something like that I've had to sign for it that it was in 'good condition'. Some drivers have tried to tell me 'just sign the paper for delivery - but when you read it it says you accept responsibility for any damage - so I always unbox and look at it before accepting delivery. . Check with your shipping company.

 

[Fin]

But the new silicone will adhere to the glass where it isn't present (won't it)? BTW - I also wouldn't settle for this on a new tank - one suggestion - when you are receiving something like this have it scheduled to be shipped on a day when you're home - and you can open the crate while the person is still there - if there is a crack or flaw, etc - you can refuse delivery. If they just drop it off when you are not home - you may not have that right. Also BTW - every time I've received something like that I've had to sign for it that it was in 'good condition'. Some drivers have tried to tell me 'just sign the paper for delivery - but when you read it it says you accept responsibility for any damage - so I always unbox and look at it before accepting delivery. . Check with your shipping company.

Yes, but you need to be sure all traces of the old silicone is removed.