Question about the quality of my custom aquarium

[n240sxle91]

Hello, I'm hoping to get some input on a new custom acrylic aquarium I just got. This is my second acrylic tank. The first was a 360 gallon from Acrylic Tank Manufacturing about 15 years ago, so I'm not new to custom acrylic aquariums.

My new one is a 180 gallon "L" shaped aquarium. I gave very clear blueprints for the dimensions, but there are several spots that are off by an inch or so. I'm also not real happy with the seams in a few spots. They look a little sloppy to me, and one spot has some tiny bubbles. My old aquarium has perfect looking seams. Another issue is the overflow in the corner comes out further than it was supposed to, so now it won't be hidden behind some brickwork that's on the wall. There was a hole drilled in the top that is in the wrong location, and finally one of the baffles in the custom sump they built is 1.5" too high. I have not talked to the company/guy who made it yet, because I wanted input from you guys first. I also don't want to name who built it until after I talk to them, because if they take care of me I don't want negative info about them online.

I paid $3400 for it, and feel like at that price it should be near perfect. I just don't understand how the dimensions can be off when very clear blueprints were given. I was told if they had any questions during the build that they would contact me, and they never contacted me. Am I out of line for wanting them to rebuild the aquarium the way I ordered it? Thanks for any input you have, and if you had a similar issue how did you deal with it?

Thanks!

 

[FUNGI]

Sir,.....
For 3400.00, it should be 100% according to your blueprint, especially with a bespoke design. I would work it out with the manufacturer.

 

[FUNGI]

I looked at it in detail and they didn't even dress the edges.....very sloppy work.

 

[n240sxle91]

I looked at it in detail and they didn't even dress the edges.....very sloppy work.

I totally agree with you. My concern is that they are going to say "sorry, not sorry", and I'm going to be left with no real options. Again, I haven't talked to them yet because I want to look at this from all angles, and make sure I'm calm and rational about the whole thing. My hope is that they say "we'll make it right, and we apologize for not having it 100% right off the bat". However, as I said earlier, my concern is they're not going to take any ownership of their mistakes. Kind of have a knot in my stomach knowing how much I paid, and how much I'm not happy with this product.

Has anyone had any luck dealing with custom acrylic manufactures in the past that made a mistake with your order? How did they deal with it? How did you deal with them?

 

[FUNGI]

I mean you paid for a Maserati and received a Chrysler TC....Did you pay via credit card? as you will have options....but discuss with the guy first....

 

[FUNGI]

Fair Credit Billing Act

https://www.nclc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Your_Credit_Card_Rights-1.pdf

 

[n240sxle91]

Unfortunately, I paid cash to shave off a little on the price.

 

[FUNGI]

ouch.....
anyway, in the world we live in now, if its a known manufacturer, you always have the social media threat.....
but again, call the guy and tell him about the inaccuracies in the build ....he will most likely say that he will refund you a partial......but that doesn't address the problem....good luck with whatever you decide to do.....

 

[DETANE]

Unfortunately, I paid cash to shave off a little on the price.

BBB and lastly you can always file a lawsuit against them and or seek meditation.

I had issues with one builder in the past and basically it came down to them either building me a new tank or refunding me. I literally had to go to their shop in person because they kept dodging me and telling me that the own wasn’t there. The look on their faces when I called from the parking and the receptionist said he wasn’t there, and I responded, “Sure he is, I’m look right at him standing next to you” . When I walked into the shop the owner offered me a discount and built the tank without flaw. Said he would personally build it and inspect it.

Hopefully my experience can help you in some way.

 

[VintageReefer]

I would expect perfection at that price. not being a jerk. But seams and measurements - the most important things - should be perfect.

 

[Jmp998]

I'm no expert-but that looks sloppy at best and I would not even consider many of those edges finished. If the size is not even correct, then really poor craftsmanship. Sorry you will be dealing with this headache on what should be a happy new tank day.

 

[frydaddy]

Hope that’s not Chris’ work.

 

[n240sxle91]

I'm no expert-but that looks sloppy at best and I would not even consider many of those edges finished. If the size is not even correct, then really poor craftsmanship. Sorry you will be dealing with this headache on what should be a happy new tank day.

Fungi, VintageReefer, Jmp998, and Frydaddy.... thank you all for your thoughts and input on this. I really appreciate it. Jmp998, you hit the nail on the head with this being a headache when it should be a happy new tank day. I hate being that guy who says something isn't good enough. I never send food back, and I always try to just "deal with it". However, this time I know if I say nothing I'm going to be disappointed every time I look at the tank. Ugh.

I at least feel better that it's not just in my head, and I'm not being overly picky. I'll update you all after I've talked with them and let you know how it goes. If you can think of anything that will help my conversation please let me know!

 

[fishguy242]

Documentation and pics will help you

 

[smitten with ocean life]

what a bummer. yeah esp if youre going to hate it everytime you look at it, i would figure something else out. sorry for you! hopefully they will make it right. you never know anymore.....

 

[Jmp998]

Fungi, VintageReefer, Jmp998, and Frydaddy.... thank you all for your thoughts and input on this. I really appreciate it. Jmp998, you hit the nail on the head with this being a headache when it should be a happy new tank day. I hate being that guy who says something isn't good enough. I never send food back, and I always try to just "deal with it". However, this time I know if I say nothing I'm going to be disappointed every time I look at the tank. Ugh.

I at least feel better that it's not just in my head, and I'm not being overly picky. I'll update you all after I've talked with them and let you know how it goes. If you can think of anything that will help my conversation please let me know!

Good luck I hope it works out. I agree this is such a long term investment in terms of time, energy, money that it's best to try to resolve as much as possible now rather than regretting for a long time. I'm sure you can make a beautiful tank out of it regardless, but I hope you are able to get the builder to make it right.

 

[Tcook]

I hate being that guy who says something isn't good enough.

You aren’t that guy. This is complete amateur hour built in someone’s garage. I would be fuming.

 

[n240sxle91]

You aren’t that guy. This is complete amateur hour built in someone’s garage. I would be fuming.

I appreciate you saying that. I still feel like that guy, but I hear you.

 

[frydaddy]

I would expect higher quality than what you received. Would be tough to be in your shoes as my aquariums are for relieving stress not adding to it.

 

[dmowrer018]

Wow. Unbelievable. I’m sorry you’re going through this. For $3400, that tank should be pristine. I don’t know much about Acrylic tanks, but with that shabby work, I’d be concerned if it’s even gonna hold water. I had my 300 gallon glass aquarium custom made, and I had a great experience with that company. They had called me many times to consult and ask me questions throughout the build. When the tank finally showed up at my driveway I had noticed one thing wrong with it, the returns or drilled holes were in the wrong place. They were off by many inches. They ended up following one of the wrong blueprints. I called them right away and explained what my concerns were and they had admitted to their mistake. I was faced with a few options and let’s just say, I ended up keeping the tank and received quite a refund along with other products. I’m only telling you this story because, it never hurts to call and talk to them. Express your concerns and maybe they will work with you. Hope it turns out well for you.