SC aquarium Revisiting

[Devisissy]

So back when I first got this tank I found an extremely questionable seam on the tank. I could get my finger in it and feel the edge of the glass. I wanted a replacement but owner refused and told me the tank was "fine". It was set up for five months before I had to take it apart because we moved. So I just want to revisit this tank seam before I trust it on my brand new floors.

There is sand under the seam now. I am able to pick it out with my finger but these pieces are wedged between the two panes of glass. And the seam is much larger than before. The right way to handle this would have been to give me a replacement back when I showed photos. Now it's past warranty I'm sure or I will just be told it's "fine".

So is it "fine"?

 

[ryshark]

I’m not even sure what I’m looking at. Is that the bottom inside panel?

 

[VintageReefer]

I am no expert but my gut says absolutely not fine. But possibly easily fixable. The silicone you feel is not for holding the tank together. It’s for keeping water away from the actual seam and actual silicone that holds the panels together. This might just need some aquarium silicone to make it water tight again. But as is, I wouldn’t trust it long term

 

[Devisissy]

I’m not even sure what I’m looking at. Is that the bottom inside panel?

Bottom and back wall.

 

[Devisissy]

I am no expert but my gut says absolutely not fine. But possibly easily fixable. The silicone you feel is not for holding the tank together. It’s for keeping water away from the actual seam and actual silicone that holds the panels together. This might just need some aquarium silicone to make it water tight again. But as is, I wouldn’t trust it long term

Do I have to do the whole seam? Or can I just clean that real good and squeeze some in there. I was going to go bare bottom so it can't look horrible. Or do you think I should reach out to that guy again? The SC guy.

 

[Devisissy]

His answer to me was to keep an eye on it for bubbes but that's difficult when the panel is on the bottom and the back is painted black. I told him that three times but he didn't listen.

 

[Mattiejay6]

I would argue.. may be fine for now.. months to years from now may be an issue.. not paying 1k + for a tank with a subpar seam

 

[VintageReefer]

I would have them replace or repair

Is it warrantied ?

 

[Devisissy]

I would have them replace or repair

Is it warrantied ?

It was but the guy at SC refused the exchange or replacement. We just moved into a new house so I'm at a point where I can make a decision on either keeping this thing or saving up for a new tank.

 

[ryshark]

It was but the guy at SC refused the exchange or replacement. We just moved into a new house so I'm at a point where I can make a decision on either keeping this thing or saving up for a new tank.

How long ago did you buy it?

 

[Devisissy]

How long ago did you buy it?

11/15/2023

After noticing it after a test fill I immediately contacted them and showed them many many photos. He insisted on me flipping the aquarium over and taking photos of the bottom. Even though it is only a 90 gallon I can not, even with the help of another person, move this tank. He kept telling me it was fine, and I saved all the emails. So if the unthinkable would happen my lawyer would have something to work with. I am at the point in this hobby where I realize, more than half of these companies are crap. They do the bare minimum to make money and no more or less. So it's like, how much do I want to fight over it? I should have bought the dang waterbox. It just I had all this equipment I wanted to use. I think I might just save up and buy something else.

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

11/15/2023

After noticing it after a test fill I immediately contacted them and showed them many many photos. He insisted on me flipping the aquarium over and taking photos of the bottom. Even though it is only a 90 gallon I can not, even with the help of another person, move this tank. He kept telling me it was fine, and I saved all the emails. So if the unthinkable would happen my lawyer would have something to work with. I am at the point in this hobby where I realize, more than half of these companies are crap. They do the bare minimum to make money and no more or less. So it's like, how much do I want to fight over it? I should have bought the dang waterbox. It just I had all this equipment I wanted to use. I think I might just save up and buy something else.

I am really sorry you feel this way. it's really hard when in a difficult situation. Not all companies exist to make money. It is important to be profitable to stay in business, yes. I dont know anything about this company nor want to make any suggestions. I have heard many great things about this company and I am sure they will support you. I only know our company and what drives me to do what I do.

Must have a good balance between financial growth and caring. You can care yourself out of business just as you can focus on $$$ too much and do the same thing. Must have balance.

I like to ask two simple questions when building a culture. 1, Would I work at the company? 2, Would I buy from the company. I have used those two simple questions to guide building an internal and external culture.

My only goal in replying is to share general hope with you in the companies that support this hobby.

 

[bigbugoutfitters]

Hmmm. Currently looking at getting a sc 150. It seems like half the posts i see involving tanks @Joe Glass Cages comes upMight just have to give you guys a call if some extra work comes in! That being said, it seems like most of reviews ive seen for scaquariums have been pretty good for a budget tank. Hopefully you are able to remedy this! Wish i was closer, id be glad to give you a hand flipping it upside down.

 

[bigbugoutfitters]

I actually saw you are located in “the inland northwest” pretty broad area but if you are within a few hours of NW montana id be happy to help out!

 

[ryshark]

Hmmm. Currently looking at getting a sc 150. It seems like half the posts i see involving tanks @Joe Glass Cages comes upMight just have to give you guys a call if some extra work comes in! That being said, it seems like most of reviews ive seen for scaquariums have been pretty good for a budget tank. Hopefully you are able to remedy this! Wish i was closer, id be glad to give you a hand flipping it upside down.

I've had 2x SCA tanks with no issues. But I also don't have silicone lifting up, I understand how that could be worrisome. My current SCA tank is about 5-years old and still in good shape.

 

[ryshark]

Do I have to do the whole seam? Or can I just clean that real good and squeeze some in there. I was going to go bare bottom so it can't look horrible. Or do you think I should reach out to that guy again? The SC guy.

Is his name Steve?

 

[PharmrJohn]

Hmmm. Currently looking at getting a sc 150. It seems like half the posts i see involving tanks @Joe Glass Cages comes upMight just have to give you guys a call if some extra work comes in! That being said, it seems like most of reviews ive seen for scaquariums have been pretty good for a budget tank. Hopefully you are able to remedy this! Wish i was closer, id be glad to give you a hand flipping it upside down.

Glass Cages is a quality outfit. And Joe is a great person to work with. Their product is more expensive than others, but you really do get what you pay for. And the options available are seemingly endless. Visit their website (on a computer, not your phone) and see what they have to offer. I'm going this route for two reasons. The first is quality (primary reason). The second is variety. The vast majority of their product is made to order. And what I want dimension wise (48x39x25) is not available other than a custom job.

 

[Fish Fan]

Is his name Steve?

"Steve C." is who I get replies from when I have reached out to SC Aquariums a few times in the past now.

This thread stinks lol! I have been really, really planning on getting an SC Aquariums tank during the expected upcoming Black Friday sale. I get that they are Chinese made, imported, and "budget", but this is what I can just maybe afford right now....

I absolutely love Glass Cages based on my research and from what I've read here at R2R. And I aspire to own one of their tanks, but I am on a very tight budget, and I just don't think I can even come close to affording a Glass Cages tank with the dimensions of the SC Aquariums tank I'm hoping to buy. But, this is a case of budget vs. the premium option.

I am no expert but my gut says absolutely not fine. But possibly easily fixable. The silicone you feel is not for holding the tank together. It’s for keeping water away from the actual seam and actual silicone that holds the panels together. This might just need some aquarium silicone to make it water tight again. But as is, I wouldn’t trust it long term

VR, I'm a fan of yours, I respect you very much as an experienced reefer, and you've helped me in the past, but I really disagree with repairing this seem. I have resealed A LOT of standard aquariums (never a contemporary new aquarium), and I consider myself pretty good at it. I don't believe you can really repair a small portion of a seam. I typically remove ALL the silicon from a tank, and reseal the whole thing.

Furthermore, one of the selling points of these newer tanks is the slick silicon job. I don't see how the OP or anyone would be alright with beautiful, slick silicon seams for like 97% of the tank, and then there would be this rather ugly, DIY repaired section in one spot? I couldn't live with that, every time I looked at the tank my eyes would go immediately to the repair, and I would wonder why I spent so much money on a new tank.

Again, that's just how I feel

This came up recently in another thread and @vetteguy53081 said he had instructions for how to do this (repair a small section of seam). If you're out there Vette, I'd love to see your instructions. I just don't get how you can first of all spot repair a seam, and secondly make it look even halfway decent, but my ears are open if you guys know how ;-)

Thanks guys, and best of luck to the OP!

 

[Fish Fan]

11/15/2023

After noticing it after a test fill I immediately contacted them and showed them many many photos. He insisted on me flipping the aquarium over and taking photos of the bottom. Even though it is only a 90 gallon I can not, even with the help of another person, move this tank.

In retrospect, would you have unpacked the tank and given it a good look over before "signing off" on the freight shipment? Even if the truck driver was trying to get you to sign immediately? Is this not what we should do on any tank?

Does anyone know if there's an option to just refuse a tank if it shows up scratched or damaged (before signing for the freight shipping form, of course?

I'm sorry, I don't mean to post over the OP's thread, but I have been planning on purchasing a larger SC Aquariums tank - basically my *realistic* dream tank - so this thread is of particular interest to me.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[VintageReefer]

VR, I'm a fan of yours, I respect you very much as an experienced reefer, and you've helped me in the past, but I really disagree with repairing this seem.

You don’t have to flatter me! We actually agree! In retrospect I wasn’t as clear as I could have been

1) I admit this is out of my wheelhouse
2) I agree this is absolutely not safe or ok
3) when I said it could be an easy fix, I meant for a tank builder - which I mentioned in post 8 - I would have “them” ie the manufacturer, repair properly or replace it