New 68Gal Tank Question

[tk6411]

I have a question, my new 68Gal tank arrived today with one small defect...at the upper left front corner the glass plates are not perfectly aligned. It looks like when it was made the plate moved slightly...maybe 1/8 to 1/4 inch. There appears to be plenty of silicone and I don't expect any leaks but was wondering if this is a cause for concern before I setup and stock the tank. Any idea if this would make the tank less stable...or more likely to leak or even blowout? I admit I am a little paranoid but the tank looks in great shape save for that "hopefully" minor defect.

Jim

[NaCl_H2O]

Which way did it "Move" - Up or tilted forward/back?

In any case, I would be concerned about the potential gap that may be hidden by the trim at the bottom of the tank. While I am sure you are eager to setup, I would call the Mfg on monday to see if they want to inspect, or are still willing to honor their warranty ... before I turned on the water!

[RobertG]

If it were me, I would get a replacement before I thought to fill it. Was this a special order tank?

[tk6411]

There is no gap at the bottom of the tank at all...just a slight gap at the upper left hand front corner...which appears to be filled with dried silicone. I know that if the gap was located at the bottom I would be much further concerned....but its a very slight gap and the tank appears to be quite sturdy. Looking at the tank from the front....its the upper front top corner....the left side plate is fine at the bottom of the tank just slightly inwards from being aligned with the upper left corner of the front plate of the tank. Even so, would you still suggest to return the tank as it will be a safety concern or am I just being nit picky and the tank will be fine.

Jim

[RobertG]

I being anal when it comes to my tank would! Just get me another so I dont have that to worry about.

[tk6411]

I got the tank from Aqua Tek at Forever Pets on Basse in San Antonio. I called the owner this afternoon about my concerns as per the maast member's responding and he said that the minor defect shouldn't be a problem at all...just from a slight looks dept. He said that the tank will be fine..like any other tank without needing to worry about it leaking or blowing out. He said he's been in the aquarium building business for nearly 30 years and he thinks the tank is fine or he wouldn't sell it (he'd have tore it down and rebuilt it if there was a problem). He gave me a 10% discount just because of the looks of the minor defect and said that it's as good a tank as any of the others he has or has built.

This being my second tank ever I don't know what to believe...I know I tend to get paranoid sometimes (just ask the wife). Is the owner of Forever Pets on Basse a good guy and to be trusted or did I bite the bullet on a future flood problem? Mainly, I guess am I justified in any regards to questioning the stability/durability of my new 68 gal tank. I wonder if its a good idea to fill in any possible gap along the top left front under the edge trim with additional silicone sealant or should I try to have the tank exchanged...meaning the hassle of getting a few people over to help since I can't move it myself due to health problems.

Jim

[dan]

toy at aquatec is a good guy. he knows what he's talking about. jim norris had a tank made by him. that's saying a lot. your ok

[NaCl_H2O]

I tend to agree w/Robert, if it were mine I would be tempted to exchange it ... if for no other reason because you spent some big bucks on it, and it isn't "Perect". The 10% discount is their attempt to get you to settle for less than peferct workmanship.

It sounds like the front plate on the left side tilted backwards a little, or isn't square with the left panel, or a little of both. I assume this is about a 48" long tank, so any mis-alignment from "square" is very minor, and the owner is probably right about it being "Safe", just not "Perfect".

Can you turn it around so the imperfection is in the back? Then you can forget about it until someday when you see water on the floor :-o (Just Kidding ;) ).

Too bad you didn't notice it before you got it home :(

[RobertG]

AquaTrend is not a bad tank, I have one & am very happy. Toy is great also. If there is an issue later he will take care of it. I would go for it after getting the details.

[BA]

if u ordered it then, make sure it is the way u want it and perfect...thats y u ordered one

[tk6411]

Thanks guys....I was a bit concerned...ok...overly so as my wife says. After the positive comments about Toy and his Aqua Trend tanks and tank building skills I'm going to keep the tank. I didn't want to get into the same situation that happened with my HDTV where I kept returning 8 HDTV's till I found one that had no flaws to my eyes...what a nightmare...just ask the wife. As long as he and you all feel its safe I can deal with the minor defect and turn it around so its not seen.

I guess I also didn't exactly describe the flaw...but this is quite accurate:

"It sounds like the front plate on the left side tilted backwards a little, or isn't square with the left panel, or a little of both. I assume this is about a 48" long tank, so any mis-alignment from "square" is very minor, and the owner is probably right about it being "Safe", just not "Perfect"


Again, Thanks
Jim