Oceanic

[Hara]

Well, after the oohing and ahhing was over, we took a good look at the tank and found we were dissappointed over several issues. The workmanship was very lacking...there is silicone slop all over the place, it will be visible after water is in the tank. Then there is the issue of the black plastic surrounding the stand that is pulled loose in many places and the very looses support beams. Yes, it did allow us to put in the larger sump...but that is not the issue.

While filling out the online warranty info, I made a decision to contact their customer service department. A very concerned lady by the name of Sarah, has been in repeated contact with us....most recent email states that she would like our phone number so that the "CEO" of Oceanic can give us a call to talk about our experience. We shall see what he says.

I guess it did not hurt that I sent the following photos to her as proof of my claims...I would recommend that anyone that has a camera, take these steps if they are not happy with a situation or purchase...

[michealprater]

Thats very suprising. I was always under the impression that Oceananic was the best when it came to glass tanks. Everyone I have ever seen was really nice. However it sounds like their customer service is taking steps in the right direction to make it right. Best of luck.

[Hara]

Yes, we were very surprised as well...I mentioned in my email that I thought they were the "Lexus" of the aquarium world and kinda wondered how this tank missed the boat.

Wow, I thought Oceanic was serious high- quality stuff. It sounds like they are taking steps in the right direction, hope they give you a new tank, that "workmanship" is unacceptable. I sure hope the CEO does call you, and that he/she gets these pictures. Good luck Hara.

[reefrunner69]

While I echo the sentiments of Mike and Covuscorax....I have been concerned about Oceanic for several years. They were the best! Then they were purchased by All Glass Aquariums, The biggest, not too bad, but not as good as Oceanic. I have been told even though AGA owns Oceanic, they are two seperate entities...but I have also seen some of AGAs products make there way into the Oceanic line...What really surprises me...is from the pics...that was below either company's standards...someone was asleep at quality control that day. I really hope Oceanic makes good for you.

[Hara]

The CEO called and spoke with my husband. He acknowledges the fact the tank looks like crap. He is saying the tank had to have been previously set up and that the dust in the photos was salt spray. Forget the fact that the labels are up under the rim on the inside and were brand spanking new. He said oceanic does not use white silicone. I guess the inspection cards and literature managed to stay pristine all this time as well. yadayadayada.

He said we should contact the retailer and get the history of the tank. We did, it had been sitting in a warehouse in Houston.

The best part of the story is that the CEO is saying the warranty most likely would not be valid seeing as he feels the tank was tampered with.

What a bunch of crap.

[reefrunner69]

Where did he see any white silicone? I see whaere the clear silicone looks white from the flash, but that is definitely clear silicone. I would get a notarized letter from the retailer saying where he purchased the tank from (distributor), What was done with the tank before he sold it to you. And then I would have an attorny write a letter to Oceanic. He can say what he wants, he will make good on the tank if enough pressure is put on him.

[troutman11111]

that is not white siicone, you can see razer blade marks on the right side shot where someone was doing a ****** job siliconeing it. take it back to the store where you bought it. that store is responsiby. some one did that. i don't think oceanic did this. they are the best in tanks. i have takin two photos of my 75 ocaenic.to show there are to tones of silicone, one clear and the other cloudy. i don't know how to put a photo here, so i will put it in my photo alboum.

[reefrunner69]

i don't know how to put a photo here, so i will put it in my photo alboum.

To add an attatchment, you cannot use the quick reply box...you gotta hit the post reply button. Then at the bottom you will see a place to add an attatchment, you have to add the attatchment before you hit the submit button.

[troutman11111]

heres one

[troutman11111]

thank's kevin that was easy. walt

[Hara]

I know the guy at the store, he did not do it. The history of the tank is such that it came from a warehouse in Houston. Why would someone re-silicone both overflow boxes when water had never been in it? The fact that oceanic makes good tanks is not in dispute, I own another oceanic tank and it is fine. This one slipped by on their inspections. Maybe a new guy worked on it, who knows. But I do know that Oceanic should be making good on this tank. I am ont sure what you are seeing, but there are no razor blade marks at all in or around the silicone.

[troutman11111]

on your photo of the right side. it is clearly not straight down, you can see someone was going down with a blade. it is poss that it slipped by the factory.

[loganj]

Hara,
Do you know a lawyer? I know it sounds extreme...and I'm certainly not suggesting that you sue anyone. If they don't honor the warranty, you might get a lawyer to call them and make a little noise. Often, that's all it takes...just a phone call. That way, they know you're serious. I would use it as a last resort. Also, although I can't speak for anyone else here, I'll be happy to write them a letter (with no mention of this site of course) and tell them that if they can't resolve this, I will never buy ANYTHING else with their name on it and that we will no longer stock their products in the store. Don't know if that would make any difference or not.
Logan J

[reefrunner69]

The CEO called and spoke with my husband. He acknowledges the fact the tank looks like crap. He is saying the tank had to have been previously set up and that the dust in the photos was salt spray. Forget the fact that the labels are up under the rim on the inside and were brand spanking new. He said oceanic does not use white silicone. I guess the inspection cards and literature managed to stay pristine all this time as well. yadayadayada.

That man is not taking responsibility for HIS company's products. Shame on him

He sould have taken 1 look at those pics and sent you a replacement tank. This really pizzes me off, when people won't sac up and take responsibility for mistakes.

[clownfish]

I have to agree with the last few posts. sounds like your lfs or their distributor is trying to pull a fast one. Looks to me like someone tried a diy repair and did a bad job.

I would call the CEO back and try to get him on your side. A little pressure from a big Co. with a good name could go a long way. Act professional with the CEO and express your concerns over where the problem occured and, most important, how you, collectively, can make it right and you may get some help. Don't be afraid to mention this board in a non threatening way. These Co. know that word-of-mouth and third-party experiences (forums) have a big impact on sales. Most important is to be calm, professional & reasonable.

You may also want to take the same approach with the retailer. His rep and business is on the line here too. Problems may have occured at the distibutor. At this point who cares, you want and deserve a new, defect-free tank and you should get it. The Retailer should make good.

If it were me, there is no way I would accept this setup as you got it. Could be hidden leakage problems that may not show up at first, besides the many defects you already found. Throughout the process I would document everything, copy all letters & emails, etc, because you may want to take to the BBB consumer complaints in your area, etc.

[clownfish]

Yikes I was typing with one hand and more posts pored in before I submitted my last one.

One last thought. don't be too hard on the manufacturer. Your first recourse should always be the retailer in situations like these. The Company doesn't always know what the history of the defect was and may not be set-up to handle direct consumer compliant.

Don't get me wrong, though. If you get no where with the retailer, then I would definitely go after the company. And keep it up. If you don't go away, they may make good just to get you out of their hair!!

[Anemoneman]

IMO the silicone does look like someone tampered witht he tank. I read your arguments and agree it doesn't make sense but that's what it looks like. Maybe a clearer pic showing the dust is not salt spray and one showing the intact labels on the tank would be persuasive (in addition to other's suggestions).

[Hara]

One last thought. don't be too hard on the manufacturer. Your first recourse should always be the retailer in situations like these. The Company doesn't always know what the history of the defect was and may not be set-up to handle direct consumer compliant.

hmm, not in my opinion. The warranty situation goes STRAIGHT to them.
I made a $2000. purchase, after the buy, they are responsible for warranty work. If they think the tank has been tampered with, they can take it up with a retailer. Furthermore, many times tanks change hands, petshops go out of business..the customer should not be expected to know the history of the tank. If it looks new, and is sold as new, it should be waranteed as new. When I have a problem with my tank, I am not told to take it back to the retailer, you are to contact Oceanic with your claim.