Please Help! 180g MASSIVE LEAK less than 1 week old *UPDATED

iamdickie · 06/19/2008, 06:16 PM

We recently bought a NEW 180g ( made by a major manufacturer) with 2 overflow (total of 4 bulk heads). Set it up on the stand that was level. It was setup saterday, and the old 135g tank was transfered with 3 fish deaths, no coral deaths. We came home today to a basement of water and a tank that was 2" from empty. The overflows 100% retained water, no leaks at the bulk heads. There were 2 inlet pipes, but they only were 3 inchs down into the water, no other pipes were in the tank to create a siphon. Any ideas? we are cleaning it out as I type, but i think we lost everything. I would guess a crack, but i dont see any yet.

I have never seen anything like this.

Suggestions? please help

PS
7th tank for me, 1st time i have ever encountered this.
We have moved all the corals that were baking under the MH to rubbermaid tubs to try to save the, they were lps. Doubt they will make it but need to try as best we can.

mflamb · 06/19/2008, 06:25 PM

Fill it up with water and see where the leak is.

iamdickie · 06/19/2008, 06:49 PM

Update. This was a total seam blowout. 6 inches of the front of the tank have sand that was pushed under a cylinder of silicone that was not caulked properly.

New question, Does anyone know what most major manufacturers do for customers that have had this happen?

(I wont say the name until i talk to them. please dont PM, every merchant deserves the right to correct the problem)

I have pics as well. I will write a tutorial of how to avoid this crisis and what to do if it happens after this ordeal is over.

Playa-1 · 06/19/2008, 07:03 PM

I would contact them asap. Take pics and tell them what happened. If they are reputable and you are the original owner with a receipt from a dealer and you had it on their stand then they will likely have their dealer network repair it for you.
Sometimes the stand is and issue but If I'm not mistaken you should be able to get around that.

Justin James · 06/19/2008, 07:09 PM

I had a 75 gallon go durring the night. It was only a few months old. Major manufacturer as well. I lost everything mostly. I feel for you. I had nothing done for me and had to suck it up. Since then I swore never to buy a glass tank again and my 150 gallon acrylic tenecor tank could handle a bomb i'm sure.

cham · 06/19/2008, 07:14 PM

I'd email them ASAP.

Will this help? glasscages@gmail.com

iamdickie · 06/20/2008, 08:32 AM

We called the company this morning when they opened. We got put in to voicemail 2 times. This isnt looking good. I have never seen a seem blow out like that ever.

iamdickie · 06/20/2008, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cham
I'd email them ASAP.

Will this help? glasscages@gmail.com

It wasnt that company, but thank you for the thought.

otrlynn · 06/20/2008, 09:34 AM

If you purchased the tank from a store, rather than directly from the manufacturer, I would also contact the store ASAP. They may have their own return/replacement policy that covers the first 30 days or whatever.

iamdickie · 06/20/2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by otrlynn
If you purchased the tank from a store, rather than directly from the manufacturer, I would also contact the store ASAP. They may have their own return/replacement policy that covers the first 30 days or whatever.

We contacted the store owner, and he ordered a new tank for us. I think he is going to swap it out, but we still lost about 3-5k in livestock. Will they do anything to cover the losses?

otrlynn · 06/20/2008, 10:14 AM

That's anyone's guess. Perhaps in the name of customer goodwill, he would replace, or split the cost on some of the stock, especially if you bought it from him. I would think that a lot would depend on what the store owner could recoup from the tank manufacturer. I'd sure as heck ask--remembering that you usually get a better response if you take an, "I'd really appreciate your help" approach then come on aggressively...

tricky · 07/17/2008, 07:32 PM

We're currently dealing on our 4th replacement for the 175 gallon bowfront Oceanic tank. We have had several problems over the years with the exact same problem, and are trying to decide what to replace it with - it won't be another bowfront design.
The proper procedure is: contact your dealer who should contact the manufacturer immediately. In our case, the tank and stand have a lifetime warranty - the tank has a lifetime warranty as long as it's on one of their stands. They have replaced the tank and stand and canopy every time. Just take pictures of the damage and a copy of your original receipt. They take care of it right away.

Best of luck to you.

Doahh · 07/17/2008, 08:17 PM

What tank mfg was it?

luntiz · 07/17/2008, 08:40 PM

Glass or Acrylic?

audio101 · 07/17/2008, 08:50 PM

Do bow front tanks leak a lot? My buddy has one without the center brace and the front and back of the tank is bowing out, plus the top plastic corners are slightly cracked. I'm trying to tell him it's just a matter of time before it busts open.

Amy83820 · 07/17/2008, 09:11 PM

As far as the livestock losses go...

When we got homeowners insurance we asked about getting the tank covered under the policy. It seems that you can get the actual tank, stand, hardware, lights, etc covered (and even damaged to the house caused by a leak), but they won't cover the fish or corals.

Sorry about your tank

Nano Chris · 07/18/2008, 04:17 AM

Sorry for your losses, that sucks that they don't cover livestock even though its the manufactures fault, i would be ****ed if i loosed all that money in livestock.

atwinparadox2 · 07/18/2008, 06:11 AM

Most of the time, the store or the manufacturer are responsible for the tank only, not what you put it in. The tank is probably the only thing covered under the warranty. Like was posted before the only way you will get replacements, is if the LFS does it out of good will. Because as you did, he bought the tank from someone as well.

discocarp · 07/18/2008, 06:19 AM

Brand new tank? Less than a week old? Lost 3-5k in livestock?

I'd be talking to a lawyer. You need a professional opinion on this situation imo.

Macimage · 07/18/2008, 09:27 AM

It would be helpful to other RC's if you posted the tank manufacturer.

Joyce

d4a2n0k · 07/18/2008, 09:32 AM

I had the bottom pane of glass on a 2 week old Oceanic tank crack on me. They offered to replace the tank and stand or give me a credit. They did not cover anything else like the equipment that was ruined or livestock. I had to bring the tank back to the store it was purchased from and they sent it back to the local distributor for them to look at to make sure it wasnt my fault. It took about 6 weeks to get my money back.

crvz · 07/18/2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by luntiz
Glass or Acrylic?

If it's a silicone problem, I sure hope it's glass.

Semper Fi 1959 · 07/18/2008, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cham
I'd email them ASAP.

Will this help? glasscages@gmail.com

Wow, that is the funniest thing I have seen in a LONG time.

(not the tank leaking...THAT sucks.)

kesdc · 07/18/2008, 10:13 PM

I had a one year old AGA 210 crack on the bottom pane about a month ago. AGA has credited me for the tank...but I lost most livestock plus huge $$ in damages to the floor.

I am thinking about "upgrading" to an Oceanic tank...But I am not sure this is an upgrade after reading some of these posts. AGA and Oceanic are owned by the same company these days after all.

How about acrylic? What is the failure rate vs. glass? Is acrylic really that much harder to keep in good shape and not scratch?

I am interested in what kind of tanks everyone has? How long have you owned? Any leaks?

-Kevin

luntiz · 07/18/2008, 11:25 PM

I know Acrylic tanks can leak if their seams break or if the tank crazes, but I've never actually read of a single Acrylic tank leaking/bursting.

Keeping them in good shape is near impossible, I just got a new 150g and theres plenty of scratches that have occurred as I was aquascaping.

06/19/2008, 06:16 PM	#1
iamdickie Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 91	*Please Help! 180g MASSIVE LEAK less than 1 week old UPDATED** We recently bought a NEW 180g ( made by a major manufacturer) with 2 overflow (total of 4 bulk heads). Set it up on the stand that was level. It was setup saterday, and the old 135g tank was transfered with 3 fish deaths, no coral deaths. We came home today to a basement of water and a tank that was 2" from empty. The overflows 100% retained water, no leaks at the bulk heads. There were 2 inlet pipes, but they only were 3 inchs down into the water, no other pipes were in the tank to create a siphon. Any ideas? we are cleaning it out as I type, but i think we lost everything. I would guess a crack, but i dont see any yet. I have never seen anything like this. Suggestions? please help PS 7th tank for me, 1st time i have ever encountered this. We have moved all the corals that were baking under the MH to rubbermaid tubs to try to save the, they were lps. Doubt they will make it but need to try as best we can. Last edited by iamdickie; 06/19/2008 at 06:56 PM.

06/19/2008, 06:25 PM	#2
mflamb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pasadena, Texas Posts: 8,422	Fill it up with water and see where the leak is. __________________ Click on my red house to see my 390 and 300 build thread. Those are my last 2 tanks in Tampa. Now in Pasadena waiting to buy a house to set up my next tank....anemones and clowns...probably a 3x3 150 gallon.

06/20/2008, 09:34 AM	#9
otrlynn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chester County PA Posts: 1,508	If you purchased the tank from a store, rather than directly from the manufacturer, I would also contact the store ASAP. They may have their own return/replacement policy that covers the first 30 days or whatever. __________________ Lynn 1 horse, 1 dog, 2 cats, small pond with a few koi. The fish tank is gone.

06/20/2008, 10:14 AM	#11
otrlynn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chester County PA Posts: 1,508	That's anyone's guess. Perhaps in the name of customer goodwill, he would replace, or split the cost on some of the stock, especially if you bought it from him. I would think that a lot would depend on what the store owner could recoup from the tank manufacturer. I'd sure as heck ask--remembering that you usually get a better response if you take an, "I'd really appreciate your help" approach then come on aggressively... __________________ Lynn 1 horse, 1 dog, 2 cats, small pond with a few koi. The fish tank is gone.

07/17/2008, 08:17 PM	#13
Doahh Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Loomis CA Posts: 2,398	What tank mfg was it? __________________ -Josh Current Tank Info: 90 Gal Custom SW Reef

06/19/2008, 06:49 PM	#3
iamdickie Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 91	Update. This was a total seam blowout. 6 inches of the front of the tank have sand that was pushed under a cylinder of silicone that was not caulked properly. New question, Does anyone know what most major manufacturers do for customers that have had this happen? (I wont say the name until i talk to them. please dont PM, every merchant deserves the right to correct the problem) I have pics as well. I will write a tutorial of how to avoid this crisis and what to do if it happens after this ordeal is over.

06/19/2008, 07:03 PM	#4
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	I would contact them asap. Take pics and tell them what happened. If they are reputable and you are the original owner with a receipt from a dealer and you had it on their stand then they will likely have their dealer network repair it for you. Sometimes the stand is and issue but If I'm not mistaken you should be able to get around that.

06/19/2008, 07:09 PM	#5
Justin James Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NS, Canada Posts: 510	I had a 75 gallon go durring the night. It was only a few months old. Major manufacturer as well. I lost everything mostly. I feel for you. I had nothing done for me and had to suck it up. Since then I swore never to buy a glass tank again and my 150 gallon acrylic tenecor tank could handle a bomb i'm sure.

06/19/2008, 07:14 PM	#6
cham Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Winter Garden, FL Posts: 3,632	I'd email them ASAP. Will this help? glasscages@gmail.com

06/20/2008, 08:32 AM	#7
iamdickie Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 91	We called the company this morning when they opened. We got put in to voicemail 2 times. This isnt looking good. I have never seen a seem blow out like that ever.

07/17/2008, 07:32 PM	#12
tricky Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 529	We're currently dealing on our 4th replacement for the 175 gallon bowfront Oceanic tank. We have had several problems over the years with the exact same problem, and are trying to decide what to replace it with - it won't be another bowfront design. The proper procedure is: contact your dealer who should contact the manufacturer immediately. In our case, the tank and stand have a lifetime warranty - the tank has a lifetime warranty as long as it's on one of their stands. They have replaced the tank and stand and canopy every time. Just take pictures of the damage and a copy of your original receipt. They take care of it right away. Best of luck to you.

07/17/2008, 08:40 PM	#14
luntiz Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 612	Glass or Acrylic? __________________ 14,200gph and counting... I need more circulation!

07/17/2008, 08:50 PM	#15
audio101 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Napa, CA Posts: 1,091	Do bow front tanks leak a lot? My buddy has one without the center brace and the front and back of the tank is bowing out, plus the top plastic corners are slightly cracked. I'm trying to tell him it's just a matter of time before it busts open.

07/17/2008, 09:11 PM	#16
Amy83820 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wentzville, MO Posts: 626	As far as the livestock losses go... When we got homeowners insurance we asked about getting the tank covered under the policy. It seems that you can get the actual tank, stand, hardware, lights, etc covered (and even damaged to the house caused by a leak), but they won't cover the fish or corals. Sorry about your tank __________________ I'm consistently torn between wanting to know more about your life and just waiting to see it on "Cops." Current Tank Info: 90 gallons o' salty goodness

07/18/2008, 04:17 AM	#17
Nano Chris Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 2,758	Sorry for your losses, that sucks that they don't cover livestock even though its the manufactures fault, i would be ****ed if i loosed all that money in livestock. __________________ Chris ------- 34 Gallon Red Sea Max 130! Setup (Just got back into the hobby) Current Tank Info: 34 Gallon RedSeaMax!

07/18/2008, 06:11 AM	#18
atwinparadox2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kingston, PA Posts: 782	Most of the time, the store or the manufacturer are responsible for the tank only, not what you put it in. The tank is probably the only thing covered under the warranty. Like was posted before the only way you will get replacements, is if the LFS does it out of good will. Because as you did, he bought the tank from someone as well.

07/18/2008, 06:19 AM	#19
discocarp Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Winter Park, FL Posts: 2,707	Brand new tank? Less than a week old? Lost 3-5k in livestock? I'd be talking to a lawyer. You need a professional opinion on this situation imo.

07/18/2008, 09:27 AM	#20
Macimage Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Quartz Hill Posts: 4,078	It would be helpful to other RC's if you posted the tank manufacturer. Joyce

07/18/2008, 09:32 AM	#21
d4a2n0k Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,485	I had the bottom pane of glass on a 2 week old Oceanic tank crack on me. They offered to replace the tank and stand or give me a credit. They did not cover anything else like the equipment that was ruined or livestock. I had to bring the tank back to the store it was purchased from and they sent it back to the local distributor for them to look at to make sure it wasnt my fault. It took about 6 weeks to get my money back.

07/18/2008, 10:13 PM	#24
kesdc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Longmeadow, MA Posts: 64	I had a one year old AGA 210 crack on the bottom pane about a month ago. AGA has credited me for the tank...but I lost most livestock plus huge $$ in damages to the floor. I am thinking about "upgrading" to an Oceanic tank...But I am not sure this is an upgrade after reading some of these posts. AGA and Oceanic are owned by the same company these days after all. How about acrylic? What is the failure rate vs. glass? Is acrylic really that much harder to keep in good shape and not scratch? I am interested in what kind of tanks everyone has? How long have you owned? Any leaks? -Kevin

07/18/2008, 11:25 PM	#25
luntiz Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 612	I know Acrylic tanks can leak if their seams break or if the tank crazes, but I've never actually read of a single Acrylic tank leaking/bursting. Keeping them in good shape is near impossible, I just got a new 150g and theres plenty of scratches that have occurred as I was aquascaping. __________________ 14,200gph and counting... I need more circulation!