Fish Tank Guarantees

[fionah]

Hello,

I am looking for some info on the process of claiming on the guarantee of a fish tank (in the UK).

I bought an Aqua One AquaStart 500 (65l) in January - my first fish tank. (http/www.aquaone.co.uk/aquarium_aquaStart.php)

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed that some water is gathering around the edges between the tank and the base unit. Although there is not enough water to overspill on to the flooring, the water has seeped in to the base unit which has expanded about 5ml and it is unslightly, and causing problems with opening the door of the base unit.

I know this isn't caused by me spilling water over the edges when doing water changes as I'm very careful with this, but on first glance anyone else might assume this was the problem.

With aquarium guarantees, do I contact the LFS or the manufacturer?
Would they have to do special tests to prove whether it is in fact leaking? And would that mean I have to empty the tank and then return it to the LFS?

Basically, I'd have to buy a new tank and stand in place first so I can put my fish in that before returning the damaged tank. But I can't really afford to spend more money on this without knowing for definite I will get my money back for the first tank.

 

[J1mbo]

Hello,

I am looking for some info on the process of claiming on the guarantee of a fish tank (in the UK).

I bought an Aqua One AquaStart 500 (65l) in January - my first fish tank. (http/www.aquaone.co.uk/aquarium_aquaStart.php)

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed that some water is gathering around the edges between the tank and the base unit. Although there is not enough water to overspill on to the flooring, the water has seeped in to the base unit which has expanded about 5ml and it is unslightly, and causing problems with opening the door of the base unit.

I know this isn't caused by me spilling water over the edges when doing water changes as I'm very careful with this, but on first glance anyone else might assume this was the problem.

With aquarium guarantees, do I contact the LFS or the manufacturer?
Would they have to do special tests to prove whether it is in fact leaking? And would that mean I have to empty the tank and then return it to the LFS?

Basically, I'd have to buy a new tank and stand in place first so I can put my fish in that before returning the damaged tank. But I can't really afford to spend more money on this without knowing for definite I will get my money back for the first tank.

Pop into the your LFS and have a word with them and tell them its leaking or something isnt right. and see what they say. my mum had to go out and buy a new tank and take the one that was leaking back.

 

[Colin_T]

As mentioned by J1mbo pop back to the place you bought the tank. Have a chat to them and if you can take the receipt with you. They might offer to look after your fish for a couple of days while you set up the new tank. Otherwise get a plastic storage crate or a couple of plastic rubbish bins and put the fish, filter and water into that when you return the tank.
Most tanks have at least a 12 month warranty on seams coming apart so you should be fine to get a replacement.

 

[fionah]

Thanks all for your replies.

I have taken a closer look at the tank and removed the background sheet. Looks like condensation is dripping down the back of the tank which I couldn't see before because of the background.

Since the tank itself is probably ok, I thought I would ditch the stand, and get another one instead. I have been looking online at some furniture shops. I never really liked the style of the stand anyway, so thought the tank would look better on something like these:

http/dwell.co.uk/product.php?prod=102414
http/www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40117673
http/www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S29850477
http/www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40105707
http/www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90086805

Also, I was looking into getting condensation trays to protect any further water drips. Is this going to restrict the amount of oxygen available for the fish? I have an air pump, but it is not on 24 hours a day.

 

[Colin_T]

A coverglass will reduce evaporation and spray from bubbles getting onto lights and running down the back. They reduce the oxygen levels a bit if they are snug fitting but most have sections cut out for airline, heaters, etc and they usually have a hole for feeding. I have covers on all my tanks and never had a problem with low oxygen levels. I do run an airpump on each of them as well so that definitely helps keep oxygen levels high.

As for the stands, be careful about what you get as many cabinets are not designed to hold the weight of a fish tank. 1litre of water weighs 1 kilogram so if you tank holds 60litres of water it si going to weigh 60kg. Nearly as much as an adult. Try sitting on the cabinet and see if it moves at all or if it seems stabile.

 

[acula]

yeah ive got the same tank but smaller version (the 320)

its not leaking but ya can tell the seals are not all that great