Problem with Juwel tank

[Smalleyboy]

I recently bought a Juwel Rio 300 and as I was filling it with water there was a loud bang as the central lateral restraint snapped. This is the middle restraint/strut on the top of the tank which spans the width of the tank to stop it bowing when filled with water. Thankfully the tank didn't crack or split and no water was spilt but the tank bowed by about 5mm and the hood didn't fit properly

I emptied the tank, spoke to Juwel who recommended glueing the strut in place with Superglue. I did this, let it set, filled the tank with water and everything was good until I started the pump/filter. The miniscule vibrations caused by the filter/powerhead motor produced after only 2-3 seconds caused the strut to fail again.

Juwel will replace the tank under warranty but want my retailer to pay for the postage which he is currently unwilling to do.

Has anyone else ever suffered from a similar strut failure problem on a Juwel 300 or 400 Rio?

 

[Timmy]

I had this problem in the past with a Juwel. The cross-brace failed after a few years use. I got Jewel to send me extra replacements and I doubled up each one and glued in with Araldite. I was happy with this as it repaired an old tank.
In your case you should expect a no-cost-to-you replacement. Your contract is with the retailer so it’s up to them to replace it.

 

[Smalleyboy]

Thanks Timmy,

My retailer has agreed to replace the tank at his expense however he wants Juwel to pay for the shipping costs as it is their guarantee. I live in Northern Ireland so the transport costs will add up. However, that is an issue for them. I was just interested to see if my problem was an isolated case. Juwel appear to have changed their bracing design on smaller tanks in that they use a single moulded piece of plastic for the 'collar' around the top of the tank which incorporates a moulded in brace.

 

[CFC]

This is one of the common faults with Juwel aquariums, i have had it happen myself with a Rio 300 and know several other people who have had the same problem with Rio 300 and 400s.
Watch out for the lights failing within a year which is another common problem (happened to me twice) and keep a eye on the heater which seem to fail after about 18 months.

 

[andyM]

That's kinda worrying, i recently brought a vision 180. Fingers crossed and touch wood no problems yet!!

 

[WILDER]

Juwel should pay the postage not the retailer, as it's there fault that the tank has a design fault.

 

[Smalleyboy]

CFC

How did you remedy the problem or did you simply just put up with the tank bowing?

Thanks to all others for their replies.

 

[CFC]

I siliconed some glass strips into the sides of the tank and then a glass brace across the centre instead of the crappy plastic juwel one.
Im suprised juwel havent sorted this problem out yet since it has been recognised for at least the last 4 years, i guess as long as they are still selling them and making money they dont care that their tanks have terrible design faults.

 

[Sanj]

Smaller Boy,

hello mate, this is what exactly happened to be when i purchased a Juwel Rio 400 earlier this year. It would seem this is not somthing unusual.

It happened as I was filling the water. However the strut does just prevent the bowing and i was assured the tank would not break without it. Ofcourse it wasnt acceptible in that state.

Mt LFS told me to silicon them in place, and assured me that if it didnt work they would support me i.e get an new tank. I requested that i have double the number so instead of two i siliconed four in.

So far 10 months later they have held fine. I will not be happy if they fail again, it doesnt matter how relatively affordable they are, they are not supposed to break.

However it still pisses me off that this is a known defect and Juwel have done bugger all to rectify it.

I think that siliconing them in (esp doble the number) should work. However if you really want it replaced Juwel should foot the entire expense. It is their error not the LFS.

 

[Smalleyboy]

Sanj,

Did you use a special type of silicon ie. was it extra strong to resist the force of the water pushing the glass out or was it just standard aquarium silicon? I have no intention of going down this route just yet as my tank is new has only been filled with water for a total of 30-40 minutes, but planning ahead in case I suffer a similar problem in the future.

I have noticed that the smaller Juwel tanks have a different brace arrangement which my LFS has said is a new design, so they may be rolling it out across the range.

Smalleyboy

 

[Sanj]

Hi,

I used regular aquarium silicon. It is probably better for you to get a new one if you can. I was in double minds at the time and accepted my LFs suggestion, partly because of the hassle and i had emptied my other tank (had to moved into its place) fish were all in bags etc, would have been difficult.

I was upgrading from a Rio 240.

I also have a large Rena aquarium. Have to say they are far more superior than Juwels. Problem is they are also more expensive hehe.

 

[Smalleyboy]

Thanks Sanj.

I will be getting my LFS to replace it or give me my money back as it is clearly unacceptable.

I have had a look at the Rena range of tanks and they do appear to be in a different league. Yes, they do cost more but it appears you may get what you pay for. Unfortunately, as I live in Northern Ireland there are only 2-3 aquatic shops so choice is limited.

 

[part-timer]

Thanks Sanj.

I will be getting my LFS to replace it or give me my money back as it is clearly unacceptable.

I have had a look at the Rena range of tanks and they do appear to be in a different league. Yes, they do cost more but it appears you may get what you pay for. Unfortunately, as I live in Northern Ireland there are only 2-3 aquatic shops so choice is limited.

I know this is an old topic but I've just bought a Rio 240 after having a Trigon 190 for a few years and posted a new topic before catching this one. Was always very impressed with that tank hence my now choosing another Juwel tank.

Have just given my tank its permanent full fill (obviously after 1/2 and then full and then emptying and refilling to ensure rigidity) but I have noticed a very slight bow at the front. Its only about 2 or 3mm but with the flush fitting lid is still noticable. Nae fish etc in the tank just now as only got it today but my first instinct is to get a couple of glass bars to provide additions cross-support..... anyone any problems with this tank? I know its not really too much to worry about but in my experience any bowing of a tank suggests a possible future weekness........

 

[Luketendo]

I hope the new Lido 120s with high-lite don't do these things.