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siwelk

By siwelk,
in Nano Reef Journals

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JoelRHale

JoelRHale

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Posted
I did.

It's evening there though so I haven't got a response yet.

Looking for a PP invoice sometime soon.

 

fingerscrossed

Congrats! I'll be watching. B)

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siwelk

siwelk

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WOOT! WOOT! cant wait to see this
Congrats! I'll be watching. B)

 

Thanks guys.

5-12 days from Hong Kong...or free eggrolls. lol @ Chinese delivery. Mmmm Pad Thai.

 

richontools.jpg

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siwelk

siwelk

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CAD order review

 

Ordering

 

I ordered my custom CAD Lights Artisan Series aquarium through a local dealer, Oceans Apart.

Thus, my experience with communication is based solely on correspondence with this dealer.

 

My initial inquiry was responded to within an hour. James @ Oceans Apart was very helpful in getting back to me regarding quotes, shipping rates, and general questions. He facilitated my order from start to finish, and was extremely accommodating with any issue that arose. I couldn't be happier with the ordering and payment process. I would highly recommend Oceans Apart for your needs locally.

 

 

Shipping

 

Here's where my dealings with CAD Lights come into play. I didn't order from CAD without knowledge of their delivery history. I've seen references to minor shipping delays, poor communication and even physical damage. I decided that the value was there and to go ahead with my decision. As this was a custom order, and not a tank off the 'shelf' I expected a certain level of flux. I was pleased to only experience a one-week shipping delay. I find this acceptable, as my order and delivery spanned the Christmas, New Year and MLK holidays. No complaints from me here. Tank arrived by 11 am via FedEx ground.

 

 

Packaging

 

Again, I'd heard that CAD had some issues with sufficient packaging, often resulting in some tanks arriving cracked, or even completely shattered in a few cases. I'm not sure how many of these instances can be attributed to the carrier, however, the issue was still very much in the back of my mind while I waited on my shipment. Much to my enjoyment, the tank arrived in perfect condition with an abundance of extra materials (cardboard, foam, crating) to provide structural support. The crate actually required a pry bar to open, and was secured with a slew of staples/nails.

 

 

Build Quality

 

Unfortunately, this is where my experience takes a slight downturn. First, the clarity and quality of the Starfire (sp) glass is amazing. I couldn't be happier with the decision to go with low-iron glass. This is my first tank with high-clarity viewing panes and I can certainly notice the difference. I'm very pleased with the glass, and the finishing of the panes.

 

The silicone work, however, left much to be desired.

 

I've spent roughly 1.5 hours scraping excess silicone off of the exterior of the tank. I'd guess that I also have another .5-1 hours needed for the interior too. Now some may chalk this up as a personal thing, but IMO I expected a little more attention to detail and slightly more effort in cleaning and presentation. For $575 I really didn't expect to spend much time trimming unsightly excess silicone from each seam. The joins are 90% level with the exception of one having an adjacent pane just slightly higher (1mm) than the other. Not very noticeable unless you run your fingers along the top but it is not 100% flush all around. There's some minor bubbling in the bottom seams, but most will be concealed by the stand. Overall, I'd say the tank arrived in a 7.5 - 7.8 condition. I expect, with some trimming and elbow grease, to get my impression up to a 8.9 - 9.2. Now, I'd note that I see value in those things that I cannot do myself. There's no way I'd be able to get even halfway close to this level of quality, and for that, I see much value in the tank aside from the very minor issues with silicone.

 

 

D'oh

 

The only thing that didn't happen was the addition of the CAD Lights Artisan series black backing. I opted in for the extra $30 to have CAD put the black backing that they use on their tanks for 'blacking-out' the rear panes. You'll see from my unboxing photos that this was not done and I will need to apply my own paint or backing on my rear pane. I did add this halfway through my ordering process, so I'm not sure if it was a failure on Oceans Apart or CAD. Not a big deal, as I can paint the back for a lot cheaper than $30 but nevertheless, it was something I had expected. I have since been credited the $30 back after contacting Jim @ Oceans Apart.

 

 

Conclusion

 

I would recommend CAD Lights to those in the market for what CAD has to offer. If I could do it again I might just speak directly with Eddie to ensure that he is aware of my OCD and subsequent need for an increase in attention to detail. Overall, I'm pleased with Oceans Apart, CAD Lights, and the condition that my custom tank arrived in. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

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siwelk

siwelk

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Nice review, thinking about the 50g long myself, if I move.

Thanks.

The dealer I ordered through has an older 40g long and a newer 50g cube.

Both had better silicone jobs than mine, I imagine it was the custom dims that made the difference.

I hope you consider the 50g, they're quite nice, especially if you can look before you buy.

 

even tho you dont look like him lol

omgomgomg

so hows Summer doing!? :rolleyes:

Ha, couldn't tell ya. Haven't been back since.

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siwelk

siwelk

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lol that is a indirect suggestion to ask someone who would know.... :D

but all the people who would know, are there...and I haven't been back since.

 

:P

 

 

Noted.

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Spirofucci

Spirofucci

Posted
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Glad you were ultimately happy with the tank. I've read very similar reviews as yours re that company but they had more anger and we're as nicely written.

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siwelk

siwelk

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Glad you were ultimately happy with the tank. I've read very similar reviews as yours re that company but they had more anger and we're as nicely written.

 

IME some people just have unrealistic expectations or a very low threshold for patience.

Quick to ascribe blame where it may not be rightly justified.

The shipping delay was a very minor issue, as was the failure to include the black backing.

The silicone work, a little more so. If I had to guess, I'd say it was assembled on a Friday.

 

Maybe the custom size required that they use a non-standard clamping process.

Maybe the person doing the work wasn't fully engaged, or just went through a divorce.

 

I don't know. I DO know that I couldn't get this tank, at this price, in this condition, anywhere else.

Once the attention is less focused on empty glass box seams, and more focused on thriving livestock, well...

 

1134407_o.gif

 

 

B)

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siwelk

siwelk

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It's a very nice tank B)

 

So you're turning it into an ant farm right? The dimensions are perfect for it.

 

I was thinking of doing a CUC tank.

Just a single 30g order from John.

 

:lol:

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