Wrote this email to Innovative Marine on my drop tank issue, what do you think?

[MDeVito]

Hey guys,
So I noticed a large amount of bowing and stress cracks in my new drop off tank, more details are in the email and an image of another tank with a similar looking issue to help me describe my case.

• Has anyone had this happen?
• Should I be concerned?
• Does anyone know what IM is like for customer service?

EMAIL TO INNOVATIVE MARINE
Hello,
I observed the bowing on my tank seems to too much, so I looked closer at the seems and when I caught the tank at the right angle I noticed roughly a baseball sized area of very small individual cracks within the acrylic itself. This is not only an eye sore but it is concerning that at any moment the tank wall might fail. I love the tank, I love Innovative marine but I’m very concerned and really need help. I’m just looking to know whether there is a fix, I shouldn’t be concerned, a new tank could be shipped to me, or a refund. I’m open to ideas and working with you guys. I can supply images of the tank if you guys request them. I love the hobby and have a serious passion for reef keeping. I hope whoever reads this understands. I purchased the tank from saltwateraquariums.com
This is not my tank, but the it looks exactly the same.

Thank you for your time,
respectfully,

 

[MDeVito]

Here's the image mentioned in the email

 

[vertigo01]

Curious to see what IM offers you for a resolution.

 

[Jofiel]

I'm just wondering why you included a picture of someone else's tank rather than your own. I would make the effort to get pictures of your tank for the email. I think that that would put you in a better position. You should also mention how long you have had the tank.

 

[seafansar]

I've always heard they have good customer service. What is pictured is called acrylic crazing. I know cleaning with windex can cause it.

 

[Tom Blevins]

I've always heard they have good customer service. What is pictured is called acrylic crazing. I know cleaning with windex can cause it.

Wow, who cleans their tanks with Windex if so are they still with inhabitants?

 

[Mrx7899]

I have the same tank and the front acrylic bows too. Haven't heard of any of them breaking so I figured that how it is been up for months with out any problems

 

[cromag27]

Crazing is caused by stress, which can come from many variables - pressure, temperature, chemicals...

I would not be happy if this were my tank. read their warranty and see if it covers crazing. I know some manufacturers will not cover crazing as it's hard to determine if someone used an ammonia based cleaning product on it. usually, ammonia products cause crazing if the acrylic was heated, mostly due to polishing the edges. that's why I never flame polish anything!

 

[cromag27]

The bowing is a different story. how much are your guys' tanks bowing?

 

[MDeVito]

Okay so they got back to me apologizing for what is occurring. Few things, I included the picture of someone else's tank to help describe what I was seeing, I'm away from the tank and didn't have a good image like that on hand.
She said they have a 1 year warranty and would be happy to help.
Now I preorder the tank on May 15th but the tank didn't ship until June 06 when it was available, which I'm assuming is when the year warrenty would start. I'll attach the images now of my tank that I just sent them.

As far as cleaning the tank, I have never used an chemicals on it, nor I have a polished the acrylic.

 

[cromag27]

How long has it been set up? sorry if I missed that.

 

[MDeVito]

Tank was filled on August 3rd.

 

[d2mini]

Wow, who cleans their tanks with Windex if so are they still with inhabitants?

lol, I do. Not that brand but same difference. Spray on the towel facing away from the tank and then proceed to wipe down the glass.
Common sense, man.

 

[3mm3]

The bowing doesn't sit well with me.

 

[MDeVito]

My feelings exactly, not with the investment and care I've put into this tank.

 

[Tom Blevins]

lol, I do. Not that brand but same difference. Spray on the towel facing away from the tank and then proceed to wipe down the glass.
Common sense, man.

acrylic Man! common now?

 

[d2mini]

lol, I do. Not that brand but same difference. Spray on the towel facing away from the tank and then proceed to wipe down the glass.
Common sense, man.

acrylic Man! common now?

Not sure what "common now" means but what does acrylic vs glass have to do with the inhabitant's health?

 

[tj w]

The bowing of the tank is definitely apparent. I'd be nervous to say the least.

 

[runzwithscissors]

The bowing of the tank is definitely apparent. I'd be nervous to say the least.

As a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.......

 

[tj w]

Keep us updated MDevito on how IM takes care of this for you. Ive been contemplating one of their tanks for my office.