armadillo

* *

I need to have a rant here. I've been waiting for over 4 weeks for this 150L aquarium I'd ordered. I actually found out it should have taken one week, but that they've simply forgotten to order it from their supplier repeatedly! This despite my 3 chasing phone calls + 1 e-mail. When my boyfriend went to pick it up yesterday, they 'forgot' to give him the guarantee. Yesterday, I drove home at 1am in the morning although I was in another country for a business trip, just for the pleasure of setting it up today.

This morning, when I opened the box at home I found that IT HAD BEEN USED! It had old traces of algae and white water lines everywhere. Even the manual was all tattered, and so were the 2 'cycling pills' which were covered in mold. I've paid through the nose for this aquarium and am getting an uncleaned second hand one instead.

Of course today being Sunday and Holland being Holland, all shops are closed, so I can't call them to shout at them. Who knows how long it will take them this time to order a new one this time!!!!

Joy44

I am so sorry to hear that. If at all possible I would take my business elsewhere! Good Luck I hope it comes together soon!

armadillo

Thanks, good to have a fish-loving listening ear at hand! Always know where to find these on the forum, hey. Well, the worst of my rage is over. Unfortunately, I had a huuuge rant this morning and my boyfriend was being his usual good-humoured, waiting for the storm to pass self. Aaaw.

Gargoyle

So I think it's time to get your money back and find a new store... A used tank is simply unacceptable..

I feel for you..

armadillo

My boyfriend thinks I am overreacting and should get my priorities straight: the sooner I start cycling on that tank the sooner my mollies have a proper home. You would have no idea how terrible customer service is here in Holland. Here is the land of no choice, no curteousy, and long waits. I'd be lucky to get my guarantee.

armadillo

But it's the only fish store in the region that imports Prime, so I'd better stay very diplomatic. In their defense, why would they open a package that came directly from their manufacturer to check it hadn't been used? Manufacturer is Caiman

Gargoyle

Well can you clean it and use it anyway ?

If your options are that limited your boyfriend may be right. If the tank is cleanable, doesn't leak, and is the size you want it may be better to just bite the bullet and get it set-up.

Your Mollies needs in this case should come first.

armadillo

Whose side are YOU on? No, just kidding. It is sensible advice from you and him.

I've thought it through and here's what I'll do.

I'll call the fish store on Monday (tomorrow) and tell them. First thing, I'll demand a 5-year guarantee as per initial agreement. Then I'll ask how long it would get them to give me a NEW tank. If it takes too long, then I'll try this tank for leaks/faulty heating/faulty heater for 2 days, then set it up if no problem. That way the only delay is about 3 days, instead of potentially another month.

atmmachine816

Well this will make it all the more rewarding once it's setup and teach you patience. You could work on keeping the used one and getting a new one since it's THEIR mistake

Sorry about your problem though, I would go with the advice.

COBettaCouple

yikes.. that's enough to make you move to another country!

sgould

Wow! Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble.

poppet

I would be taking pictures(for evidence) and demanding a very large refund as you paid new and got used. In Australia we have consumer affairs and one word of this here would have the matter sorted out in no time.

armadillo

I would not be able to live in The Netherlands if I wans't patient! Life is full of these commercial frustrations. Customers have no rights here, honestly. I am a member of an expat club here and it's everybody's number one complaint. We always warn newcomers!* Paience is not my problem, it's my mollies' who have to live in a 50L until that mess is sorted out.

What makes me hesitate to use it is I have no idea about the tank's history. For all I know, it was a hospital tank or something and a huge nest of diseases. There is of course the principle.

Getting a new tank free? I'd be lucky to get my guarantee. I"ll call them today.

I have taken lots of pictures as evidence, and haven't cleaned it yet in case they do not believe me.

poppet

All the best of luck.

armadillo

Thanks, Poppet. I'll need it!

armadillo

OK, here's the update.

I talked to the fish store and they were really shocked and veyr annoyed with their supplier, so that reassured me. They profusely apologised for not having opened the box to check the tank.

They said I had all the options: 1/ get lots of money back and start using straight away; 2/ wait until Wednesday as they will order an express delivery of a new one. So it's really working out great.

Went along there on my way back from work and found that they actually really care about fish (chatted with the owner and he's really passionate). That's where I got my 2 otos' from yesterday. The good news is it's not too far from work, and it's another knowledgeable fish store in my area (that's 3 now, hurray!).

COBettaCouple

I'm glad it's working out for you. I'd love to just have 1 store near us that knew more about fish than they live in water.

armadillo

Well, I always double check what they say, so it's not total trust, but let's say that at least these guys seem to love their fish. That's something!