Quality of tanks from Pet Adventure, Kenilworth

Hi all.
In between my running around today, I managed to pop in to Pet Adventure in Kenilworth Cape Town. I am looking at getting a 60cm tank for a new project and wanted to see what they had.
I had a look at their pricelist and was amazed at the prices, a 600X325X350 tank is R95 (in 4mm glass), Foam base is and extra R12 odd (canopy is extra as well). So all in all About R107 for a 60cm tank. Not a bad price, I think. I didn't really take note of the prices of the other sizes, but I seem to recall that they were just as good.
(Un)fortunately they did not have stock in the 60cm size, but they said they could build one for me and I could collect it tomorrow.
This all seemed too good to be true (and if it sounds too good to be true, it normally is) and told them that I would get back to them.
Has anyone ever had a tank built by them? What was the quality like?
I don't want to go and waste my money on a tank that is going to give me hassles.
Any comments would be great.
TIA

 

I've never had a tank from them, but I would ask them to use 6mm glass instead! A lot stronger and more 'knock' proof! It will cost a bit more, but would be worth it in the long run! The other thing to look at is the sealing of any of their tanks. Is it messy or nice and tidy? Did the guy sealing it get silicon all over it, or did he get it right? If the tanks they made when time was not so constrained are a mess, a tank made over night is likely to be a complete mess! Also, I'd fetch any tank an extra day after it had been made, as silicon ideally needs more than 24hours to 'cure' thoroughly. Just my thoughts! Cheers! Big G!

 

4mm glass alround is a bad idea...

atleast 5mm on the base, pref 6mm on the base...

 

Ditto

 

Thanks for the heads up guys. This type of thing is what makes forums great.
So in a thank of the size, I should go for at least 5mm or better all round?
TIA

 

Has anyone bought tanks from sams in bergvliegt? there seems to be a general feeling that the livestock there isnt great quality, but a 70l costs around 80 bucks, i think a 1.2m is about R350 which i thought was quite good. silicone looked a bit messy, but they seem to be quite watertight...

 

yep, 5mm allround is ideal... again 6mm on the base would be preferable. you will pay abit more but then you know you have a solid tank.

for a small tank like this I can advise that if you're into the DIY thing it might not be such a bad idea to consider building it yourself. this way you can use the glass you want and silicone it the way you want... glass from builders warehouse is very reasonably priced and this will be a good way to get some experience in building your own tank. Cost will be +/- R225 for a tank thats 60L 30W 35H...

 

Gaawie - check the glass thickness and bracing

 

I got my 1.2 there and no problems at all, i also had a 2.5 from there which was good too, had to sell when i moved house. They a bit messy but watertight.

 

HI Darryn
Happy new year and all the best for 2010.
Got a triangular tank ones build from them for a client, started leaking after a week. they claimed it was the stand. Had to go somewhere else to get the whole thing redone. According to the new guy and the silicone people tank was badly done and much under the specs. I would not go there again.
This is just my experience and might not be representative to there work.

 

I'v purchased two tanks from sams..a 1,2m which i used for 5years til i had it reseald..but the tank was built nicely..however..recently i purchased a 2m tank from sams..was not happy with the tank at all..he chipped it when they delivered it..unfortunately i was not home..when i called him..he actually told me i must organise a bakkie and bring the tank back to him..to say i was p'd off is an understatement..i had to have the tank resiliconed coz he skimpd so much on silicone i was scared to even fill it up

 

For those small (1.2m and smaller) tanks Sams is great, will be hard to find it cheaper. Big ones there's a guy that builds tanks in Kensington, calls his place little aquarium and works from home. 10th ave if I remember correctly and I think his name is Nazism.

 

Thanks Darryn and guys, for that info, as i am looking to get me some 60cm tanks in the near future, will keep the 6mm glass in mind

 

I have a 1.5 that i got from Sams years ago and its perfect, i have recently had some holes drilled in it and had an over flow chamber built by Pet Adventure and there work is great.

I must inform you tho that i once bought a 1.2 from sams which split down the side, he replaced it but then the 2nd tank also split exactly the same way a week later. after taking that tank back i was told they would not credit the stand because there is nothing wrong with the stand.

i then got 2 smaller tanks made up by them which i have to pay in the difference in of about R150 and the cost of removing carpets and re glueing the wooden flooring and then sanding and sealing.

i have never bought another tank from sams.

 

Riyadh... Contack Big G. He has a few tanks in CT that he's trying to sell