AGA stand - quality built it's NOT

[argo]

Two days ago bought brand new (still packed in boxes) AGA 90Gl tank and AGA stand. Man, when I got them home I couldn’t wait to set them up. Checked tank for scratches, seal integrity, etc – looked good. Then proceeded to unpacking the stand. Right out of the box and the things didn’t look good.

First thing I notice are the doors that are hinged at 1/4� skew towards the middle – and that’s a stand without a tank – well, I think, that’s fixable.

Second and more serious defect that I spotted is this: (how’s that for a load bearing corner)

http://www.fastpcsupport.com/staff/reef_tank/stand_defect_pic5.jpg

http://www.fastpcsupport.com/staff/reef_tank/stand_defect_pic4.jpg

Do you see a mark left by a worker where the right plank should’ve been. Interesting, isn't it?

http://www.fastpcsupport.com/staff/reef_tank/stand_defect_pic3.jpg

Third and most serious problem was noticed after placing tank on the stand. How's that for a straight edge:

http://www.fastpcsupport.com/staff/reef_tank/stand_defect_pic2.jpg

http://www.fastpcsupport.com/staff/reef_tank/stand_defect_bow.jpg

I called AGA and was told that their stands are sold AS IS - there's NO warranty of any kind. When I asked a rep if there was any quality control in place she said: "Hmmm, I can't really answer that question."

In all honesty I did not expect such sub-standard quality from a US based company (the stand was built in Franklin, Wisconsin).

I'm writing a letter to AGA next - consumers deserve better quality then this.

[AJP]

I have never had a problem with their stands, have you tried to take it back where you bought it. I had a tank break and the store took it back no questions asked. I know the offer a warranty on tanks so I would check the store. Also seems strange since they wont warranty their tanks unless they are on there stands.

[luceneck]

Nice write up and pictures. It is a shame that you got such poor customer service when you called. I hope things workout on your second attempt. I made my own stand, but now feel like I made an AGA standard tank ;)

[argo]

adamjonpeterson: I still have 2 tanks and stands made by AGA - never had any issues. That's why I didn't even think of checking the stand at LFS before loading it onto a truck - I trusted what I came to know as quality - AGA. Man, did the stand and their customer support prove me wrong?!?

Also, the LFS agreed to replace it for me - no questions asked. They did comment on recent quality issues with AGA stands, but nothing of this scope.

[derrikd]

that is intresting i have one also with a 180 on it and i like it, and looks good

[AJP]

well glad you were able to get it traded out, wonder what aga is doing?

[febeast]

I am glad that you can get a replacement. I have worked in a few cabinet shops in my life and the quality of workmanship really depends on many factors. It is difficult to find well trained people that know what they are doing. Most shops can't pay very well so the turn over in help is pretty bad. If they are behind in production then quality control can slip. There is no excuse for that kind of work, but it happens more than you would think.

[Rueg]

I have a 180 gallon All-Glass stand that is made pretty poor also. There quality and workmanship have gone down in the last few years. The wood isn't straight much like the one where you are showing the long side. One of the doors didn't close and was obviously not straight. I called and they said they would send me another. They sent me a door for a bowfront. I called them back and shipped the wrong one back and eventually received a new one. Took over 6 months to get a replacement door. They said it was because they only make certain items at certain times. So they gear up production make a bunch of 180 gallon stands and then move on to something else. There is a part in the stand where they missed with every nail/tack on a support brace. Pretty funny looking all of this nails sticking up slightly off to the side of where they should have went into the connecting piece of wood. I did not notice it until after I had the 180 on the stand filled with water for a while. Couldn't return it. It was actually a replacement 180 tank since the first 180 had chips in one of the corners in which the store and All-Glass interrogated me to make sure I hadn't chipped it - it was behind the cardboard so I couldn't see it until I took the cardboard off at home. So note to everybody out there always remove the carboard frame at the store and inspect the tank before buying it. I have had the 180 on the stand for 10 months and have not any problems with it. I absolutly hate the small door openings though. There customer support was always friendly. I think they are doing the best they can with products that are not the best quality anymore. They make some of the least expensive aquariums out there and you get what you pay for I guess. They never used to be so bad though. I wonder what is going on with them also?

[firefish2020]

Did you look at the stand at the LFS? We take almost all of the stands out when someone buys one to make sure theres nothing wrong. I have seen a few issues with stands but we try our best to get them before they go home with anyone.

[argo]

firefish2020, yes I did take the stand out of the box at LFS, but didn't notice anything wrong with it (I guess I didn't look at it close enough). My 2 year old AGA stand for 46Gl bow front tank was fine right out of the box.

Next week when I'll exchange this defective stand I'm bringing carpenter's square and a straight edge with me.

[necco]

Just curious how much you paid for it argo? I just built a DIY 90g stand that I mimiced from a link here at RC. I spend give or take $250 on it, but I know it will support alot more. Made out of 4x4 PT and 2x4 PT. Sorry to hear about your stand. Also did you order it from AGA themselves or did you buy it from a store. They should replace it if nothing else

[AJP]

I just bought a stand for a 75 that would also fit a 90, it is oceanic and very nice, I paid 150 brand new.

[firefish2020]

Best of luck, you should'nt have to take anything in to prove it to them, its too easy for them to return the stand and get you another one trust me.

[argo]

necco, for the tank and stand I paid 352.00 total. I ordered both from my LFS, which has changed for the better since they hired a new manager who himself is a reef keeper. I'll definitely build my own stand when I'm ready to upgrade to a 120 or 180 tank.

firefish2020, thanks. I spoke with LFS today - they're placing order for a replacement stand.

[febeast]

Here is my DIY stand.

http://http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/6667301480009.jpg

[Dubbin1]

Originally posted by febeast
Here is my DIY stand.

http://http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/6667301480009.jpg

You need to make the picture a little bigger, we cant see it :D

You put and extra http:// in the url

[reefdood]

http://www.aseclub.net/phpBB2/images/smiles/redxdance.gif

[febeast]

Sorry, try again.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/6667301480009.jpg

[dougc]

My tank is on an AGA stand. It looked ok until I put the tank on top. The front left corner did not rest on the stand and you could slide a piece of paper almost to the other end of the tank. It turned out that the top member of the right side of the stand had a distinct convex bow to it. I had to plane it flat to get the tank to sit right.

I was not aware that there was no warranty on the stand. Pretty wierd that there would be so little concern for the quality of the stands since it could lead to a broken tank.

[argo]

Ok, guys - just an update. The LFS' store manager personally delivered a replacement tank yesterday and took the defective one back. We also checked the stand and it's almost perfect (the difference is night and day).

Thank you all and Happy Thanksgiving!

Arthur.

[firefish2020]

Sounds like a great LFS :)
Enjoy