Tank shipment (update)

[David C. Moller]

For those of you keeping score at home, part of the original thread is
here: http://tinyurl.com/2damg

End result was that the tank sent to replace the original (scratched)
acrylic tank was packaged the same way: Tank hood packed unsecured
*inside* the acrylic tank, and left free to bang around during
shipment (protected only on each end with a bit of foam wrap). I
didn't even check for scratches this time.... didn't have to. The
rather large crack (starting from the inside to the outside of the
tank based on the feel of it) was apparent before I even had it
completely unpacked. Petco.com has been *great* (not their fault, it's
shipped direct from the manufacturer, not them), and offered refund or
another attempt at replacement. I opted for the prior.

Anyway, time to start tank shopping again. End result has been that
I've been trying to enter this hobby since 6/13, and have yet to even
get a tank I can even start to cycle. Who the heck would ship
aquariums this way (with the hood inside, banging around)? I can't
believe many reach their destination in one piece. Anyway, think I'll
try looking local, like I probably should have in the first place.
Live and learn I guess. ;)

Dave

[Nitesbane]

"David C. Moller" > wrote in message
...
> For those of you keeping score at home, part of the original thread is
> here: http://tinyurl.com/2damg
>
> End result was that the tank sent to replace the original (scratched)
> acrylic tank was packaged the same way: Tank hood packed unsecured
> *inside* the acrylic tank, and left free to bang around during
> shipment (protected only on each end with a bit of foam wrap). I
> didn't even check for scratches this time.... didn't have to. The
> rather large crack (starting from the inside to the outside of the
> tank based on the feel of it) was apparent before I even had it
> completely unpacked. Petco.com has been *great* (not their fault, it's
> shipped direct from the manufacturer, not them), and offered refund or
> another attempt at replacement. I opted for the prior.
>
> Anyway, time to start tank shopping again. End result has been that
> I've been trying to enter this hobby since 6/13, and have yet to even
> get a tank I can even start to cycle. Who the heck would ship
> aquariums this way (with the hood inside, banging around)? I can't
> believe many reach their destination in one piece. Anyway, think I'll
> try looking local, like I probably should have in the first place.
> Live and learn I guess. ;)
>

Personally, I found Petco's prices to be a little outrageous. After buying
a tank from them, I wandered into a somewhat-local fish store and found the
same setup for $200 less than what I had paid (same brand and everything).

[nuchumYussel]

I personally wouldn't buy tanks via mail if possible.

Evan Davis