I didn't really see a better place to post feedback about a vendor, so my apologies if this isn't in the right place. Moderators, please feel free to move this post to a more appropriate location.
I imagine we're all pretty quick to complain about our negative experiences, compared to how often we publically acknowledge our positive ones. For the benefit of other reefkeepers, I'd like to take a moment to give some very well-deserved credit to Christian Schwalm, of SkyLab Industries (http://www.wetdryfilter.com).
As some of you know, I'm in the process of converting my 125 FO tank into a reef. As part of this project, I needed to plan for a replacement sump, as the one I am currently using doesn't fit the bill. I started to look at vendors of custom-made sumps and (not surprisingly, when it comes to this hobby) was shocked at the prices - not to mention the limited options and marginal workmanship of some. A friend who was also involved in the same search had come upon Christian's site and was very impressed with what he saw. The prices (they even included shipping!), the quality (all glass), and the options (pretty much limited only by your imagination) were outstanding. After investigating them for myself, I was confident that I'd be using his products for my system.
I designed a custom sump, had it built and shipped - and it arrived, broken in transit. Christian was very accommodating and said that he would immediately replace the sump at no cost to me - even incorporating a few last minute revisions I thought of after I had placed my initial order. The second sump was shipped and arrived intact, but a small design oversight rendered it completely unusable for my system. Christian assumed complete responsibility for the problem and offered to again replace the sump - even allowing me to completely revise my entire plan by redesigning the sump and adding twin refugiums to my original order! These items were included for a very modest additional cost, with full credit given to me for my original order. On Thursday, the goods arrived - all in perfect condition, and exactly as I requested. I've included several pics, below, to give you an idea of the quality of his work.
I simply can't say enough about my experience. Not only is Christian's craftsmanship first rate - the customer service he demonstrated is nothing short of exemplary. I recommend his work without reservation to any aquarist who needs quality equipment at (more than) reasonable prices.
Thanks for listening.
Patrick
I imagine we're all pretty quick to complain about our negative experiences, compared to how often we publically acknowledge our positive ones. For the benefit of other reefkeepers, I'd like to take a moment to give some very well-deserved credit to Christian Schwalm, of SkyLab Industries (http://www.wetdryfilter.com).
As some of you know, I'm in the process of converting my 125 FO tank into a reef. As part of this project, I needed to plan for a replacement sump, as the one I am currently using doesn't fit the bill. I started to look at vendors of custom-made sumps and (not surprisingly, when it comes to this hobby) was shocked at the prices - not to mention the limited options and marginal workmanship of some. A friend who was also involved in the same search had come upon Christian's site and was very impressed with what he saw. The prices (they even included shipping!), the quality (all glass), and the options (pretty much limited only by your imagination) were outstanding. After investigating them for myself, I was confident that I'd be using his products for my system.
I designed a custom sump, had it built and shipped - and it arrived, broken in transit. Christian was very accommodating and said that he would immediately replace the sump at no cost to me - even incorporating a few last minute revisions I thought of after I had placed my initial order. The second sump was shipped and arrived intact, but a small design oversight rendered it completely unusable for my system. Christian assumed complete responsibility for the problem and offered to again replace the sump - even allowing me to completely revise my entire plan by redesigning the sump and adding twin refugiums to my original order! These items were included for a very modest additional cost, with full credit given to me for my original order. On Thursday, the goods arrived - all in perfect condition, and exactly as I requested. I've included several pics, below, to give you an idea of the quality of his work.
I simply can't say enough about my experience. Not only is Christian's craftsmanship first rate - the customer service he demonstrated is nothing short of exemplary. I recommend his work without reservation to any aquarist who needs quality equipment at (more than) reasonable prices.
Thanks for listening.
Patrick
