My business only averages 3 or 4 ponds a year, and we use the Aquascapes bio-falls, skimmer, and pumps. I went to a local Aquascapes dealer last month to purchase all of the components for a pond job. I had noticed 5 or 6 of the new style aquascape pumps in a pile on the floor. After inquiring about the pumps, I was told they were all returned pumps that had failed (under warranty). The problem (the pump shaft) has supposedly been corrected by the factory in China. With a 2 year warranty, I went ahead and bought the 3000 series pump. No problems yet.
While installing the pond, we couldn't get the bulkhead fitting for the bio-falls to tighten. After applying about 5 foot pounds of torque, the fitting breaks loose from the threads. I called the local dealer again, and he said all of the bulkhead fitting are like this.... try some silicone around the fitting, and the factory in China has corrected the problem. We ended up using an old (5 years plus) bulkhead fitting that worked fine.
So the pond is complete and running. Several days later the customer calls saying the Bio-falls empties within 3 hours when she turns the pond off. I go back and find a check valve that lets water go backwards through the plumbing. Called the local dealer again, and he said to bring the defective check valve back for a replacement. The replacement (and all of his inventory) also allows water to flow backwards. He said they have been having problems with the flapper valve, but the factory in Taiwan has corrected the problem.
Am I the only one having problems with Aquascapes products? Anyone out there using other brands that you are happy with?
While installing the pond, we couldn't get the bulkhead fitting for the bio-falls to tighten. After applying about 5 foot pounds of torque, the fitting breaks loose from the threads. I called the local dealer again, and he said all of the bulkhead fitting are like this.... try some silicone around the fitting, and the factory in China has corrected the problem. We ended up using an old (5 years plus) bulkhead fitting that worked fine.
So the pond is complete and running. Several days later the customer calls saying the Bio-falls empties within 3 hours when she turns the pond off. I go back and find a check valve that lets water go backwards through the plumbing. Called the local dealer again, and he said to bring the defective check valve back for a replacement. The replacement (and all of his inventory) also allows water to flow backwards. He said they have been having problems with the flapper valve, but the factory in Taiwan has corrected the problem.
Am I the only one having problems with Aquascapes products? Anyone out there using other brands that you are happy with?