My fish tank building story with terrible vendor
Hi fellow hobbyists,
I wanted to share my unfortunate experience with a tank builder who goes by the name PetsX on OLX.
I had been looking for someone to build a large tank (approx. 5 feet x 2 feet) using extra-clear glass. This person reached out and presented himself as a small businessman who could make the tank exactly as per my requirements. Impressed by his enthusiasm and seeing new people entering the hobby, I decided to give him a chance over more established vendors. He seemed genuine and in need of business.
He took an advance payment for the glass and top sump, and that’s when the problems started. He began ghosting my calls and delaying the work repeatedly. After many follow-ups, he finally agreed to a delivery date and offered to assemble the tank at my home.
On the delivery day, he video-called me from the shop to show the glass and asked for full payment for glass and other materials. Thinking nothing of it, I made the payment. A few hours later, he arrived at my society in a tempo. At the gate, security found him acting suspiciously and breathalyzed him. The reading showed 0.15 — he was heavily drunk. I was furious when the security informed me over the intercom. However, since he had already brought the glass and sump, I decided to accept delivery to avoid a total loss.
Unfortunately, several glass pieces had broken corners and the sump was of very poor quality. By then, a drunk Nikhil started arguing loudly that he could still build the tank with the chipped glass right at my door. I couldn’t tolerate it any longer and asked him to leave immediately.
The next day, Nikhil called and begged for another chance. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of taking pity on him — thinking he was just a young lad. I had already paid him ₹17,000+ for the now-faulty glass and sump, and I desperately wanted the tank completed.
Although I was willing to give him a second chance, he demanded more money upfront for another transport and repairs. I refused to pay anything further before the work was finished. Instead, I personally arranged transport for the large glass sheets, got them trimmed by an inch to fix the damaged corners (another ₹4,000 wasted), and Nikhil accompanied me to the shop to help move the glass.
Once we returned home, Nikhil started assembling the tank. He began surprisingly well, delivering a clean first joint, so I stepped away. I believe that’s when he drank alcohol he had sneaked in from his bag. By the time I returned, the damage was done. The tank was almost finished but completely ruined — full of bubbles, messy silicone everywhere, and extremely poor workmanship. Even though Nikhil could barely speak properly, he had the audacity to demand even more money for the sloppy job. Not wanting any further drama in my house, I paid him some money and asked him to leave immediately.
Now I’m stuck with a terribly built tank that will most likely leak from multiple places.
Lesson learnt the hard way: Never give a drunkard or addict any chances. Always choose the best vendor rather than making it a charity case.
