Jebao down!

[wildernets]

Acroholic;941059 wrote: Well, even if you have to buy a new one, you are still ahead of the EcoTech price point by a mile or ten.

True for sure. I think that comment was even made when we bought them in the group buy. Just going through the process to vet the company a bit. Not really much info out there about what happens after you buy one. Longevity, customer service, and such. Kind of like a public service.

 

[ringo®]

Seems like a couple US distributors are popping up now. ...maybe they're picking up warranty work as well?

 

[dawgface]

This is a classic China copy manufacturer that has zero USA representation. Instead they use satellite sellers on ebay and amazon that more than liekely work for them but will claim otherwise. Furthermore their price point points directly towards problems with cheap parts that will break and break rather quickly. I would question whether they are even suitable for aquarium use, who knows? I would wager quite a bit of cash that their is no warranty nor recourse of any kind towards Jabao now or ever.

 

[wildernets]

I'd say you somewhat correct. We all have had similar experiences with more expensive companies with US representation. Sometimes those are more frustrating. Quality cannot be based on cost and geolocation alone. That is why I share my experiences.

 

[dawgface]

wildernet;941214 wrote: I'd say you somewhat correct. We all have had similar experiences with more expensive companies with US representation. Sometimes those are more frustrating. Quality cannot be based on cost and geolocation alone. That is why I share my experiences.

I was not trying to compare here just stating the facts as I see them.

To clarify when I say zero representation and no recourse I mean if it's built faulty and burns your house down you will have no one to hold accountable and zero recourse from this China based and China operated company.

 

[wildernets]

This is true.

 

[mikesmith34]

Remember the price point. I ordered mine with the understanding they will not last as long as ecotech. But a bic lighter makes fire just like a zippo. When it breaks or wears out just buy a new one done deal

 

[wildernets]

Hey guys. I'm really just trying to put the information on my experience out there to help set the expectation for this product. This should give the needed information to those looking to make a purchase. Not complaining or upset about it. Just sharing my experience.
I do find it interesting though that many seem to have a price point for when equipment is disposable and when it is not. Manufactures seem to have done well at getting that number to creep up over the years. I remember when a $300-$400 skimmer was just like owning a Ferrari. Now... not so much. My wife and I often joke. Cannot got to Home Depot for less than $100 and cannot get reef tank parts for less than $300.

I guess I am lucky that she still jokes with me about it.... in both instances.

 

[dawgface]

wildernet;941278 wrote: Manufactures seem to have done well at getting that number to creep up over the years. I remember when a $300-$400 skimmer was just like owning a Ferrari. Now... not so much. My wife and I often joke. Cannot got to Home Depot for less than $100 and cannot get reef tank parts for less than $300.

I guess I am lucky that she still jokes with me about it.... in both instances.

Couldn't agree more!

 

[axio]

I got myself 2 Jebao pumps for my 120g river tank last year. After 4-5 months one of them went dead on me. After 2 weeks of trying to get an answer from the company I just gave up and sold the remaining working pump in my frustration. Then bought myself a mp40 and couldn't be happier.

I'm sorry but I can't justify the you get what you pay for concept in this case. Why would I want to pay for and support a product that I'm expecting to fail on me before I even buy it. Even if I can get 4-5 pumps for the same price as 1 pump... just doesn't taste right to me if you know what I mean.

I know there was a rumor/article a little while ago about Neptune Systems working with Jebao on releasing a Apex circulation pumps. If this does go trough I really hope Neptune does a really good job of correcting issues and in my opinion looking to make a higher quality products compared to the current pumps.

 

[sleepyreef]

I wouldn't buy a Ford Fiesta expecting a Mercedes, but I can buy seven of them for the price of the Mercedes.

 

[axio]

SleepyReef;941342 wrote: I wouldn't buy a Ford Fiesta expecting a Mercedes, but I can buy seven of them for the price of the Mercedes.

I completely agree. But you wouldn't buy a Ford Fiesta expecting it to die on you in less then 6 years years (With regular maintenance done to it of course). You would still expect it to do it's job... just not as nicely or comfortably as a Mercedes. =)

 

[curtismaximus]

aXio;941349 wrote: I completely agree. But you wouldn't buy a Ford Fiesta expecting it to die on you in less then 6 years years (With regular maintenance done to it of course). You would still expect it to do it's job... just not as nicely or comfortably as a Mercedes. =)

I would if the Fiesta only cost $40 with a group buy. :thumbs:

 

[axio]

Acandoit;941371 wrote: Anecdotal, but I have been running a few of these for what seems like a year with zero issues. These are powerful, cheap pumps! Not sure I would buy again, but not because of any of the issues listed above. For me, personally, I have gotten a tad bit more sophisticated with my system over the last few years and like how the MP40's tie in with an Apex. I know you can tie the Jebao's into the Apex as well, but believe the MP40's would be better able to stand the rigor of multiple on/offs, etc. Also, I think it is cool how you can have the MP40's talk to one another for wave effects!

Who knows if Neptune and Jebao really are working together they might come out with something much better then Vortech that works amazing with Apex. Fingers crossed =)

 

[dawgface]

aXio;941384 wrote: Who knows if Neptune and Jebao really are working together they might come out with something much better then Vortech that works amazing with Apex. Fingers crossed =)

I believe that rumor was drafted on a person seeing two their employees talking at some convention.... Literally that's it. I think the folks at reefbuilders were talking their talking points from celebrity gossip magazines when they wrote that column.

 

[k3nnyp]

I was also part of the original wp40 purchase and had one of two go out. Intermittent starting issues for a while and then one day nothing. I tried cleaning and tested the controller with a working pump and it was definitely the powerhead. I bought one more hoping for different results. If not I'll look elsewhere.

 

[billyocean]

DawgFace;941225 wrote: I was not trying to compare here just stating the facts as I see them.

To clarify when I say zero representation and no recourse I mean if it's built faulty and burns your house down you will have no one to hold accountable and zero recourse from this China based and China operated company.

lol..what isn't built in china. I think the real problem is that they don't pay the kids enough..

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

I can't speak specifically to why some fail. All I can tell you is what I know. 1. They are inexpensive in comparison to other manufacturers so yes, you get what you pay for. 2. Of the two WP-40's I have...they have run for a year without any issues. By and large...from the percentages, the number of failures versus the number of units sold is probably down in the 1-2% range. Overall, that's not a bad number. 3. It was posted here already but I'll restate it, Jebao, while implying they have a warranty...they do not really have a warranty. Even I couldn't get parts. They expect their "distributors" to buy spares and cabbage parts out of those spares to fix the units that go bad.

I would have to say that mine are still working because I have them on a cleaning program of every 60-90 days, I clean one of the two running units. The impellers are very tight and it doesn't take much gunk to impede their movement. I posted some common issues with the controllers....if it stops completely....it's likely that a wire has come undone inside.

If anybody has bad units just sitting around...I'd like them. I take them apart and try to figure out what went wrong.

 

[rk4435]

I'd say they are a great option, especially for those on a tight budget. I've had my 90 gallon up for 8 months and the Jebao allowed me to have great flow without having Hydors all over the place.

When I pulled mine a few weeks ago to put in a Vortech it was filthy but still working fine. A final note given that it came from China, I bought two when I knew one would do it.

 

[ericwoo]

porpoiseaquatics;950941 wrote: I can't speak specifically to why some fail. All I can tell you is what I know. 1. They are inexpensive in comparison to other manufacturers so yes, you get what you pay for. 2. Of the two WP-40's I have...they have run for a year without any issues. By and large...from the percentages, the number of failures versus the number of units sold is probably down in the 1-2% range. Overall, that's not a bad number. 3. It was posted here already but I'll restate it, Jebao, while implying they have a warranty...they do not really have a warranty. Even I couldn't get parts. They expect their "distributors" to buy spares and cabbage parts out of those spares to fix the units that go bad.

I would have to say that mine are still working because I have them on a cleaning program of every 60-90 days, I clean one of the two running units. The impellers are very tight and it doesn't take much gunk to impede their movement. I posted some common issues with the controllers....if it stops completely....it's likely that a wire has come undone inside.

If anybody has bad units just sitting around...I'd like them. I take them apart and try to figure out what went wrong.

I've got two running now, and I'd like to keep it that way. If you don't mind me asking, what is your cleaning program?