Established in 2009, CADE was founded on a simple principle, to design aquariums that genuinely reflect the needs of passionate aquarists.

​

Every CADE aquarium is the result of a design philosophy that places engineering, functionality and long-term reliability ahead of compromise. Rather than simply manufacturing aquariums, we engineer complete aquatic systems that are purpose-built to support thriving ecosystems while integrating beautifully into contemporary living spaces.

​

Every material is selected because it is fit for purpose. Every component is engineered with intent. Every design decision is made to improve performance, simplify ownership and maximise long-term durability.

​

This guide explains our quality standards, outlines normal manufacturing characteristics, provides guidance on inspection and installation, and details the warranty protection provided with your CADE aquarium.

​

​

The CADE Quality Standard

 

Quality is at the heart of every CADE product.​ At CADE, quality is not measured solely by cosmetic appearance. Quality is measured by engineering integrity, premium fit-for-purpose materials, precision manufacturing and long-term reliability.

​

We believe an aquarium should be judged by how safely it supports aquatic life, how reliably it performs over many years and how well it integrates into the owner’s home.

​

Every material is selected because it is fit for purpose, without compromise. Cosmetic manufacturing variations that do not influence structural integrity, functionality, durability or the ownership experience are considered within the context of a precision-engineered aquarium system.

​

Each component should be assessed according to its intended function.

​

Viewing panels exist to showcase the aquarium and are held to the highest cosmetic standard. Structural and functional components, such as top bracing, overflow panels, sump chambers and concealed cabinet surfaces, are assessed primarily on their engineering performance, structural integrity and long-term durability.

​​

​

Understanding Your CADE Aquarium

 

Every CADE aquarium is a precision-engineered aquarium system, individually assembled by experienced technicians using premium materials and rigorous quality control procedures. Unlike household furniture, a glass aquarium is designed to safely contain substantial volumes of water while operating continuously in a warm, humid and corrosive environment. Every manufacturing process is performed with this objective in mind.

​

As with all individually assembled products, slight cosmetic variations are a natural part of the manufacturing process. These characteristics do not affect the structural integrity, safety, functionality or expected service life of the aquarium.

​

​

Viewing Glass

 

The primary viewing panels are manufactured and inspected to the highest cosmetic standard, as these are the surfaces through which your aquarium will be enjoyed every day. Any significant cosmetic concern affecting these external viewing surfaces should be reported before installation.

​

​

Structural Glass

 

Certain glass components perform a structural or functional role and are not intended to be viewed during normal operation.

These components include:

​

• Top bracing

• Base glass

• Overflow/weir panels

• ATO compartment panels

• Internal dividers

• Other concealed structural glass components

 

Minor cosmetic manufacturing characteristics on these components may include light surface marks, minor scratches, polishing marks, handling marks, silicone residue or manufacturing variations. These are considered acceptable manufacturing characteristics provided they do not affect structural integrity or intended function.

​

​

Top Bracing

 

The top bracing is a structural component designed to reinforce the aquarium and is not intended as a viewing surface.

​

During manufacturing, packaging, transportation, unpacking and installation, this component is subject to normal handling. Minor cosmetic surface marks or superficial scratches that do not affect structural integrity or performance are considered acceptable manufacturing characteristics.

​

​

Cabinet Finish

 

The external surfaces of the cabinet are manufactured to a premium furniture-grade standard and are intended to be visible once the aquarium is installed.

​

Internal cabinet surfaces are functional storage areas rather than cosmetic display surfaces. Minor scratches, manufacturing marks, paint variations or other cosmetic variations on concealed internal surfaces are considered acceptable manufacturing characteristics.

​

​

Sump & Filtration System

 

The sump is engineered as a high-performance filtration system. Unlike the display aquarium, many assembly operations are completed within confined spaces where access is limited. For this reason, the cosmetic finish inside the sump should be assessed differently to that of the display aquarium.

 

Minor variations in silicone appearance, slight silicone shrinkage following curing, small amounts of silicone residue, feathering, tool marks or minor cosmetic scratches within filtration chambers are considered normal manufacturing characteristics. These characteristics do not affect the structural integrity, watertight performance or intended operation of the filtration system.

 

Cosmetic standards should be assessed under normal viewing conditions. Minor characteristics that are only visible upon close inspection or magnification, particularly within concealed or non-viewing areas, are not considered manufacturing concerns.

​

​

Glass Characteristics

 

Glass is manufactured from molten raw materials and naturally undergoes significant thermal changes as it cools and solidifies.​ As a result, minor characteristics inherent to the glass manufacturing process may occasionally be present, including:

​

• Small air bubbles or inclusions formed during the manufacture and cooling of glass.

• Minor edge polishing variations.

 

These characteristics do not affect the strength, durability or performance of the aquarium.

​

​

Silicone Finish

 

Every CADE aquarium is assembled using premium structural silicone, applied by skilled technicians to ensure maximum long-term strength and reliability.

​

Structural silicone is an engineered bonding material designed to provide exceptional strength and durability rather than a decorative finish. While every effort is made to produce clean, consistent silicone joints, slight variations in appearance are a natural characteristic of individual assembly.

​

Following curing, silicone may exhibit minor shrinkage, meaning the edge of a silicone bead may not remain perfectly uniform when viewed at close range. Small amounts of silicone residue or feathering may occasionally remain on non-viewing surfaces after assembly.

​

These characteristics do not affect the strength, watertight integrity or expected service life of the aquarium.​​

​

​

Inspection & Delivery

 

Every CADE aquarium should be inspected immediately upon delivery and before being removed from its packaging.

​

Step 1 – Inspect the Packaging

 

Carefully inspect all packaging for signs of impact, punctures, crushing or mishandling before signing for delivery.

If significant damage to the packaging is observed:

​

• Do not sign for the delivery until the damage has been acknowledged.

• If a signature is required, request that the delivery driver records the visible packaging damage on the delivery documentation before signing.

• Photograph the packaging before opening.

​

Step 2 – Initial Inspection

 

Remove only the top lid of the packaging and inspect the exposed surfaces of the aquarium and cabinet for any obvious signs of transport damage.

 

If damage is evident, stop unpacking and contact your CADE dealer immediately.

​

Step 3 – Full Inspection

 

If no damage is observed during the initial inspection, remove the remaining packaging panels and inspect the aquarium, cabinet and supplied components from all accessible angles. The aquarium and cabinet should remain secured to the original packaging base throughout the inspection.

​

Step 4 – Report Any Concerns

 

Any transport damage, manufacturing concerns or cosmetic concerns should be reported before the product is removed from the packaging base, moved, installed or filled with water.​ Inspecting the product while it remains secured to its original packaging enables any concerns to be accurately assessed and helps distinguish transport-related issues from damage that may occur during unpacking, handling or installation.

​

Once the aquarium has been removed from its packaging base or installed, it becomes significantly more difficult to determine when or how damage occurred.

​

If You're Unsure...

 

If you identify anything during your inspection that you are unsure about, please contact your authorised CADE dealer before removing the aquarium from its packaging base or commencing installation.

​

Our technical team is happy to help determine whether what you are observing is a normal manufacturing characteristic or something that requires further assessment.

​

​

Caring for Your Silicone Seals

 

The structural silicone joints are one of the most important components of your aquarium. They are engineered to safely support the aquarium and maintain a permanent watertight seal throughout many years of service.

​

Routine Cleaning

 

Regular cleaning of the silicone edges helps prevent the build-up of algae, biofilm and mineral deposits. Standard magnetic glass cleaners and scraper blades do not fully reach into the corners where the glass panels meet. These areas should be cleaned periodically using a soft bristle brush to remove algae before it becomes established.

​

Coralline Algae

 

If left unchecked, coralline algae can grow over the edge of the silicone bead, making routine maintenance more difficult and increasing the risk of accidental damage during cleaning.​ Routine maintenance is the best prevention. Removing algae while it is still soft and easy to clean will help preserve the appearance and integrity of the silicone joints.

​

Avoid Metal Scrapers on Silicone

 

Metal scraper blades should never be used directly on silicone joints. While metal blades are effective for cleaning glass, they can easily score, cut or lift the edge of a silicone seal if brought into contact with it.​ When cleaning close to silicone edges, we recommend using only a soft bristle brush or other non-abrasive aquarium-safe cleaning tool.

​

Recommended Practice

 

To maximise the life and appearance of your aquarium:

​

• Clean silicone edges regularly before algae becomes established.

• Use a soft bristle brush when cleaning corners and silicone joints.

• Keep magnetic cleaners and scraper blades clear of silicone.

• Remove coralline algae early before it hardens.

• Avoid abrasive pads, sharp tools or harsh chemicals near silicone.

 

Proper maintenance of silicone joints will help ensure your aquarium continues to provide many years of safe and reliable service.

​

Warranty Coverage

 

CADE warrants the original purchaser that the aquarium, cabinet and supplied components are free from structural or functional defects in materials and workmanship during the applicable warranty period of 2 years from the date of purchase. 

 

Warranty coverage applies when the aquarium has been installed, maintained and used in accordance with CADE’s published instructions.

​

This warranty covers genuine issues that affect:

​

• Structural integrity

• Watertight performance

• Intended function

• Safety

• Long-term reliability

 

Cosmetic manufacturing characteristics that do not affect structural integrity, performance, durability or intended use are not considered warranty matters.

​

Australian Consumer Law

 

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. This warranty is provided in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

​

Making a Warranty Claim

 

To assist with assessment, please provide:

​

• Proof of purchase

• Model number

• Serial number, where applicable

• Clear photographs

• Description of the concern

• Date the concern was first noticed

• Confirmation that the aquarium has not yet been installed, where relevant

 

CADE or your authorised CADE dealer may request further photographs, video or information to complete the assessment. 

​

Contact your place of purchase or CADE Australia directly at sales@cadeaustralia.com.au

​​​

​

Thank You for Choosing CADE

 

We understand that purchasing an aquarium is a significant investment, and we appreciate the trust you have placed in our products. Every CADE aquarium is built with the same commitment to engineering, craftsmanship and long-term reliability that has defined our brand since 2009.

​

If you ever have a question about your aquarium, we encourage you to contact your authorised CADE dealer or our support team. We are always happy to help.