Aquarium Cleaning Sydney

Piscean Aquarium Services – Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 22 September 2024

Business Name: Piscean Aquarium Services

ABN: 81176363686

Service Area: Sydney, NSW

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all services provided by Piscean Aquarium Services (“Piscean”, “we”, “us”, “our”) to the client (“Client”, “you”, “your”). By accepting a quote (verbally or in writing, including SMS or email), paying an invoice or deposit, or permitting service to commence, you agree to these Terms.

Formation of Contract

A legally binding agreement is formed when you accept a written quote (including via SMS or email), reply with written confirmation such as “YES” or “ACCEPT”, pay a deposit or invoice, or permit service to commence. Electronic communications constitute valid contractual acceptance. These Terms apply to one-time services, emergency call-outs, ongoing maintenance programs, custom design programs, and installations.

Scope of Services

Services may include: aquarium cleaning and maintenance; waste water changes and replenishment; water parameter testing; dosing treatments and supplements; algae management; equipment inspection; aquascape adjustments; design and installation, and saltwater preparation and delivery.

Aquarium cleaning, water changes, and maintenance may temporarily disrupt biological stability, including water parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH, which may fluctuate following service.

Aquascaping, substrate disturbance, or filter maintenance may release trapped organic matter or alter bacterial colonies, potentially affecting water quality and livestock health.

Services exclude (unless agreed in writing): structural cabinetry repairs; electrical rewiring; plumbing beyond standard hose servicing; silicone resealing or tank reconstruction; and major remediation of pre-existing system failures. Aquarium ecosystems are dynamic biological systems. Piscean does not guarantee specific biological or aesthetic outcomes.

Where client-supplied aquariums, cabinetry, or equipment are subject to manufacturer or supplier warranties, any claims relating to manufacturing defects, structural failure, or product fault must be directed to the original manufacturer or supplier. Piscean Aquarium Services is not the manufacturer or warrantor of such systems.

Aquarium systems supplied by the Client are accepted on the basis that Piscean Aquarium Services does not manufacture, engineer, certify, install, reseal, structurally assess, or warrant the integrity of client-supplied aquariums, cabinetry, stands, plumbing, glass panels, silicone seams, bracing, or associated equipment unless expressly agreed in writing.

Piscean is entitled to rely on the Client’s representation that all aquarium systems are structurally sound and fit for purpose unless expressly notified otherwise in writing prior to service commencement.

Piscean does not undertake structural testing, pressure testing, load testing, silicone integrity testing, bracing evaluation, or certification of aquariums, cabinetry, or associated systems unless expressly agreed in writing.

The act of filling or operating an aquarium does not constitute certification of structural integrity and may expose latent defects not previously visible or known.

Systems that have been idle, dry-stored, or unused for extended periods are considered higher risk and may fail upon reintroduction of water regardless of visible external condition.

Clients acknowledge that client-supplied aquariums and cabinetry may deteriorate over time due to age, prior use, improper installation, structural movement, material fatigue, environmental conditions, storage conditions, latent defects, levelling issues, or pre-existing damage.

Clients are solely responsible for ensuring that all aquariums, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, and associated systems are structurally sound, watertight, properly supported, level, fit for purpose, and appropriately tested prior to service commencement.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Piscean Aquarium Services accepts no liability for leakage, cracking, structural failure, water damage, or consequential loss arising from client-supplied systems, including failures caused or contributed to by latent defects, age-related deterioration, pre-existing damage, improper installation, or structural inadequacy.

Variation of Services

Piscean may recommend additional works or treatments during service. Variations will be quoted and approved where practicable. Small additions and changes may be made at our discretion. Urgent remedial action required to prevent system damage or livestock loss may be undertaken and invoiced accordingly.

Piscean reserves the right to refuse, pause, or cease filling, servicing, or operating any aquarium system where, in its reasonable opinion, structural integrity or safety may be compromised.

Service Types & Pricing

Ongoing Maintenance Program: Typical rate $169–$249 + GST per hour; frequency every 2-3-4 weeks; minimum 10 services. Early termination may result in re-rating completed visits to the applicable one-time service rate. Includes travel, standard water testing, and basic water treatments. Excludes livestock, plants, décor, medications, supplementation, equipment/filter media, accessories, and GST unless stated. Rates may be reviewed with 14 days’ notice.

One-Time Service / Call-Out: Typically $189–$249 + GST per hour, exclusive of GST unless stated. Includes travel (standard areas), water testing, and water treatments.

Service Areas: Northern Beaches, North Shore, Eastern Suburbs (NSW). Additional travel charges or alternative rates may apply outside these areas.

Livestock & Additional Purchases

Piscean may supply livestock, plants, décor, medications, and equipment where appropriate. All additional items are itemised separately. Special orders may require prepayment. Additional livestock, products, or treatments may be supplied where pre-approved or reasonably required.

Livestock Disclaimer: Aquatic livestock are sensitive to environmental fluctuation. Piscean does not guarantee survival or compatibility once introduced, except in cases of proven negligence.

Piscean does not guarantee livestock to be free of latent disease, parasites, or pathogens unless explicitly stated in writing at point of supply.

Piscean is not liable for livestock loss occurring during or after introduction into the Client’s system, including delayed mortality, stress-related death, or incompatibility with existing tank conditions.

Livestock sourced from third-party suppliers are subject to availability, transport conditions, and supplier handling, and Piscean does not accept liability for variations in health or condition outside reasonable control.

Installations & Design Programs

Deposits are required for installations and custom design projects and become non-refundable once materials are ordered or design work commences, except where required under Australian Consumer Law. All design concepts, layout plans, written guides, and proprietary methodologies remain the intellectual property of Piscean unless otherwise agreed in writing. Clients must not reproduce, share, or sell any proprietary content without written permission.

Payment Terms

Payment is due as stated on invoice. Accepted methods: bank transfer, debit card, credit card, or cash (by prior arrangement). Late payments may result in administrative fees, suspension, or termination of service. Clients indemnify Piscean for reasonable debt recovery costs. All payments are non-refundable except as required under Australian Consumer Law.

Cancellations & Access

Minimum 48 hours’ notice required. Failure to provide notice or safe access incurs a $129 + GST fee. Pre-purchased materials remain payable. Unsafe conditions may result in immediate suspension of service.

Client Responsibilities

Clients agree to: maintain safe electrical infrastructure; ensure cabinetry and flooring are structurally sound; disclose known leaks or equipment faults; provide unobstructed access; maintain appropriate property insurance; and comply with local water, waste, and environmental laws. System monitoring and environmental stability remain the Client’s responsibility between services.

The Client is responsible for monitoring aquarium conditions, water parameters, and livestock behaviour following service completion unless ongoing maintenance is contracted.

Parking & Site Access

Clients must provide safe, convenient, and free access to the service site, including sufficient on-site parking. Where street or paid parking is required, any incurred parking costs will be invoiced to the Client. Failure to provide reasonable parking may result in service delays or additional fees.

Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes rights under Australian Consumer Law. Liability is limited to re-supply of services or the cost of re-supply. Piscean is not liable for indirect or consequential loss. Total aggregate liability for property damage is capped at the amount paid for the relevant service. Piscean is not responsible for pre-existing damage or fragile décor outside reasonable control.

This limitation includes liability for latent manufacturing defects, silicone failure, structural fatigue, bracing failure, glass stress fractures, or other hidden defects not reasonably detectable at the time of service.

Piscean is not responsible for any third-party loss, including damage to neighbouring properties, strata common property, flooring, cabinetry, electrical systems, or contents arising from water escape or system failure.

Consumer Guarantees

Services will be provided with due care and skill, within a reasonable time, and in accordance with Australian Consumer Law.

Force Majeure

Piscean is not liable for delay or failure due to events beyond reasonable control, including supplier shortages, natural disasters, pandemics, severe weather, road closures, power outages, or government directives.

Termination of Service

Either party may terminate with written notice. Piscean may terminate immediately for non-payment, unsafe conditions, abusive behaviour, or breach of these Terms. Minimum commitments and rate adjustments apply for early termination of ongoing services.

Conduct & Professional Standards

Piscean maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward abusive, aggressive, discriminatory, or unsafe behaviour. Service may be terminated immediately in such circumstances.

Health, Safety & Biosecurity

Piscean staff may suspend or delay service if health, safety, hygiene, or biosecurity conditions are deemed unsafe. Clients must comply with staff instructions regarding safe handling and environmental control.

Privacy

Personal information is collected solely for service delivery, billing, and compliance under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Information is not sold or disclosed except where operationally or legally required.

Media & Marketing

Piscean may photograph aquarium systems for quality assurance and marketing. No identifying personal information will be published without consent. Clients may opt out in writing. If consent is declined, anonymised images may still be used internally for quality control.

Dispute Resolution

Parties agree to attempt good-faith negotiation prior to legal proceedings. These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, with jurisdiction in NSW courts.

Piscean may rely on photographs, video records, and service documentation as evidence in the event of any dispute regarding system condition, performance, or liability.

Severability

If any provision is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder remains in full force and effect.

Waiver

Failure to enforce any right under these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that right.

Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior discussions, representations, or agreements relating to the services.

Acknowledgment

By accepting a quote, replying in writing, paying an invoice or deposit, or permitting service commencement, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.