Aquatic Designs of Santa Barbara

Review: I had purchased a nano-reef tank from Aquatic Designs. The owner quoted me a price of $129.99 for a new working tank. We purchased it right before the close of the day on 11/30/13 (open box but assured new). The next day, we returned to buy invertebrates and live rock/sand to get the tank started (tank not used b/c water/rock not in yet). Once we set the tank up and went to run it, the ballast made a loud noise as if something inside is broken. We contacted the owner, and left a message. After calling with no return call, I attempted to call again and asked for the owner. We talked and I told him I was not happy with the unit at all, and that I would like to return it. His response was that if he took back the unit, he would lose money on the product. He told me to contact the manufacturer directly and see what they would be able to do for me. After waiting on hold, I spoke with Rob in the customer service/tech support department. Rob informed me that he would send me the parts for the ballast. However, I purchased a new unit and should not have to make repairs on it out of the box. He agreed and told me that the store I purchased it from would have to return it for credit/a new unit. I attempted to contact the owner of Aquatic designs again to let him know what the manufacturer told me. The owner continued to say he got in contact with his "rep" and said it was not in his control and again, that if he returned it, he would be losing money. I told him that should not be my problem, as I was under the impression I was receiving a new, working tank. I was not happy with it and wanted to return the product from the beginning, to which, I was given the runaround between the Owner of the store I purchased it from, as well as the manufacturer. I don't think it is right for him not to accept the return of a faulty product he sold. I feel I should not be responsible for his loss, nor should I incur a loss because of his business actions. At this point, he has refused to refund.Desired Settlement: I would like a full refund for the price of the faulty tank that was sold me.