Entire Apex System Fried

[Samina]

If I was you I’d figure out what you did so it don’t happen to you again.

Thank you for the unsolicited advise.

 

[blaxsun]

Thanks for your so well informed input. Kindly keep your inferences to yourself. You are making a blanket statement when you know not the facts. No need to make comments out of sheer ignorance. I am not trying to bash anyone or any company. I was simply sharing my experience so people can be cautious.

I'd asked earlier in the thread if you were able to post some images of the broken 1LINK cable and the plug still stuck in the Trident. Are you still able to do so? If it's user error then so be it - PSA is appreciated. But you've kind of implied the cable just spontaneously separated. As unlikely as this is, if that's what happened - then so be it. I'd still like to see some images your torn cable so I can inspect the one on my Trident for similar damage. Thanks in-advance.

 

[vetteguy53081]

awww man- of all the cables, the high powered one. Yes, I can see how the cable got pulled if the clip isnt locked.
I would reach out to them and see what they can offer as they have refurbs on hand. Such a bummer.

 

[Samina]

I'd asked earlier in the thread if you were able to post some images of the broken 1LINK cable and the plug still stuck in the Trident. Are you still able to do so? If it's user error then so be it - PSA is appreciated. But you've kind of implied the cable just spontaneously separated. As unlikely as this is, if that's what happened - then so be it. I'd still like to see some images your torn cable so I can inspect the one on my Trident for similar damage. Thanks in-advance.

No I hear you. Is it possible that I initially set it up incorrectly and did not push it in all the way? Of course, it’s a fair possibility. Who knows, it was so long ago that I can’t fairly say that it’s not possible. I don’t think I would’ve done that though. And I’m not trying to imply that it spontaneously happened. I’ve stated that it happened once I pulled the tray out. But who knows, maybe it was already loose and after so many times of changing out the reagent and the trident being shifted, finally last week was enough for it to cause the cord to break and dislodge. Maybe it didn’t lock in initially or something and then when I pulled the tray out it came apart. Or maybe the cord was faulty to begin with. My point wasn’t to blame anyone or bash anyone, it’s really just to make people aware so they are careful. Either way, it’s an expensive lesson.

So I don’t have the trident so I can’t take any pics but here are pics of the cord.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Well I haven’t posted in a very long time as life has been keeping me too busy but just wanted to share as a PSA in case anyone deals with this and as a word of caution…not trying to bash anyone because things happen but it’s upsetting never the less.

My Apex setup:
Apex 2016
EB832, EB8 (black), EB8 (orange)
DOS (set for AWC of about 10 gal per day)
COR20 Return
WMX (controlled MP40’s x2, XR15’s x2 XR30)
FMM x2 (multiple leak detectors, flow meters, optical sensor monitors)
Trident (connected via 1Link to EB832)

Other equipment:
Pax Bellum
Bubble Magus Curve Skimmer
Carbon Reactor
CO2 Reactor
MP40 x2
Icecap 3k Gyre
XR15 x2
XR30
T5’s x4
Finnex Heater
GHL Doser

So it all started last weekend when I went to change the reagent on the Trident, it was around 7pm. As soon as I pulled the tray out, it must’ve loosened the 1Link cable. I saw it spark and literally that same second, the entire Apex system went down. The EB832 started flashing white and then both of the EB8’s started clicking repeatedly (like every few seconds). There was a strong burning smell that came out of the cabinet which had all this equipment in it. I disconnected everything from the wall and from the EB832 and EB8’s. My return stopped pumping but luckily I had a back up COR20 so I changed out the controller and adaptor and hooked it up to the wall. The controller on the COR20 had the same burning smell and was not turning into on when hooked straight to the wall. But since I had a backup, at least that kept going with a swap out. So I ended up plugging a few of the most necessary equipment to a regular power strip (heater, Pax Bellum, skimmer), gyre pump). It was like 1am by this time and I was just beat. The next day, I hooked the T5’s on to another spare power strip, and of course I don’t have a timer so I have been manually turning the lights on and off every day, really need to pickup a Wi-Fi outlet for the time being because it’s such a hassle. Also dosing by hand and not loving that either! There is sufficient flow in the tank and I did reach out to Neptune and they have so far been very prompt and asked me to send in the equipment. So let’s see what comes of it.

The equipment was purchased in 2019 and 2020 mostly through BRS. I am pretty upset that one cord could cause such a problem and just wanted to share so you guys can also be careful. Apparently the 1Link that fried everything was actually broken somehow. I don’t know when it broke or how that happened. The black piece is still in the trident but the cord separated from the black piece that goes into the port and shows 4 exposed prongs. Just waiting to hear back from Neptune to see if I can send the DOS, COR20 controller, and modules along with the RMA for the Apex, EB8’s, EB832, and Trident because they all are fried too.

Samina. . its you !!! Where've you been ?? Just talking about you a few weeks ago as I got all my ESV chemicals from you and someone asked where I found them . . LOL

 

[Samina]

Samina. . its you !!! Where've you been ?? Just talking about you a few weeks ago as I got all my ESV chemicals from you and someone asked where I found them . . LOL

Omg haha that’s right!! I’m still around! Just have been busy with work and the kids and didn’t help that I forgot my login info and never bothered trying to resetting it or figuring it out! But how have you been? Good to see you on here!!!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Omg haha that’s right!! I’m still around! Just have been busy with work and the kids and didn’t help that I forgot my login info and never bothered trying to resetting it or figuring it out! But how have you been? Good to see you on here!!!

Very good - Living the dream and on r2R

 

[blaxsun]

So I don’t have the trident so I can’t take any pics but here are pics of the cord.

Appreciated, thanks. Yeah, it looks like the entire plug just pulled off (clip included). Weird. Hopefully Neptune will be able to provide some more insight. Best of luck in getting it sorted out!

 

[Jay B]

As Alex says.

Molex connectors on those 1Link cables are generally of decent quality. However, if pulled hard enough they may bend the leads going into the unit and onto the main board. At this point they can get twisted and shorted together. The other common issue is liquid damage, especially seems common in Tridents as the reagents leak and they are highly corrosive. In such case, even units under warranty may not be covered unfortunately.

You are welcome to send everything in my way, if you wish Will likely be faster and cheaper, and in many cases better:

Mail-in Repair – FixReef

www.fixreef.com

If the lower voltage wires get shorted inside to the main board, then they may not be able to handle the higher power and essentially burn up until they break the current or become damaged before an internal fuse is tripped. Only disassembly will reveal what actually happened to this in my opinion and the unit should be able to withstand normal insertion and removal by its users. Let us know what you decide to do and the result or info you obtain as it will probably be helpful.

 

[Samina]

Just wanted to update, still waiting on word from Neptune about RMA and repair costs. I will update again once I hear back. Hopefully will be good news!

 

[_AV]

Just wanted to update, still waiting on word from Neptune about RMA and repair costs. I will update again once I hear back. Hopefully will be good news!

You would have had everything back and running by now if you sent it to me. Just sayin

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

You would have had everything back and running by now if you sent it to me. Just sayin

At a lot cheaper cost than what neptune is going to shaft the op with, or sell a refurb at a exorbitant price....

 

[Samina]

You would have had everything back and running by now if you sent it to me. Just sayin

Haha oh believe me, that thought has crossed my mind more than once given that I am now weeks into this whole deal. Hopefully I hear good news this coming week. Not gonna lie, getting a bit anxious to hear something….

 

[Samina]

Well I heard back from Neptune today. The modules, COR20 controller and energy bars will have to be replaced but the trident, DOS and brain can be repaired. Total was coming out to $1237 but they are willing to work with me and discount it to bring it down to $845. They’re customer service was good and so I’m appreciative of that. The cost though… not sure if I can say I’m happy to hear that. They said that there was a short in one of the aquabus cables that then caused the connected devices to fry. Honestly not sure how I feel about this. I was hoping cost would be much less but maybe that is my naivety. Still trying to figure out what to do and honestly I don’t know if I have many options. I am very grateful that they are willing to work with me and bring that initial repair/replacement estimate down. Unfortunately, it’s still pricy due to the extent of equipment involved. So that’s the news.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

You could of dealt with _AV, much better price to get gear fixed.

 

[_AV]

dang... I should consider charging a lot more now Just kidding...

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

dang... I should consider charging a lot more now Just kidding...

Serious, Neptune is killing it, lol.

 

[LiamPM]

They said that there was a short in one of the aquabus cables that then caused the connected devices to fry.

What cuased the short? Liquid contact or something else?

I think if i were you id get the gear back and go the _AV route, even if the cost matched - Anything in this hobby that is electrical and used around liquid or in close proximity to something capable of shorting on contact should be fairly fail safe - I get that this is an extremely rare thing to happen but a $1000 fix isnt what id call working with you over an honest issue.

Could be very wrong but even if they offered you all brand new gear at COST to them, so they dont lose out, id assume and confidently say its a lot less than that price offered to you.

 

[areefer01]

Serious, Neptune is killing it, lol.

I think this is an interesting statement. I think it comes down to parts and labor pricing. Labor right now has gone through the roof. Maybe that is part of the reason. Who knows. I don't. But taking a few hand picked examples of high labor cost look no further than car dealerships, repairs, or construction (concrete, painters, etc).

Again not making an excuse just saying labor cost these days isn't much of a surprise.

dang... I should consider charging a lot more now Just kidding...

Well that depends on why you are doing the work. For real income then yes. Side hustle, enjoyment, helping, then no The fact you can do it is super amazing.

 

[_AV]

You have a valid point. I would also add that companies that make and sell electronics don't really want to be in the repair business. They have to because customers expect proper product support, which includes both warranty and out of warranty repair services. Otherwise, their real cash cow is selling the product itself, which has much higher profit margins than the repair. Notice that car manufacturers don't do car repairs themselves for example. Apple, Dell and Lenovo contract out their repair services to a third party in TX, etc.

That's why their repair costs are so high. First, they are not set up to do the repairs at scale. Second, they are not particularly focused or motivated on making it profitable by lowering costs. And why should they? They would much rather sell you a new product than keep repairing the old one. Customers come to them by default because it's their product that failed. They can command any repair costs as they want to motivate buying new gear anyway.

All of this, while the manufacturer has no R&D costs related to the repairs themselves. They already have all of the schematics, firmware, testing/diagnostics processes and the existing parts supply chain. Most of what I had to develop from scratch.

Yes, I do this mostly because I enjoy doing it, to keep my skills sharp and get a satisfaction from helping fellow reefers and keeping expensive hardware out of landfills. But I do run it as a business, pay taxes on everything and keep it profitable even at the rate that I charge. I still have to charge for it because of my own expenses in time, parts, tools, supplies, etc. And the end cost is still lower than what the manufacturer charges. Because once you've invested in setting it up and learning the hardware, the actual repair labor is very reasonable.