Oleg

Thank you Tom. I have got my Apex back from repair. New board has the same hardware version 1.1 as old one. Although there is one extra capacitor (I think), the blue one in the middle. It seems like it has more flux than old one. Here is how it looked before cleaning:

One more question. Where can I find flux cleaner in NOVA? Radio Shack?

That's a very good idea. I did send him an email, trying to explore how and why this thing happened and what we can do to prevent those and of course to enquirer on the status of the repair. He replied with just they status of the repair, tracking number and such and completely ignored other questions

Thank you Tom for taking your time to look at that. I'll open mine to clean up those issue that you pointed out. I also wonder whether the replacement board is any better or different from what I had.

I thought so too. I'll open new one some day just to see where everything was. Now I wonder more why it happened and how do I prevent it.

Capacitor looked clean. I wonder if problem started because capacitor fell off or capacitor fell off because of the heat. I also could not find the place on the board where that capacitor was. C51 looks like it can be one, but it looks clean.

They said the board is damaged so they are replacing entire board, in essence entire controller.

Well I kind of know what went broke. When I removed it from the stand I felt something was rattling inside and there was smell of burned plastic so I opened it up and I found one of large capacitors just fell off and one place on the board looked like something burned. I took some pictures. I'll post them later. My guess is that capacitors just should not fell off the board on quality product. But the warranty is over so I have no choice other then pay for repair.

I need some advice. My Apex controller main module broke. So I have sent it to Neptune's and they said that the repair is going to cost $150. So I wonder is it possible to find used controller for less than that? Just main module. I do not need a display nor energy bar.

Just got to the skimmer. It is 10" one indeed. I am going to order one.

Hey guys, What is the correct swabbie model/size for Deltec AP702? Also do you keep retail place or showroom somewhere in the area where we can touch your products? Thanks, Oleg

Yep I saw his post and sent him PM. That's an option too if he is not going to charge too much.

Hi, I am shopping for some acrylic sheets to build a sump. Are there local shops preferably in NoVA that sell 3/8 and 1/4 thick acrylic and that are cheaper than online sources like Ridout plastics etc?

Isn't PH at 8.07 a bit low anyway?

That's interesting idea. I just got some of it. I wonder though. That is some fish and I guess it is salted or there maybу some other additives in it. Also do you freeze/thaw it first before serving to fish to kill potential parasites?

Oh good. I will see if they still have some tomorrow. Thanks a lot!

Does anybody know what store NOVA preferably near Ashburn has Nutramar Ova. I got the ORA mandarin two weeks ago, but I did not personally see it eating anything prepared so I want to try Nutramar Ova.

I was looking for the 40W UV sterilizer and found Aqua UV one for $100. I did not close the deal on that one, but I am reading now that Emperor Aquatic sterilizers are so much better than Aqua UVs. So I wonder will Emperor Aquatic lamp work in Aqua UV unit? And what should I check on that Aqua UV unit when I pick it up?

According to Google Maps Roberts O2 is pretty much the only welding supplier in my area. I just got reply from them with the quote. They charge $21.10 plus tax to exchange 5 lbs cylinder.