Anyone make or source a replacement manifold for the trident?

[A_Blind_Reefer]

Just a shot in the dark here. I’m wondering if anyone has made or sourced a replacement manifold (the black plastic piece where all the lines connect) for the trident? Being blind as a bat, and having these spastic jerks and tremors, I broke off one of the barbs/nipples when attempting to flush it out. I wish I was capable as this would be a relatively simple project to tackle on the lathe/mill out in the garage….but I’m not able to do that any longer. I explained my situation to Neptune and they generously offered to sell me one (as it’s not typically a replacement part they offer) but the price was outer worldly and basically forces you to do the exchange service. Just throwing it out there in hopes of not having to throw money I don’t really have to spare.

 

[Dan_P]

Just a shot in the dark here. I’m wondering if anyone has made or sourced a replacement manifold (the black plastic piece where all the lines connect) for the trident? Being blind as a bat, and having these spastic jerks and tremors, I broke off one of the barbs/nipples when attempting to flush it out. I wish I was capable as this would be a relatively simple project to tackle on the lathe/mill out in the garage….but I’m not able to do that any longer. I explained my situation to Neptune and they generously offered to sell me one (as it’s not typically a replacement part they offer) but the price was outer worldly and basically forces you to do the exchange service. Just throwing it out there in hopes of not having to throw money I don’t really have to spare.

I guess there were no innovative ideas on solving your dilemma. What did you finally do?

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I guess there were no innovative ideas on solving your dilemma. What did you finally do?

Bit the bullet and went with the exchange service for $200ish. You get two months of reagent, 18 months warranty, a prepaid return shipping label (although ups wanted a fee to schedule a pickup), and a shot glass. They would have sold me the just the manifold for $75 plus shipping, which is absurd. That’s what I get. A bit disappointed that they wouldn’t let the part go for a reasonable fee but that’s how the cookie crumbles. The worst part is that I beat myself up for not being able to do simple things any longer and sometimes feel like giving up. I try to do simple things that I often joked about being able to do blindfolded, with one arm behind my back, just to prove to myself that I still can do some things …and hopefully boost my morale a bit and not resolve to being worthless.

 

[areefer01]

Bit the bullet and went with the exchange service for $200ish. You get two months of reagent, 18 months warranty, a prepaid return shipping label (although ups wanted a fee to schedule a pickup), and a shot glass. They would have sold me the just the manifold for $75 plus shipping, which is absurd. That’s what I get. A bit disappointed that they wouldn’t let the part go for a reasonable fee but that’s how the cookie crumbles. The worst part is that I beat myself up for not being able to do simple things any longer and sometimes feel like giving up. I try to do simple things that I often joked about being able to do blindfolded, with one arm behind my back, just to prove to myself that I still can do some things …and hopefully boost my morale a bit and not resolve to being worthless.

The cross ship is worth it, in my experience, due to the included one way shipping and reagent set. I've done both self service and cross ship. The manifold in question is a vital piece to their design believe it or not and not something that is typically replaced. Or needed to. As to why they couldn't work something out I'm not sure. I probably would have pressed a bit more but understand their reasoning. Not that it matters any but I am sorry to hear.

One thing I recommend to new hobbyist is to factor in the age thing. That and unexpected medical change. When we are young we feel indestructible but life has other things planned for us. Something like say a hip replacement makes working under the display both a challenge and unwise. Could be any number of things really but we don't consider when we start that can be frustrating later.

Again sorry they couldn't work something out but it sounds like you got it sorted. Hang in there and all the best.

 

[braaap]

For anyone in the future who ships a trident in for service. Neptune support told me via email to take any pieces off mine that I wanted to keep before I sent it in. So I kept all the needles and hoses so I have some backup parts. I guess next time I’ll keep the manifold and vile/spinner etc.

 

[Dan_P]

Bit the bullet and went with the exchange service for $200ish. You get two months of reagent, 18 months warranty, a prepaid return shipping label (although ups wanted a fee to schedule a pickup), and a shot glass. They would have sold me the just the manifold for $75 plus shipping, which is absurd. That’s what I get. A bit disappointed that they wouldn’t let the part go for a reasonable fee but that’s how the cookie crumbles. The worst part is that I beat myself up for not being able to do simple things any longer and sometimes feel like giving up. I try to do simple things that I often joked about being able to do blindfolded, with one arm behind my back, just to prove to myself that I still can do some things …and hopefully boost my morale a bit and not resolve to being worthless.

Yeah, I think the company could have been more reasonable. Something tells me you aren’t the first to request this part to be replaced. Might be one of their big money makers.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

Yeah, I think the company could have been more reasonable. Something tells me you aren’t the first to request this part to be replaced. Might be one of their big money makers.

I agree. There are a couple threads on here where others have broke the manifold when clearing a clog (which makes me feel a little better). One had posted that they offered to throw one in (no additional charge) with the purchase of the diy service kit. They ended up going with the service exchange as well.

I even reminded them that they owe me two warranty replacement wav pumps (over three years now) hoping that might add a little incentive to let the part go at a more reasonable price. Nope, just offered a 15% discount on Nero pumps which I’m not interested in. I do get it though. Business is business.

It was another jab at my lack of capabilities as well. It’s something I (previously) could have spun up on the old lathe in short order.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

For anyone in the future who ships a trident in for service. Neptune support told me via email to take any pieces off mine that I wanted to keep before I sent it in. So I kept all the needles and hoses so I have some backup parts. I guess next time I’ll keep the manifold and vile/spinner etc.

Yeah, I wish I knew that last week! Ha! I had just recently performed the diy service so I did remove the (couple months old) vial and pump head and throw the old ones that I had kept back in the box.

Most of the work was taking apart the exchange unit as I run the 3d printed mini housing. The 3d printed version is super simple to take down for maintenance….especially when you’re challenged. I had to try and access my memory bank on where to squeeze to seperate the actual trident housing, then they tape and zip tie wires and tubes that I had to feel around for. That and the phone rang while I was in the middle so the cat moved stuff around for me while I was away for like two minutes. That’s a fun game. I place things in a specific order, memorizing as I go, and the cat says *** you….figure this out now!

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

The cross ship is worth it, in my experience, due to the included one way shipping and reagent set. I've done both self service and cross ship. The manifold in question is a vital piece to their design believe it or not and not something that is typically replaced. Or needed to. As to why they couldn't work something out I'm not sure. I probably would have pressed a bit more but understand their reasoning. Not that it matters any but I am sorry to hear.

One thing I recommend to new hobbyist is to factor in the age thing. That and unexpected medical change. When we are young we feel indestructible but life has other things planned for us. Something like say a hip replacement makes working under the display both a challenge and unwise. Could be any number of things really but we don't consider when we start that can be frustrating later.

Again sorry they couldn't work something out but it sounds like you got it sorted. Hang in there and all the best.

Yeah I get the manifold isn’t typically replaced by the end user. I belive it is during the factory service. It is something that can clog and would be more efficient to be tossed as opposed to being flushed and reused during a service.

I don’t think I’d advise a 90 year old to start a new hobby of reefing either! It’s hard to account for life’s little happenings as one never knows when or what will come along and slap you in the face. I’m not that old, or so I tell myself, at 50. I was 44 when life changed for me. I do credit automation for the tanks survival. Had I not been a techno geek early on, it would have for sure been a total disaster post life changes. I truly don’t get the enjoyment out of the tank any longer, but it does give me some purpose and sense of accomplishment. Although, every now and then it tests my will!

 

[braaap]

Yeah, I wish I knew that last week! Ha! I had just recently performed the diy service so I did remove the (couple months old) vial and pump head and throw the old ones that I had kept back in the box.

Most of the work was taking apart the exchange unit as I run the 3d printed mini housing. The 3d printed version is super simple to take down for maintenance….especially when you’re challenged. I had to try and access my memory bank on where to squeeze to seperate the actual trident housing, then they tape and zip tie wires and tubes that I had to feel around for. That and the phone rang while I was in the middle so the cat moved stuff around for me while I was away for like two minutes. That’s a fun game. I place things in a specific order, memorizing as I go, and the cat says *** you….figure this out now!

I use the 3d printed enclosures too. I actually print them for a lot of people.

I’m just amazed you can do all of this with your limitations. I struggle without any. Keep doing it!

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I use the 3d printed enclosures too. I actually print them for a lot of people.

I’m just amazed you can do all of this with your limitations. I struggle without any. Keep doing it!

Thanks! I try…. It can be quite frustrating at times though. Ai is a great help. My iPhone can read some things to me just using the camera which is insanely cool! Point at something and if there’s any text it will find it and read it. Hanna checkers, the Milwaukee salinity tester, etc.