Clean cable chord managment or nah?

[MnFish1]

1. Do you care what the cords and cables look like around your reef tank?

I only care that they won't electrocute me - so I keep that under control. I also keep them labeled - so they are easy to unplug then needed.

2. Do you have any useful cord managing tips for those of us who are not that great?

Building a specialized cord management system IMHO - could make it more difficult to take apart - and unless you're displaying it - for some reason - I would rather spend more time and money on my tank inhabitants than cords. But - I have to say some of the pictures are impressive.

 

[NoahLikesFish]

I only care that they won't electrocute me - so I keep that under control. I also keep them labeled - so they are easy to unplug then needed.

Building a specialized cord management system IMHO - could make it more difficult to take apart - and unless you're displaying it - for some reason - I would rather spend more time and money on my tank inhabitants than cords. But - I have to say some of the pictures are impressive.

ive been electrocuted before lol

 

[Hydrored]

I think the hard part of cable management is not to make it so neat and tidy that it makes it next to impossible to change things out. For example, when I bought my first apex controller I buried all of the probe cables and zip-tied everything in, when it came time to replace them it was a nightmare. So when it comes to maintenance-type items, I put those wires in a cable tray, I also just swap both return pumps for maintenance instead of cleaning and putting them back so I keep those wires easily removable. A good cable raceway is where it's at IMO

 

[dcal1985]

On a related note, does anyone have recommendations for good cable management products? I've pretty much just done zip ties at this point.

 

[mattgsa]

Cable management is a top priority at my house. Every wire has its exact spot.

 

[flashsmith]

I "keep it neat". I learned my lesson when I needed to pull a pump. No zipties and fancy straps for me. I've never had anyone ask me to look at my wires. Just the fish and corals ..

 

[WiscoFishNut]

Other. - I do care, I'm just lazy like that lol. It's all out of sight, so out of mind (and the wife's view).

 

[ying yang]

Cable management is a top priority at my house. Every wire has its exact spot.

Nice cable management i love it ha ha.
I not got as much cables as you so everything just running in same direction with drip loops in all and everything raised off the floor a little incase leak,and every plug just simply bit of paper with name wrote on it and celotape over it ( no expense spared lol ) .apart from that im ok with mine just how it is tbh but if got more equipment then would need some way to tidy it,probably just some electrical conduit for wires to run in.

 

[Frostynipps]

ive been electrocuted before lol

Me too also caught my surge-protector on fire (for a moment) at the same time.

 

[WVNed]

My devices are screwed to a wall. The 3rd time I had to undo the cables to put stuff on the generator I didn't put them back.
Maybe after the whole house gen gets installed I will neaten it back up. That is starting Thursday when they are pouring the pad.

 

[attiland]

On a related note, does anyone have recommendations for good cable management products? I've pretty much just done zip ties at this point.

Almost all cable management I come across due to my job is nightmare to take apart. Avoid cable/zip ties as if you have to take it apart they are a incredibly time intensive.
for horizontal parts use cable trays they are flexible and easy to work with. For vertical bits the best are rings or something like the picture below.

the thing is that most of the systems not designed to be taken apart

 

[attiland]

Cable management is a top priority at my house. Every wire has its exact spot.

Reminds me an Indian telephone cable “system “ although it is true for all countries. Never let a telephone engineer do any cabling in your house or office.

 

[Mical]

As @Quietman, I have a separate cabinet for my outlets & controls. I've had gear under the tank or on the side of the stand and it's just "an accident waiting to happen".

 

[Overboard]

Yes, I appreciate clean cable management but have never been able to arrange everything to get it done. Mine looks like a nightmare.

 

[nicksreefs]

said other cause i do care but its like spaghetti junction round the tanks

 

[James_O]

What management, LOL:

When I get my new setup, I will definitely be organizing my cords underneath the tank.

 

[cwerner]

This reminds me of that quote by Michael in the office. "I'm not superstitious, but I am ...stitious."

I'm working on a new build currently and I'm going to try my best to have good wire management, but I know that within about 3 months It'll probably not look amazing.

 

[Adrift]

I don’t like enclosing wires behind a box. Makes maintenance difficult. With many years as a AVI tech I opted for bundled routes by systems or port and starboard systems. Nevertheless I’m still building my tank. But I believe in cable management and keeping it tidy. I have done a lot more in the last two weeks adding more components and will update my build thread. I also have routes on the ceiling of the cabinet. Everything has its place.

 

[moz71]

I would love to have a super neat cable management and I did have it until I need to remove some or change something out. Now I just gave up!! Lol

 

[Koigula]

Too much coffee one Saturday.Old Apex brain died. Everythingindustrial did not. Since went to ATI fixture with one power cord. Good move for corals!