Cord Management

[Audandash]

I am not new to the hobby but under my tank has always been a bit sloppy. I recently set up a 200 gal RR tank. While there is a lot of space underneath it is quickly eaten up by plumbing, sump, skimmer etc.... I would like to hear and see how you manage all of the wires and plugs. Some things have large power supplies, extra long cords that you dont really need etc...

Thanks

 

[Auquanut]

Welcome to R2R! Great question, and one I'm sure a lot of us need help with. I've been cosidering what to do about my cable management for some time. Will definitely be following this thread. Maybe we can both learn something.

 

[link81]

I use this stuff:

 

[Taxus812]

J channel raceway and velcro straps for exposed cables.

Many make control boards with the extra cord running through holes and tucked in back (drip loops at the plugin points)

 

[Audandash]

I would love to see some pics. I am very interested in what you do with those large power supply bricks that some equipment has (laptop style battery chargers).

 

[Peace River]

Here are a couple of R2R threads on cable management that may have some ideas:

Power Brick Mounting Ideas

Show Us Your Cable Management

 

[samnaz]

I’m currently working on an equipment/controller cabinet and organizing the ungodly amount of cables.

I have gone through countless threads and saved photos of great examples. If you’re interested I can post thread links, but for now here’s a few photos (none are mine).

 

[Audandash]

Thanks for the pics and links. Good stuff.

 

[Taxus812]

Here are a few more for the powerbrick mounts

 

[samnaz]

Here are a few more for the powerbrick mounts

Are those the ones BRS etc sells for $17? For a little piece of plastic and Velcro seems way overpriced. There must be a way to DIY one similar that costs next to nothing. For example, staple a piece of Velcro to a small piece of wood or plastic.

 

[Taxus812]

Are those the ones BRS etc sells for $17? For a little piece of plastic and Velcro seems way overpriced. There must be a way to DIY one similar that costs next to nothing. For example, staple a piece of Velcro to a small piece of wood or plastic.

Nope one I designed and printed for about $1

57mm Power Supply Bracket by Taxus812

This is a mounting bracket for a laptop type power supply that is 57mm wide. This thing was made with Tinkercad. Edit it online https://www.tinkercad.com/things/5mtnMvX9GU7

www.thingiverse.com

 

[biecacka]

I always want to see the back of the control panels....what is done with all the extra cord length?

Corey

 

[samnaz]

I always want to see the back of the control panels....what is done with all the extra cord length?

Corey

I use these when possible.

Amazon.com: CablesOnline Short 3-Conductor PC Power Cord, 1Feet, 18AWG, NEMA 5-15p to IEC C13 Cable (5 Pack) (PC-111-5): Computers & Accessories

Buy CablesOnline Short 3-Conductor PC Power Cord, 1Feet, 18AWG, NEMA 5-15p to IEC C13 Cable (5 Pack) (PC-111-5): Power Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Jay Z]

Good ole cable management. This is one of the most challenging skills to master.

Planning. Make sure you take your time to plan, take notes, draw diagrams, count cords and outlets, try to think ahead for the future and make sure you leave access to anything that need to be unplugged and removed to be clean, extra slack for things that need to be moved and maybe cooling depending how much your shoving into a small space. Excess heat is the number one killer for premature electronic failure.

You want it to look clean but still be accessible. If you get to permanent with it, could take up to a half a day to uninstall a simple pump and replace it.

I personally start with a count/list of all items. Take into account how many power bars I will need, what will need to be automated, what will need constant power, cord lengths, where the best mounting spot to protect from water.
Then what can be semi permanent, what will need 3 month cleanings, what I plan on upgrading in the near future.

Then try to separate water lines, electrical cords, and probes.

Cable management is a mentally spacial project, where foresight and patience are your friends. Plus looking at what other have artfully done will help give you a start and ideas.

Some amazing wire ups on here, but don't get discouraged if it looks overwhelming or does not turn out as well as others. It is a art, one that I will never master.

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

I took a stock cabinet form the box store and put a false plywood back on it about 4 Inches in depth. This allows all the cables to stay behind the false back.

 

[Auquanut]

Good ole cable management. This is one of the most challenging skills to master.

Planning. Make sure you take your time to plan, take notes, draw diagrams, count cords and outlets, try to think ahead for the future and make sure you leave access to anything that need to be unplugged and removed to be clean, extra slack for things that need to be moved and maybe cooling depending how much your shoving into a small space. Excess heat is the number one killer for premature electronic failure.

You want it to look clean but still be accessible. If you get to permanent with it, could take up to a half a day to uninstall a simple pump and replace it.

I personally start with a count/list of all items. Take into account how many power bars I will need, what will need to be automated, what will need constant power, cord lengths, where the best mounting spot to protect from water.
Then what can be semi permanent, what will need 3 month cleanings, what I plan on upgrading in the near future.

Then try to separate water lines, electrical cords, and probes.

Cable management is a mentally spacial project, where foresight and patience are your friends. Plus looking at what other have artfully done will help give you a start and ideas.

Some amazing wire ups on here, but don't get discouraged if it looks overwhelming or does not turn out as well as others. It is a art, one that I will never master.

Outstanding write-up! When I look at the mess I have under the cabinet, I get overwhelmed and wind up doing nothing. Today I will start charting what I have, where it is, and possible management solutions before I start moving things around.