Making a custom Control board for my apex controller and gear!

FLSharkvictim · Dec 14, 2016

Would like to see some of your ideas on how you made and mounted all your Apex equipment? Here is an example of what I am going to be doing with mine but still would like to see your ideas?

Tank Info:
120 Mixed Reef
Apex Classic Controller w/ two energy bars
Ecotech M1 pump
Skimz 163 DC Montzer Series skimmer w/ controller
Custom sump / Refuge
2 TUNZE Turbelle Nanostream 6055's controllable
2 AI Hydra TwentySix HD LED Fixtures
Celestial C35W Maxspect Refuge Spotlight
Aqua UV Ultraviolet Sterilizer 25w
BRS Dual Media reactor
Eshoops IV Master & Slave Doser
Tunze 3155 Auto Top Off

zachxlutz · Dec 14, 2016

Here's my setup. Controller and ATO container in a separate "accessory" cabinet next to the tank. The board is a piece of Rubbermaid shelving so it came pre-finished in black. Drilled some holes for grommets and mounted all the boards and controllers with machine screws, washers and nuts. I've since removed the Metal Halides from the tank and am now running T5 so the big ballasts are gone and the number of cords has been decreased. My Gyre controller is mounted to the corner of the tank. It will soon be relocated to the accessory cabinet once I figure out a solution. Hope this helps.

FLSharkvictim · Dec 14, 2016

zachxlutz said:
Here's my setup. Controller and ATO container in a separate "accessory" cabinet next to the tank. The board is a piece of Rubbermaid shelving so it came pre-finished in black. Drilled some holes for grommets and mounted all the boards and controllers with machine screws, washers and nuts. I've since removed the Metal Halides from the tank and am now running T5 so the big ballasts are gone and the number of cords has been decreased. My Gyre controller is mounted to the corner of the tank. It will soon be relocated to the accessory cabinet once I figure out a solution. Hope this helps.

What are the two converters hooked to if you don't mind me asking by the Home depot bucket? Is that in case of a power outage ... Also, can you share a better picture of your cabinet from a father distance and where did you get the cabinet?

zachxlutz · Dec 14, 2016

FLSharkvictim said:
What are the two converters hooked to if you don't mind me asking by the Home depot bucket? Is that in case of a power outage and if so what do you have these hooked up to.

Those are the metal halide ballasts and have since been removed. In that place, I'll either be adding a battery backup system or going to a larger ATO container.