need ideas for electronics box, all welcome

dohc97 · Apr 7, 2020

I need to make an electronics box for my new reef, i was initially thinking of just a normal rectangle box made out of 1/2" plywood but im struggling with the front, i am going to have the apex display, maxspect controller and ato controller screwed onto front. Just struggling with thinking of a cool way to mount the front to where it is easy to remove for access. I am also trying to figure out what people have done for the looks of the panel. I do not want any lighting, currently i was thinking of making entire front out of epoxy or coating plywood with epoxy, i would of course dye the epoxy with some sort of color. any thoughts, ideas, pictures are welcome. Not trying to have this be an art installation just want a little better look than i typically do.

Jim8o · Apr 7, 2020

Hey

check link to my tank stand build. Might help?

DIY AIO tank and stand.

As promised.. Here are some pictures of my stand so far.

www.reef2reef.com

I made mine out of 12mm ply, piano hinge and some desk cable entry bits.

Mical · Apr 7, 2020

I bought this https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/besta-...ssvik-black-clear-glass-s49047751/#/S99047763

If your budget is tight, they make smaller & thinner

Reef-junky · Apr 7, 2020

Just make a small cabinet

dohc97 · Apr 7, 2020

i like the ikea idea, but it is too big, this box will need to sit inside the stand above my ato reservoir. i believe i have about 14"x13" and a depth of about 10" to play with. The only reason my wife agreed to my upgrade was because i promised all equipment would fit inside stand, its working so far but i cant have a pile of electronics just sitting on bottom of stand. Im not tight on money but would prefer to build myself. i guess i mainly need help with the look of the front panel. what would make plywood look better? i previously made a box that was finished the same as the stand but i had it attached with screws and i want something easier to open.

NS Mike D · Apr 7, 2020

I picked up this inexpensive bookshelf/cabinet and cut some holes in the back for the wires. Stands next to the tank and has two cloth drawers where I keep test kits and other stuff for quick access.

It's the apex classic and the display is on the wall

Jaebster · Apr 7, 2020

Mical said:
I bought this https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/besta-...ssvik-black-clear-glass-s49047751/#/S99047763

If your budget is tight, they make smaller & thinner

I plan on using those for my build. 1 on each side of my tank and 1 each right above the ones on the floor. Lighting canopy will be set in between the overhead ones.

Jim8o · Apr 7, 2020

dohc97 said:
i like the ikea idea, but it is too big, this box will need to sit inside the stand above my ato reservoir. i believe i have about 14"x13" and a depth of about 10" to play with. The only reason my wife agreed to my upgrade was because i promised all equipment would fit inside stand, its working so far but i cant have a pile of electronics just sitting on bottom of stand. Im not tight on money but would prefer to build myself. i guess i mainly need help with the look of the front panel. what would make plywood look better? i previously made a box that was finished the same as the stand but i had it attached with screws and i want something easier to open.

You can get vaneer faces ply.. or stain/paint it. In my post above I stained and varnish.

sergifed91 · Apr 9, 2020

I'm in the process of doing one myself for the apex unit. I'm using an old stereo entertainment stand. Some thin plywood and drill a hole or 2 in it an bam run the apex wires through it and done.

dohc97 · Apr 9, 2020

thanks for the suggestions so far, i have been doing some house work so i kind of put on the back burner, think im going to do curbside pickup for some plywood and just get to build something. ill come up with something for front.