Power Strips

[kittenbritches]

I currently have a six-outlet GFCI power strip but A) I'll be "outgrowing" it shortly, and B) plugging and unplugging is irrationally annoying to me.

So, my question: do any of you have your system running on multiple strips (i.e., powerheads/circ pumps/wavemakers on one, filtration and skimmer on another, lights/heating/things with their own off-switch on a third)? If so, do you piggyback any of the strips, or have them all in their own grounded wall outlet?

I'd love to just flip a switch to turn off all flow while feeding corals (for example) without having to kneel and yank plugs. I'm trying to think of a good solution within the scope of my current equipment and limitations (I'm a renter). My tank is on a wall with only one outlet, one of which is being occupied by a seldom-used desktop computer, which I could probably unplug/retire without too much hassle.

How do you manage your outlets? Any recommendations?

 

[watdachuck]

https://www.grainger.com/product/POWER-FIRST-Outlet-Strip-1A945

I have three of these and love them. Each strip does have its own outlet though. I would not plug multiple strips into one another.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I currently have a six-outlet GFCI power strip but A) I'll be "outgrowing" it shortly, and B) plugging and unplugging is irrationally annoying to me.

So, my question: do any of you have your system running on multiple strips (i.e., powerheads/circ pumps/wavemakers on one, filtration and skimmer on another, lights/heating/things with their own off-switch on a third)? If so, do you piggyback any of the strips, or have them all in their own grounded wall outlet?

I'd love to just flip a switch to turn off all flow while feeding corals (for example) without having to kneel and yank plugs. I'm trying to think of a good solution within the scope of my current equipment and limitations (I'm a renter). My tank is on a wall with only one outlet, one of which is being occupied by a seldom-used desktop computer, which I could probably unplug/retire without too much hassle.

How do you manage your outlets? Any recommendations?

DJ power strips have many outlets and a controller (even a reefkeeper is an affordable option)

 

[blaxsun]

Yes, but the upgrade to an Apex was worth the investment.

 

[LoneStarReef]

Individual smart sockets are a great way to go for individual control (if you don't have an Apex, etc). That way, you can control individual functions with a push of a button on your phone. Or automate lights, etc.

 

[Tumey]

PDU’s like this one are a great option too

PDU Power Strip Surge Protector - 150 Joules,9 Outlet Strips Surge Protector z - Heavy-Duty Electric Extension Cord Strip - 1U Rack Mount Protection Power Outlet Strip - 9 Front Switch - Pyle PDBC70

 

[Gedxin]

I use smart outlets for my on/off things like feeding or water changes. Apex is wayyy too costly for my tastes.

 

[trainbob]

This is what I bought from Amazon it was less than $20 and they come in many lengths the second strip is for my new tank that I did not receive yet. It cost $44 on Amazon

 

[LuisPerez711]

I have an old school apex that I use for automated functions that require input from probes or sensors.

If an aquarium controller is out of the question, I recommend these surge protected, wifi power strips. I use the 8-outlet model. 4 are wifi and 4 are not. I use the 4 wifi sockets to control my power heads. The app is easy to use and have had very little issues.



I wouldn't recommend piggybacking off a socket to run another full power strip because the input from the power strip might continuously set off the breaker in the original power strip. That being said, I do piggyback a small 4 socket wifi strip to control a light and powerhead on my (failing) refugium lol again not recommended BUT it is possible. Take with a grain of salt please.

 

[LittleFidel]

I currently have a six-outlet GFCI power strip but A) I'll be "outgrowing" it shortly, and B) plugging and unplugging is irrationally annoying to me.

So, my question: do any of you have your system running on multiple strips (i.e., powerheads/circ pumps/wavemakers on one, filtration and skimmer on another, lights/heating/things with their own off-switch on a third)? If so, do you piggyback any of the strips, or have them all in their own grounded wall outlet?

I'd love to just flip a switch to turn off all flow while feeding corals (for example) without having to kneel and yank plugs. I'm trying to think of a good solution within the scope of my current equipment and limitations (I'm a renter). My tank is on a wall with only one outlet, one of which is being occupied by a seldom-used desktop computer, which I could probably unplug/retire without too much hassle.

How do you manage your outlets? Any recommendations?

I have a strip that has a switch for each plug. I remember which switches lead to the power heads and only flip those when it’s time to feed.

 

[kittenbritches]

I have an old school apex that I use for automated functions that require input from probes or sensors.

If an aquarium controller is out of the question, I recommend these surge protected, wifi power strips. I use the 8-outlet model. 4 are wifi and 4 are not. I use the 4 wifi sockets to control my power heads. The app is easy to use and have had very little issues.



I wouldn't recommend piggybacking off a socket to run another full power strip because the input from the power strip might continuously set off the breaker in the original power strip. That being said, I do piggyback a small 4 socket wifi strip to control a light and powerhead on my (failing) refugium lol again not recommended BUT it is possible. Take with a grain of salt please.

The power strip that you tried to post a photo of didn't come through. Would you mind sending me a link?

 

[jassermd]

I use these to control my mixing pump and frag tank lights/power heads. I use Apex for the DT...


App is great and they have been quite reliable.
Make sure you still use a GFCI with them!

 

[Saltyreef]

I use these tplink powerstrips with the KASA app. Good deal for the 6 outlet version @ $50.


I love the app. I have 4 BRS dosers set up on the schedule function. The schedule runs at 1 min incraments.
I can let my dosers run on a timer so if i test and the value is low, i can start a countdown timer to let it feed.
The app also has scene functions where you can turn multiple things off/on with one programed button.
Example "feed mode", turn off your powerheads and return pump + skimmer so it wont overflow from sump water level.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I have 2 power strips for my tank, one is hooked up so I can just turn it off for water changes and spot feeding, and turn back on when I'm done.

I got the tip only last month from watching some youtube video, its so helpful and convenient this way, compared to pulling out individual plugs.

 

[LegendaryCG]

I use these tplink powerstrips with the KASA app. Good deal for the 6 outlet version @ $50.


I love the app. I have 4 BRS dosers set up on the schedule function. The schedule runs at 1 min incraments.
I can let my dosers run on a timer so if i test and the value is low, i can start a countdown timer to let it feed.
The app also has scene functions where you can turn multiple things off/on with one programed button.
Example "feed mode", turn off your powerheads and return pump + skimmer so it wont overflow from sump water level.

Use these on my smaller non-apex AIO. Works quite well.

 

[TCoach]

I have 2 Kasa 300 Powerstrips running the parts of my reef I need to control (skimmer/main pump/ power heads/ etc). Easy to set up a scene and have Google/Alexa turn on or off pumps for feeding. "Hey Google, Run Feed Reef". Main pump, and skimmer turned off, all power heads turned on. .

Now I use Reef-pi to do the same thing. Makes it easy since I don't need to set a reminder to restart the pumps. I run the feed macro and it turns pumps on and off, waits 30 minutes and then turns skimmer and main pump back on.

 

[Saltyreef]

I have 2 Kasa 300 Powerstrips running the parts of my reef I need to control (skimmer/main pump/ power heads/ etc). Easy to set up a scene and have Google/Alexa turn on or off pumps for feeding. "Hey Google, Run Feed Reef". Main pump, and skimmer turned off, all power heads turned on. .

Now I use Reef-pi to do the same thing. Makes it easy since I don't need to set a reminder to restart the pumps. I run the feed macro and it turns pumps on and off, waits 30 minutes and then turns skimmer and main pump back on.

Totally forgot about the alexa integration!

Also, i wanted to go the reefpi route but im semi-technologically dumb.
Was trying to get my software developer brother in law to set it up but decided on wifi powerstrips instead for now.

My coding skills took a backseat after myspace anyways >.<

 

[Gtinnel]

If you don't want to buy an aquarium controller then I agree that the kasa smart powerstrips are the next best thing. I have one I use with my tank and I use some of the single smart outlets for my AWC an QT. Plus I have a lot of the other single outlets that I use for various other things around the house.

 

[happyhourhero]

These are life changing.

 

[Lsuhunter]

Another cheaper option is to get a remote control for your outlets, like the kind for lamps around the house(works great for christmas lights also, especially on the tree). That is what I use for my return pump and ATO. They are on the same one so I always remember to turn my ATO during water changes. You could put your wavemakers on one also if needed. The one I use for lamps around my house has 3 channels so you can control 3 different things from one remote.