2020 Equipment Cabinets (areas): They should be more neat and organized right?

[rpetorella]

BEFORE YOU READ REMEMBER WE WANT TO SEE YOURS SO POST A PHOTO AS WELL AND ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS!

They should be more neat and organized right? I mean a lot of us have had to stay at home a lot more in 2020!

I love new tanks, new tank rooms, new aquarium equipment and I really love organized equipment cabinets and "areas." I know we have many threads about this already but I thought we could start a new one and turn it into a question and show off thread since here in 2020 we should have worked on our aquarium more right?

1. Do you even care about having a neat and organized equipment cabinet or area?

2. Have you worked more in 2020 to make your aquarium equipment wiring and placement neater?

NOW LET'S SEE THOSE EQUIPMENT CABINETS, TANK ROOMS, UNDER THE STAND AREAS, ETC.

image via @sil40sx

Replaced my aquarium this summer,had alot of time on my hands...my RSR allowed me the space to incorparate my apex equipment. Much happier with the new install...taking my indoor hobby to the next level. For me...the happier I am with the tech and appearance...the more likely I am to do the maintenance.

 

[Wolfman238]

Built an extra cabinet to clean up things still working on it

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Hey my tank looks pretty good, you don't need to see my mess of wires under it!

 

[Cogboy]

Built an extra cabinet to clean up things still working on it

wow wolfman, what you got running through all those Dosers?

 

[Cogboy]

I have functional OCD.....so there is no other option for me......currently planning new larger tank build and im spending as much time sketching out the equipment organization as I am the actual tank design!!!

 

[Trey]

Trying my hardest over here..

 

[Fish man]

Everything in my cabinet under a 90gal. 4'x18" Orange bucket is ATO reservoir. Gallon jug to the right of that is skimmer overflow. Light in cabinet comes on automatically when door is opened, auto off when closed. Red LED in top middle of cabinet comes on when ATO reservoir is low. OCD?

 

[Cali-Saltwater-1st-Timer]

Now behind this controller board is a complete cluster f... rats nest.

1. I do care about nearness and organization just from an access standpoint. But it's a total pita to remove any piece of equipment for maintenance, etc.

2. I've done a little bit of of maintenance in 2020 but nowhere near as much as I've wanted.

 

[Tastee]

I love the fact that my new RSR 525XL gives me a dedicated equipment cabinet where in the RSR 250 I have to squeeze everything into the sump area.

RSR 250

RSR 525XL

 

[Susan Edwards]

This is the under tank original. Had to remove some cords as I'm replacing lights and adding a doser and dosing box but those aren't here yet. My biggest goal and concern was to keep all electrical away from water.

 

[benapilot]

I like a clean cabinet, but it’s difficult with space constraints.
I tried on my first build to make it easier.... I learned some lessons that I can hopefully implement on my new 150 build.
Current 75 gallon:

Planning the layout for my 150:

 

[Jax15]

@benapilot - it's a good plan. To offer a pro tip - for those with limited space and not huge fish rooms, anyway - also plan a "B controller" spot. Down the road you will inevitably need to add more controllers, such as another powerhead, a second pump, a new module, etc.. and it's good to plan for that.

I'll show you what I mean from my own build.

Step 1: map out on template

Step 2: Cut and copy over to actual material

Step 3: Drill / add post on back with holes for cable management via cable ties (or however you plan for cable & power block routing behind the board

Step 4: Finished board

PRO TIP: Leave a backup space for future controllers. I've already needed to add 3! My primary board hinges open, and there's a wall behind it left for future controllers. This makes it somewhat accessible, even if not as convenient (photo is kind of hard to see):

Good luck!

 

[MSarro27]

 

[Wolfman238]

wow wolfman, what you got running through all those Dosers?

Triton method 4 part,alk,calicium,manganese and iodine. trying to make it as easy as I can for the wife since I'm out of town alot and with the Dos pumps I can adjust while I'm out of town.

 

[Lovefish77]

This is my diy control board using underlayment board from HomeDepot

 

[ReefSakes]

Built an extra cabinet to clean up things still working on it

Looks nice. What all are you dosing with all those dosers?

 

[Mike from TN]

Nothing compared to Y’all’s but it’s only a 13.5gal tank.
I do like to keep my stuff organized though!

 

[litenyaup]

Here is mine...

 

[flsalty]

I said "Other" because I subscribe to the KISS principle. That means my cabinet is always neat because I don't have a bunch of equipment. I have plenty of cabinet space for test kits, chemicals, and spare equipment.

Don't ask to see my stereo/home theater system I just set up. I'm waiting on a cable management system...lol

 

[Emerson]

Not usually a hater...but hate all of you ! Cabinet shaming!! I don't have a "fish room" and keep jamming stuff under the cabinet. One day...