Clean cable chord managment or nah?

[Borat]

Powerhead controller that hangs on the back of the tank. Only 1 cable is needed to connect to mains, this provides outlets for 4 AC powerheads (2 each side of the tank), which are easy to disconnect for cleaning..

 

[BryanJ]

I have a room in the basement where my sump lives I just make sure there is a drip line so that no water can flow directly to an outlet. Plus my outlets are all mid wall.

 

[blaxsun]

I think the better question is: Despite how clean your cable management may look, how disorganized is it really behind the panels, cabinets, etc.

 

[Borat]

If you had the number of devices I have in my small electrics cabinet - there is no way you could have organised it neatly.. so I did my best ..

 

[Pistondog]

How do you feel about cable management? Some people don't really care how it looks and some people want it as tidy as possible! Let's talk about that today!

1. Do you care what the cords and cables look like around your reef tank?

2. Do you have any useful cord managing tips for those of us who are not that great?

LET'S SEE A PHOTO OF YOUR CHORD MANAGEMENT SKILLS!

image via @Kuub

Secure the power supplies and wire tie the cords so they don't fall out when cabinet doors are opened.

 

[Double monti 61]

As long as as my electrical connections are safe I do not worry about the neatness of them they are behind the tank and if the system is doing well that seems to be the point of interest so I think most people not not focus on the wires as much as what is happening in the tank.

 

[rmcguire81]

Currently I have a mess of wires and power supply packs in my cabinet. Thinking I will order a control board for brs and pend that time to get it cleaned up. The worst thing for me is looking at my tank and feeling a sense of calm and peace, then opening up the cabinet to grab something and seeing the stark contrast down there. I feel like I have such a mess. Good thing nobody ask to see my wires.

 

[stanleo]

I do care what it looks but I'm terrible at it.

 

[lefkonj]

I think it is also a space issue. If I had another 4 square feet of space under my tank I would use one of the mounting boards and really manage my cables. With limited space I did the best that I could. I know others will say 'I have a nano and it is really organized', but hey this is my situation.

 

[135zman]

Too much coffee one Saturday.Old Apex brain died. Everythingindustrial did not. Since went to ATI fixture with one power cord. Good move for corals!

How is the NOGO Genius G7200 integrated into your system?

 

[mattgsa]

Too much coffee one Saturday.Old Apex brain died. Everythingindustrial did not. Since went to ATI fixture with one power cord. Good move for corals!

I love the idea of groing industrial. I just wish i knew the programing for them.

 

[Catnip885]

Mine is if you can't see it then oh well lol. Just made sure that was a drip loop just in case

 

[Panky]

I’ve done it both ways. Thru my experience it looks good for a month or 2 until maintenance time.

 

[ReefPiracy]

velcro straps, reuse those twist ties

 

[dmarott1]

It's nice to have them labeled.

I tried labels but they didn’t stick well. Does anyone have labels that they are happy with? If so please share the name of the manufacturer.

 

[amazongb]

I'm always envious of these super clean setups, but I'm also thinking "what does it look like behind that nice looking control board thingy?" I mean, those black wires and AC adapters have to be somewhere.

 

[muggle0981]

Basic-and simple

Less is more

 

[Susan Edwards]

I def. care lol's. This is my temporary set up until tank arrives and is set up. I can quickly add all my equipment and not overly fuss with cords. After we have the tank, we'll decide what to do. I'll be adding a divider to close off the dry end of cabinet from the wet side. Some items can go there. Not sure all can lol's. Might have to have some outside on the wall. the other images are my current tank where hubby used cable channels. Trouble I had (and learned from) was to take powerheads from tank to clean or replace meant taking that nice neat system apart. This time, at least, I'm using mp40's which I can clean head without taking apart. The reefwave 45's just need unplugged from the controller so better equipment this time. Skimmer cord needs to be accessible. So will design the new system taking in mind what needs to come out for maintenance.

The other thing to consider is if you have an outlet behind your tank and the risk of saltwater splashing on wall and dripping into the outlet. If the outlet is damaged, it means moving the tank to repair (if not fire!). I have 1 outlet we are disconnecting and sealing to be safe.

 

[ShadowMan]

I tried labels but they didn’t stick well. Does anyone have labels that they are happy with? If so please share the name of the manufacturer.

Sharpie on a small piece of paper and sellotape over the top of that - easy to read, keeps it dry and even easier to maintain

 

[Fin]

I use these zip ties made for labeling. One at the plug and one closer to the device (especially if it has a disconnect). It helps when trying to remove or unplug a specific device. I found them on Amazon, I believe.