Cord management...it’s long overdue

KellyCorals

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Finally took the time tonight to perform some long needed cord management. For months I’ve been putting it off, even when adding and taking away equipment, I’ve just been letting it go. I know I’m not alone. I’m sure there are 1000s of tanks that looked like mine...let’s face it, it’s just not something you have to look at everyday. It got the point where trying to figure out which plug to pull to turn off a specific light or power head became a game of “let’s play guess that cord”. I even had some equipment mounted under there that wasn’t even in use anymore...like my old wave maker controller. So I jumped on eBay and ordered in a new power strip and some strong Velcro, borrowed the wife’s laminater (for making labels) hand full of zip ties and screws and went to work. Maybe this post will inspire other people to fix their wire fire cord mess too...but if not, I can’t blame you, It took me forever and a day to get around to it...

Of course the before pictures:
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Holy crap that’s bad...

The sump and UV area as a whole:
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First step: unplug and untangle everything and start slapping labels on things I do recognize
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Next get the power supplies off the floor and on to the walls. I always felt having them sitting at ground level was a hazard if water spilled on them for whatever reason
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I don’t really ever need to touch the reef wave controller...like most things today it’s all done off my phone. But it is really cool to watch the LEDs bounce back and fourth and was just buried under cords before which was an injustice so I mounted it to the inside of the door. I give full permission to laugh at my rusty hinges.
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12 devices that need power...12 outlet power strip...the OCD in me just loves it when the universe aligns in that way
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Ok now start plugging everything in...finally.
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And TADA! In under 2 hours of my life later everything is back up and running, labeled and organized! I’m no expert and I’m sure someone could have done better but TOTALLY worth it. Well thanks for reading! Now go fix your messy cords! LOL
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KellyCorals

KellyCorals

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Looks so much better! I really hope there is a GFCI at the other end. The soft tube right next to that power strip gives me anxiety o_O

Yes there is! I thought the same thing but all the soft tube plumbing is shoved together (and clamped) really good to the point I would have a hard time getting it to come apart. (Fingers crossed)
 

airmotive

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I married the fire department chief's daughter, and he likes looking at my tank whenever her parents visit. I don't think I would get away with electric spaghetti under my tank (or anywhere else).
 

Conchman

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Yes, this is my next project when my wife leaves in a couple of weeks. Looking for a suitable enclosure now. I have no room under my cabinet so I will be putting something next to it. Thinking of another stand (future frag tank location) or some kind of Home Depot/Ikea cabinet with doors. I will add a fan if necessary. Good job..
 

Mastering the art of locking and unlocking water pathways: What type of valves do you have on your aquarium plumbing?

  • Ball valves.

    Votes: 75 51.7%
  • Gate valves.

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