Let's Talk Controller Boards

[kittenbritches]

Did you DIY yours? Buy commercial? Do you house yours in-cabinet or outside (e.g. a wall, separate structure built)? Show me your setup!

Right now my gear and cord management is tidy, but I'm wanting to have everything mounted and clean-looking. What works for you? Pics earn you extra points! ;)

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

I don't run a controller system, But I'm currently in the middle of a big build that has allowed/forced me to really think about this and research it. Based on taking everybody else's builds into account, It seems like having a false panel with your controller boards and modules mounted to it with your power bricks and extra cable behind, seems like the best way to me as far as expansion capability and ease of use.

 

[aggrofish]

Made my own

 

[nissan97240]

I’m in the middle of a building a waterbox 170 4.5 and would love to also see pictures. I trying to decide what I want to do.

 

[Grill]

Mine is super cheap, yet super practical. I bought a cheap medicine cabinet for $10, perfect fit for my cheap controllers. :)

 

[Sean Clark]

I find control boards to be too restrictive. I like to have easy access to change probes and service equipment. Cord management is important for safety. Control boards only add complexity. They look nice but I don't think they have much value beyond that.

 

[tdhnry]

Mine is off the shelf

 

[fishface NJ]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/show-me-your-equipment-cabinets.194534/

 

[fishface NJ]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/lets-see-your-controller-boards-cabinets.680376/

 

[Adrift]

I find control boards to be too restrictive. I like to have easy access to change probes and service equipment. Cord management is important for safety. Control boards only add complexity. They look nice but I don't think they have much value beyond that.

I have to agree with Sean on this it only hides the mess behind it. I do it old fashioned with routing wires to the components and no hidden wires. It may not look like a Ferrari but I’m ok with a Ford…, at least I get in there and work on it.

 

[kittenbritches]

Mine is off the shelf

I think this is the one I was looking at tonight. Are you happy with it?

 

[Arcu2]

I made mine using a besta cabinet from ikea and cut a piece of plywood to fit inside of it. Secured the board with some l brackets from behind. Works great! Has a smoked glass door so everything can be seen.

 

[Sean Clark]

I made mine using a besta cabinet from ikea and cut a piece of plywood to fit inside of it. Secured the board with some l brackets from behind. Works great! Has a smoked glass door so everything can be seen.

I like this idea, I would like to see more photos showing how it integrates with you tank/stand.

 

[jt8791]

Haha cord management, someday I’ll get around to that I swear. So far I’ve gotten as far as marking the plugs for my hob filters. I shut the cabinet door and forget about it every time.

 

[Fatcobra]

I have to agree with Sean on this it only hides the mess behind it. I do it old fashioned with routing wires to the components and no hidden wires. It may not look like a Ferrari but I’m ok with a Ford…, at least I get in there and work on it.

Nice setup, hope you dont have to change any cord jeje

 

[REEFCRAFT]

There isn't an off the shelf board that fits the 48" Waterbox cabinets, so I cut one down to size and I'm happy with the results. I also have room to add more controllers up top if/when needed.

 

[n2585722]

I built in areas of my stand and canopy for the electronics at the tank. The first and third photo are of the same area Behind the front door of the stand. The third photo is after switching most things over to the Hydros from the Archon. The second and forth photo is one compartment in the back cabinet. The second photo was with the cabinet detached from the stand. The compartment on the other side is about the same. The forth photo is after conversion to hydros. The fifth photo is the control board in the garage where the pumps and storage tanks are located.

 

[Schraufabagel]

Mounted to the underside of my desk. Not pretty at all lol

 

[kittenbritches]

Every time I open my cabinet I try not to look at the horrendous tangle of cords. It's so ridiculous. I'm going to do something about it by Sunday!

 

[BeltedCoyote]

Good topic. Trying to figure out what route I want to go for my hydros, wave engine, etc.