DIY reef tank control box

QuickenZA

QuickenZA

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So...since I have about 12 items in my tank that requires power and control over it I have been thinking about setting up a control box / DB box to house all of the cabling and switches that lead to the various units (skimmer, lights, reactors, heaters, etc.) and how to connect power to all of these units. I also want to integrate my temperature controller and my lighting timer into this box.

I have been looking around to find a cheaper solution than actually setting up a DB box with breakers as switches. My current setup is a multiplug running from a single lead into the cabinet below the tank that houses the sump - for obvious corrosion and water damage reasons I'd like to move this out of the spot it is in now. I'd also like to see how I can give this back up power through a UPS and deep cycle battery.

Anyone have some ideas? Maybe some pictures of DIY stuff built by anyone out there would be awesome.
 
I do not like to hard wire any equipment into a DB box. Need to remove something simple and you need to switch the complete system off to get that heater out. Easier to just unplug it.

But then again, using plugs costs more to setup.
 
Thanks, I am guessing that you keep the multiplug outside of the cabinet? Or doesn't it matter?
 
My setup the multiplugs are to the side of the tank.

The fishroom also runs from multiple multiplugs. Each mounted above the tank. I got no wires touching the floor anywhere in the fishroom.

Long ago, yes I had the multiplugs inside the cabinet.

Multiplugs are not the best looking option out there. But it is the cheapest to set up.
 
I think I might just look at getting a multiplug with switches on it. Simple, clean and inexpensive.

Placement might be in issue - corrosion and moisture within the cabinet, little twitchy and itchy fingers outside of it :)
 
RiaanP said:
I do not like to hard wire any equipment into a DB box. Need to remove something simple and you need to switch the complete system off to get that heater out. Easier to just unplug it.

But then again, using plugs costs more to setup.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with Riaan, on a DB you need to turn off all power, if you want to remove something from tank and DB. What I have done on my DB is I have connectors on most off my equipment, tha I may want to disconnect to clean or for maintenance.

But you need to keep in mind what Riaan said if you want to go the DB route.
 
A potential problem with a DB board is the warranty of the equipment. Some places are very sticky if you cut the plug off.

Having all the plugs in a nice box with switches etc looks very nice but as with a DB box, replacing something is a mission. I used to have all my multi plugs inside a box with switched on the front. To replace something was a mission.

Here is a link to the control box I made
http://www.marineaquariumsa.com/569031-post5.html
 
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If you are still looking for ideas, I have been looking at a control system, and I am going to build what is shown in the pictures I have just poste on the makeover I am doing on a cube. If you are interested, I will give you more information.
 
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