Show off your power center!

[fishnut321]

hello, im in the planning phase of building a power center to house at least one dj power strip, my reef keeper lite vs3, auto top off, and vortech controller. I would love to see how everyone built theirs and managed the cord organization. Thanks :)

[fishnut321]

bump

[FranktheTankTx]

Me too!

[gowingsgo]

I don't think you will get to many replies as most of us have huge fire hazards full of jumbled wires. Just a guess I'll see if I can get a photo of mine and post in the morning for you

[FranktheTankTx]

I don't think you will get to many replies as most of us have huge fire hazards full of jumbled wires. Just a guess I'll see if I can get a photo of mine and post in the morning for you
Ha! Funny. I'm guilty!!

[fishnut321]

yeah, im trying to reduce that problem. I dont want to worry about wiring up dedicated outlets or anything, just an enclosure to organize and protect the electrical equipment. I would only be running one or two dj powerstrips and the two pc-4 modules for my controller. I was thinking a box that can hang on the wall next to my aquarium with a front faceplate on hinges that displays the controller, vortech driver box, and the switch side of the dj powerstrips. The inside of the box would be dedicated to cord organization and the controller modules. I was thinking i would run a couple large diameter conduit pipe out of the box so that the cord bundles going into the power center is minimally exposed.

[d2mini]

Mine's pretty clean at the moment. :lol2:

http://d2creative.smugmug.com/Other/135gReef/DSC8239/732666318_6XrPQ-L.jpg

http://d2creative.smugmug.com/Other/135gReef/DSC8240/732666298_qnAmR-L.jpg

[fishnut321]

haha, very nice! i did not know that they had a 4-outlet version, i will have to check them out as well! Thanks for sharing :)

[d2mini]

Ya, it's not as clean as the narrower 8 outlet version, but if for some reason the fuse blows on one, the other might not which means the entire tank won't shut down.

[fishnut321]

very good point. My tank is in a corner with a power outlet pretty close on the right and left. I haven't checked yet, but im hoping that the one on the right is wired in with the kitchen and the left on the lighting circuit. Which would be great if something shorted and the circuit shut off.

[suckerfishdish]

You can see in the back left corner where all the wires are zip tied together.

1. return
2. skimmer
3. chiller pump
4. chiller power
5. koralia L
6. koralia R
7. U.V
8. sump light

[FranktheTankTx]

Ya, it's not as clean as the narrower 8 outlet version, but if for some reason the fuse blows on one, the other might not which means the entire tank won't shut down.
Very nice clean look, but educate me on something. What would you plug in there that you wouldn't plug into a controller? I was just thinking why would you need 8 plug ins & a controller? Perhaps you don't have a controller???

[suckerfishdish]

Very nice clean look, but educate me on something. What would you plug in there that you wouldn't plug into a controller? I was just thinking why would you need 8 plug ins & a controller? Perhaps you don't have a controller???

The controller would be used for the lights, heater(s), Ato, and reactors. The power strip would be used for things that you only want an on/off option for like pumps, skimmers or powerheads. Although all these things can plug into the controller, and can be programed with fail safes, if you want to save money by just buying one PC-4 instead of two you can use a DJ power strip. Its a matter of personal preference

[lordofthereef]

I'd love to see some ideas. I plan on mounting everything behind/above a canopy on my next build. This should keep it out of the corrosive environment beneath the tank and still have it fairly easily accessible.

[lordofthereef]

I don't think you will get to many replies as most of us have huge fire hazards full of jumbled wires. Just a guess I'll see if I can get a photo of mine and post in the morning for you

I have seen some nice ones but more often than not it is as you say :blown:

[fishnut321]

yeah, i have all the outlets on the two pc-4s full with lights,heaters, dosers, fans, etc. I still have atleast 6 outlets that are running continuously. Im glad to see that this thread is getting some interest.

[chilwil84]

where do you get the dj power strips from? i was trying to arrange my outlets today and they would help me out a lot.

[cayenne]

Not a great picture, but gives you an idea. This is in my fishroom below my 300g Display. Under my main stand is another board with a second Neptune DC8 and all of my ballasts and Tunze power supplies. Couldn't find a picture of that board though.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s231/ULragin_cajun/DSCN0039.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s231/ULragin_cajun/DSCN0036.jpg

[Jeremy Blaze]

See my 65 gallon build log for pics of mine

[forrealb50]

Subscribed! I also want to get some good ideas. I should be geting my neptune jr aquacontroller around christmas and very excited to build a clean power center.

[scbauer]

Not a great picture, and you would really need to see the back to get an idea of what's going on, but I'll try to explain:

I have an American DJ power strip and plugged into each of the 8 outlets is a short (1.5') extension cord. At the end of each extension cord is an X10 appliance module. From there, I hard-wired a "wall receptacle" to each X10 module. I did this specifically so I could use GFI on each X10 channel rather than having a single point of failure. This way, if my heater were to go bad and trip the GFCI, it will only shut down the individual receptacle that the heater is plugged into (and anything else plugged into that particular receptacle). The pumps, lights, etc. will keep running. I have a total of 8 individually switched, individually X10 controlled, individually GFCI protected receptacles, each with 2 outlets for a total of 16 outlets.

I also have 2 more receptacles that are simply hard-wired without any X10. This gives me 2 more receptacles (or 4 outlets) that are unswitched, constant-on power, but still GFCI protected. Again, if one of those receptacles has the GFCI tripped, all the others continue to work.

It's hard to see, but the American DJ is mounted to the back side of a piece of 1/8" plywood, with the switches facing up. The X10 modules are all mounted on the back of the plywood with holes drilled through the plywood so I can adjust the house/channel of each X10 module. The GFCI receptacles are all black and are mounted through the plywood.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sjqPx4XLQaQ/SvkG2alh-LI/AAAAAAAAFJM/2aOA27earrY/s800/DSC00199.JPG

-Scott

[mille239]

Tank 1: (during construction) it's on the right side:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d166/mille239/CIMG3082.jpg

After construction:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d166/mille239/CIMG3340.jpg

Tank 2: (opted to not use DJ strips):

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d166/mille239/front%20room%20tank/CIMG6317.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d166/mille239/front%20room%20tank/CIMG5594.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d166/mille239/front%20room%20tank/CIMG5591.jpg

(it's in the small closet behind the tank)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d166/mille239/front%20room%20tank/CIMG5570.jpg

[Chiefsurfer]

wow mille239, that is a SMALLLLL closet.

Some nice wiring here. Gives me ideas for when I get my own house.

[RParker]

Here's mine

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/RParker_07/Tank%20Build/IMG_2749.jpg

I'll have to get an updated picture, everything plugs into the Apex. In this pic everything isn't quite as neat as it is now. Everything follows the same theme as on the side, zip-tied in neat bundles.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/RParker_07/Tank%20Build/IMG_2751.jpg

[d2mini]

Very nice clean look, but educate me on something. What would you plug in there that you wouldn't plug into a controller? I was just thinking why would you need 8 plug ins & a controller? Perhaps you don't have a controller???

Well, first... each one of my pc4's from my reef keeper lite will be plugged in so that's two outlets. Then my light for under the stand is in another, very convenient. Skimmer in a fourth. Extra powerheads that aren't being controlled by the controller? Other equipment like pumps for phosphate reactors, or powerheads in the sump... there always seems to be stuff that just isn't worth taking up valuable space on a pc4.

[T Man]

Before, at mid-left everything was on two circuits.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=91&pictureid=79

Now, a 100 amp satellite box :p

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=4214

These two sets are above the tank and on different GFI'd circuits


http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=88&pictureid=4859

[Eel-byte]

I could use some help on my power center, lol. Keep them coming.

[Frick-n-Frags]

I cant. They would show up in a big black van, yell a lot of "hup hup hup's", rappel off the roof through the 1st story windows all at once, and shut me down.

[ordy1]

Here is an old pic of the one I made. I got the idea from Melevsreef.com. I use a AC Jr. and I control everything utilizing X-10 technology. I use two American DJ power centers to manually switch stuff on and off. I have two separate 15 amp lines coming in from my breaker box in the garage.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p288/ordy_03/DSC01870.jpg

That's it on the left in my sump room in the basement:http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p288/ordy_03/IMG_0187.jpg

[theyammieguy]

Subscribed

[fishnut321]

im liking the ideas here! Keep it coming, you know you want to show off your nerd skills as my girlfriend calls it :)

[dpmatty]

I asked this in another thread, but I suppose it's ok to ask it here as well (since this thread is atually current - DOH!).

Is there any benefit to installing a system such as this over say a ReefKeeper Elite? I'm planning my new stand, including a power center, and it seems that the ReefKeeper would do everything I could possibly require power wise? What am I missing?

[NeverlosT]

I cant. They would show up in a big black van, yell a lot of "hup hup hup's", rappel off the roof through the 1st story windows all at once, and shut me down.

:lol: i love it.

[luther1200]

Cam someone explain to me what the X-10 people are talking about is? Thanks.

[fishnut321]

Dpmatty- the elite would cover your power needs if you want to have everything running through the controller. Since i have the reef keeper lite i only have eight total sockets, the sl1 and i want to use the net module as the last module.

The reason why most people build these power centers is because their tanks usually require more power in one location than a standard home circuit can provide. So all they are doing running a stronger circuit that is dedicated to their aquarium.

The other reason some people like me want to make a power center is to organize all the cords to make it look like a professional installation at the same time keeping controllers handy and reducing the water damage potential. The reef keeper can make for a mess of cords by the time you consider all the bus cables running between modules and the cords going into the pc-4 modules. For me, since i only can control 8 outlets, i still have at least six devices such as skimmer and sump pumps that are still plugged in 24/7 into a standard powerstrip under my stand. I like the dj power strips because i can mount them in my power center like others have, while keeping the cords hidden and being able to flip a switch instead of unplugging my skimmer feed or return pumps every time i feed or do a water change etc. On top of that, the occasional extra fan or accessory that you want to plug in temporarily can be plugged in to the dj powerstrip instead of always having to go into the reef keeper and programing all the time.

[serpentman]

Here's mine. Started out a lot more organized (and less fire hazard) and degraded every since....

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i223/serpentman2000/DSCF9701.jpg

[DThompson]

Newly organized. :fun2:

http://web.mit.edu/cats/www/photos/2000_and_earlier/Equipment/electronics-RatsNest.jpg

[theyammieguy]

Would it be a good idea to get a reef keeper lite to run my lights and powerheads? Or just use a dj powerstrip? I'd like to have my lights on timers and it seems the RK3 is a good idea for doing just that. I plan on keeping my system as simple as possible. Only lights, powerheads, pumps and fans.

Luther1200 here is a quick google search of the X10. I was curios as well.
http://www.x10.com/products4/google/automation_for_easy_living.html

[luther1200]

Newly organized. :fun2:

http://web.mit.edu/cats/www/photos/2000_and_earlier/Equipment/electronics-RatsNest.jpg

LOL, thats actually not far from what mine looks like. Just kidding :rollface:

[luther1200]

Would it be a good idea to get a reef keeper lite to run my lights and powerheads? Or just use a dj powerstrip? I'd like to have my lights on timers and it seems the RK3 is a good idea for doing just that. I plan on keeping my system as simple as possible. Only lights, powerheads, pumps and fans.

Luther1200 here is a quick google search of the X10. I was curios as well.
http://www.x10.com/products4/google/automation_for_easy_living.html

Thanks.

[Oldude]

Newly organized. :fun2:

http://web.mit.edu/cats/www/photos/2000_and_earlier/Equipment/electronics-RatsNest.jpg
That makes me feel much better about mine.:lol:

[dpmatty]

Dpmatty- the elite would cover your power needs if you want to have everything running through the controller. Since i have the reef keeper lite i only have eight total sockets, the sl1 and i want to use the net module as the last module.

The reason why most people build these power centers is because their tanks usually require more power in one location than a standard home circuit can provide. So all they are doing running a stronger circuit that is dedicated to their aquarium.

The other reason some people like me want to make a power center is to organize all the cords to make it look like a professional installation at the same time keeping controllers handy and reducing the water damage potential. The reef keeper can make for a mess of cords by the time you consider all the bus cables running between modules and the cords going into the pc-4 modules. For me, since i only can control 8 outlets, i still have at least six devices such as skimmer and sump pumps that are still plugged in 24/7 into a standard powerstrip under my stand. I like the dj power strips because i can mount them in my power center like others have, while keeping the cords hidden and being able to flip a switch instead of unplugging my skimmer feed or return pumps every time i feed or do a water change etc. On top of that, the occasional extra fan or accessory that you want to plug in temporarily can be plugged in to the dj powerstrip instead of always having to go into the reef keeper and programing all the time.

Got it, thanks. As I'm planning the stand I also want to do a clean installation of all the wiring, just wondering what the best way to go about this is. To be honest, I'm not sure if I even need the RKE at all, if I were to wire the system up like this. I need to do more research.

[bonzanin]

mille239, very nice! congrats for organization!

[fishnut321]

wow... Oldude, ill go ahead and call the fire fighters to your place, jk I feel better about my cable mess now :)

Theyammieguy- the rkl is great for just that, it makes everything more organized and more. My tank use to fluctuate atleast a degree and a half and now i have it turn on my heaters and a fan which keeps my temp right at 79.5 +/- .2. For simplicity defininetly check out the rkl, if you have any second thoughts or your tank grows, you can upgrade to a reef keeper elite in the future.

[MrineLfRlz]

this is temporary for my sump area until i get my future upgrade all done but here you go
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj51/wldtimes/006-3.jpg

[Brando457]

Glad I came across this thread I was planning on just putting a surge strip under the stand, but after seeing the setups you all have I think I'm going to a cabinet next to the stand to house all the electrical items and maybe for storage of supplies.

[Brando457]

this is temporary for my sump area until i get my future upgrade all done but here you go
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj51/wldtimes/006-3.jpg


What are those 2 black boxes with what looks to be temperature gauges?

[Stanley-Reefer]

Here Rusty work on this little knot for me:lol:

[MrineLfRlz]

What are those 2 black boxes with what looks to be temperature gauges?
those are digital timers for calcium and alkalinity dosers

[Brando457]

Those are some crazy timers, speaking of which how do you guys run your lights to the DJ center with a timer or do you run it to a sep surge?

[fishnut321]

you could run a timer inline with your lights into the dj powercenter via a 1 foot extension cord. They are sold at most retail stores, i know office depot carries them as a way to fit lots of wall wart power adapters onto one strip.

IMO the real advantage to the dj strips is the ability to switch on and off your commonly manipulated outlets such as your return pump.

Brando- i like your set up as well, that similar to what i am wanting to build, yours would be the fish room version of what im doing, but since i cant hide any of that in my living room, ill have to dress it up a bit :)

[fishnut321]

By the way, Brando

How do you like your dosing pumps? I just picked up 2 of them for my 2 part dosing and it is already making improvements on my tank as far as stability and ease of maintenance. I think one of them was dosing just a tad faster than the other, but its still breaking in, ill test it again on thursday.

[Brando457]

Hey I don't have a setup, I quoted the guy's post lol. I wish my tank was all setup already and done with.

[ordy1]

Cam someone explain to me what the X-10 people are talking about is? Thanks.

Luther: The Aquadyne Octopus and Neptune Aqua Controller both utilize "X-10" technology. This allows you to utilize your homes electrical wires as conduits for the controllers to turn stuff on and off. It's not as reliable as say a Neptune Direct 8, with 8 controllable outlets on a strip, but it is a lot cheaper. I've been using it, on two dedicated 120 volt, 15 amp lines, and have never had a problem. I've read where some folk have had problems with the technology. Knock on wood.....

[theyammieguy]

Thanks Fishnut321. I don't see a chiller in my budget so I will have to rely on fans.

[magikfly]

What's with all the cilinders?

Newly organized. :fun2:

http://web.mit.edu/cats/www/photos/2000_and_earlier/Equipment/electronics-RatsNest.jpg

[MrineLfRlz]

By the way, Brando

How do you like your dosing pumps? I just picked up 2 of them for my 2 part dosing and it is already making improvements on my tank as far as stability and ease of maintenance. I think one of them was dosing just a tad faster than the other, but its still breaking in, ill test it again on thursday.
im not brando :p
i love the dosers except the 1.1ml min. for my alk. didnt keep up so i bought the 50ml min. and only run it a few minutes per day instead of all day long pretty much
i will be switching to the 50ml min. one for my calc. to when i get a chance
im using the 1.1ml for my phyto feeding now

[fishnut321]

nice, sorry about the confusion :(

[MrineLfRlz]

nice, sorry about the confusion :(
np what dosers did you get from BRS?

[fishnut321]

i got the 1.1 ml peristaltic dosers and just ordered one of there two part kits because this is the second time i have been running on fumes with the esv b ionic bottles. I get paid friday, so ill be posting some pics of the powercenter build hopefully.

[Metal Man 1221]

wow i was planning on redoing my power set up, now im totally motivated lol

[cubsare1]

very nice, well most of them :fun4:

[forrealb50]

Newly organized. :fun2:

http://web.mit.edu/cats/www/photos/2000_and_earlier/Equipment/electronics-RatsNest.jpg

That gives me anxiety.

[luther1200]

Luther: The Aquadyne Octopus and Neptune Aqua Controller both utilize "X-10" technology. This allows you to utilize your homes electrical wires as conduits for the controllers to turn stuff on and off. It's not as reliable as say a Neptune Direct 8, with 8 controllable outlets on a strip, but it is a lot cheaper. I've been using it, on two dedicated 120 volt, 15 amp lines, and have never had a problem. I've read where some folk have had problems with the technology. Knock on wood.....

Cool, thank you.

[fishnut321]

the x-10 technology is quite cool, the only other technology that i have seen similar is the Linksys network extender that allows your home network to be expanded through the home electrical system. Very interesting for sure.

I would love to see more of everyone's power centers, this thread seems to be taking off and its -2 here, so i have diy fever, im probably not the only one :)

[tuckdawaytoo]

That makes me feel much better about mine.:lol:


Nice, I really like the water barrier (plastic bag).

[Hawkdl2]

Here's my control center...
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a213/hawkdl2/90standelectronicsbaycloseup.jpg

And the electrical inside my stand. (The skimmer is only temporary while I wait for a replacement impeller for my Octo Extreme 250). There's more Neptune outlets and electrical stuff out in the garage with my ATO and NSW pumps and tanks.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a213/hawkdl2/sumpelectrical.jpg

[fishnut321]

Hawk- that is almost exactly what im looking for, i want to be able to access those items, very clean install :)

[fote03]

Hawkdl2 That's great idea with the flip door. Im stealing it!

[scubasteve06]

I see a lot of use the coralife digital thermometer to keep tabs on tank and sump temp. I really have gotten a lot of use out of mine. I had it employed on my freshwater system for 4 years before I put it to use on my saltwater system.

[Indymann99]

I dont have a controller - yet ;-)

so I just use 2 x 4 port DJ power strips, I like these as the plugs are on the bottom vs the back... NOTE they are intended to mount with the plugs UP but I like to have outlet plugs facing DOWN in possible wet applications so I just flipped them over and re-labeled.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/pwrctrB.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/pwrctrA.jpg