Wire Octopus

newsalt · 10-18-2004, 01:11 PM

What is everyone doing to keep the wires from various components neatly bundled? I have mine labled and going to a power strip located on the floor next to my stand, but it looks messy. I often thought of some sort of panel that I could locate in my stand. Just wondering what others are doing.

Reef Geek · 10-18-2004, 02:44 PM

Here is the electrical panel from the old 29 gallon tank. It really helps to keep things tidy. The timers are for the lights, the switch is for the return pump, and some outlets (and a GFCI) for all the other stuff I have to plug in.

My wife especially likes the switch on the return pump. Feedings go much easier rather than having to unplug the return pump each time.

newsalt · 10-18-2004, 03:49 PM

That looks like what I was talking about regarding a panel. Any chance you have a wiring schematic on how to wire all the outlets and timers together?

Reef Geek · 10-18-2004, 04:04 PM

schematic? nope .. i just kind of did it in my head.
Just remember Black is hot, White is nuetral, and Green is ground. Just follow the instructions that come with the outlets you use and you should be fine.

fidojoe · 10-19-2004, 03:05 AM

Is that just wired into a cord that plugs into a standard outlet? Thats really cool! I need to do something like that, I don't have my cords labeled cause I remember which is which and I have 2 different surge protectors with no like plugs on them.

I have a ?? for ya, do I need to install a GFCI on the box like you did if all the circuts in my house have one outlet box with the GFCI on them?

Reef Geek · 10-19-2004, 09:12 PM

Yes, the assembly is fed by a standard orange extention cord.

I did the GFCI as part of the unit so that I knew that the tank would be on a GFI. I was living in an apartment where I didn't trust the electrical. If you trust your wiring feel free to omit the GFI.
I got the idea from someone else and adapted it to my application. Feel free to adapt it to what you need.

10-18-2004, 01:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
newsalt Torch coral Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 584 View Gallery Karma Komment	Wire Octopus What is everyone doing to keep the wires from various components neatly bundled? I have mine labled and going to a power strip located on the floor next to my stand, but it looks messy. I often thought of some sort of panel that I could locate in my stand. Just wondering what others are doing. __________________ Equipment 120g Reef, (2) 250W XM 20K MH, (2) 110W T12 VHO Super Actinic, MRC MR2 Beckett Skimmer, 55g Sump, Iwaki Return Pump Setup August 2006

10-18-2004, 03:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
newsalt Torch coral Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 584 View Gallery Karma Komment	That looks like what I was talking about regarding a panel. Any chance you have a wiring schematic on how to wire all the outlets and timers together? __________________ Equipment 120g Reef, (2) 250W XM 20K MH, (2) 110W T12 VHO Super Actinic, MRC MR2 Beckett Skimmer, 55g Sump, Iwaki Return Pump Setup August 2006

10-18-2004, 04:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
Reef Geek Reefus Geekus Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Fountain, CO Posts: 325 View Gallery Karma Komment	schematic? nope .. i just kind of did it in my head. Just remember Black is hot, White is nuetral, and Green is ground. Just follow the instructions that come with the outlets you use and you should be fine. __________________ Justin Stealth Reefer

10-19-2004, 03:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
fidojoe Fish Addict Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,584 View Gallery Karma Komment	Is that just wired into a cord that plugs into a standard outlet? Thats really cool! I need to do something like that, I don't have my cords labeled cause I remember which is which and I have 2 different surge protectors with no like plugs on them. I have a ?? for ya, do I need to install a GFCI on the box like you did if all the circuts in my house have one outlet box with the GFCI on them? __________________ *Member "Crabs Are Evil" Society* My Tank: 90g AGA, 18g tall sump, CSS 220 w/ meshmod impeller, 4x54w Tek T5 retro w/ IC reflectors, Kalk reactor w/ aquamedic niveaumat system, a few SPS, LPS, zoos, and a few softies, 2 Ocellaris Clowns (hosted by both a RBTA and GBTA), Yellow Watchman, Potter's angel, Yellow Tang, Foxface, Midas Blenny, Purple Pseudo, huge brittle star, 2 tigertail cukes, fire shrimp, snails, and unfortunately two emerald crabs (the bubble algae got out of control).

10-19-2004, 09:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Reef Geek Reefus Geekus Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Fountain, CO Posts: 325 View Gallery Karma Komment	Yes, the assembly is fed by a standard orange extention cord. I did the GFCI as part of the unit so that I knew that the tank would be on a GFI. I was living in an apartment where I didn't trust the electrical. If you trust your wiring feel free to omit the GFI. I got the idea from someone else and adapted it to my application. Feel free to adapt it to what you need. __________________ Justin Stealth Reefer

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)