My 770's new home to be... - Page 15

SteveLC · #**351** 10/21/2003, 02:05 PM

That is an awesome tank!! Keep up the pics please.
Here is a pic of the control panel I built with parts from HomeDepot. I thought I was the only one with the idea, and I see Electric130's way too cool panel.

The panel for my new 102 gallon has 10 switches total.

Steve

REEFnR6 · #**352** 10/21/2003, 02:18 PM

Thanks Twize. I thought you had it in the house already. If I was Cali I would lend a hand instead of pestering you for pics. Keep up the great work!

Myladyfish · #**353** 10/21/2003, 02:24 PM

woww what a gigantic tank... it's awesome how could you do this to your wallet?? just kidding... very2 fantastic make sure you make TOTM and not let us down aright???

maxxII · #**354** 10/21/2003, 02:35 PM

Hey, thanks for the info.
I figured that with the extent that you've planned this out so far, that you would have had the manufacturer drill the holes to your spec's. But I personally prefer to do the way you are, which saves money, and allows for flexibility in planning. Fantastic job, cant wait for you get things off and running.
Nick

5y5tem 0verload · #**355** 10/21/2003, 02:53 PM

Tag...

electric130 · #**356** 10/21/2003, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Twize
Stranglehold
Okay, but I have to warn ya, Once you've seen Master Electric130's switch setup, you'll be in a coma state stare accompanied by a slight drooling sensation just like the rest of us ...it's a sweet setup!

thanks twize, i'm actually working on a design that would be much cheaper and easier to make for the average person. just like my panel, it would individually control 10 outlets. if you want it cool looking (illuminated switches) and compact, it could be done for less than $100. if you want dirt cheap, not as concerned with space and appearances, but want the functionality, then it could be done for roughly $50. does that sound a little easier to swallow than $850?

Twize · #**357** 10/21/2003, 03:25 PM

J.R.,
$50-$100?
I like the sound of that... Let me know what you come up with, my ears are listening

Thanks!

ReeferMac · #**358** 10/21/2003, 05:23 PM

You call that a control panel?

Now THAT's a Control panel!

- Mac

JazzMan · #**359** 10/21/2003, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by electric130
thanks twize, i'm actually working on a design that would be much cheaper and easier to make for the average person. just like my panel, it would individually control 10 outlets. if you want it cool looking (illuminated switches) and compact, it could be done for less than $100. if you want dirt cheap, not as concerned with space and appearances, but want the functionality, then it could be done for roughly $50. does that sound a little easier to swallow than $850?

I want one, are you selling them? When are you going to start making them?

Twize · #**360** 10/21/2003, 05:31 PM

I'm dying!!! ROF-LOL

Yes, that is a CONTROL PANEL!

Are there sirens hooked up too when one of the pumps fail?

Wow!

You guys are definitely pushing the bar to new heights. I love it!!!
That is awesome, Great work ReeferMac!

ReeferMac · #**361** 10/21/2003, 07:14 PM

Hehe, wish I could take credit. My friend Carl (PilotNY in these parts) put that puppy together for our zoo's tank. A shade smaller than your's, but still mighty respectable. If you haven't checked any of the threads lately, you can probably get some good idea's.

Check out the RC thread here:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=256751

There's links in there to our club's website/documentation about the project. I only helped a little on the project, but can get answer's to any questions you might have.

- Mac

electric130 · #**362** 10/21/2003, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JazzMan
I want one, are you selling them? When are you going to start making them?

it would be tough to "manufacture" them, since everyone's installation would be different. take my installation for instance (pic below) where i have my oulets and panel mounted might not work for everyone. you might not have room where i do. i don't know if i could come up with a "universal" design that i could build and sell and make it cheap enough to where people would want to buy it and i make enough off it to make it worth my time. on my setup, everything is hard-wired. there's no easy way of disconnecting it. the whole system was installed in my cabinet. it wasn't built and wired first and then mounted.

the cheaper panel i was talking about would be housed in a plastic project box like you get from Radio Shack. for a little nicer look, you could spend about $25 to get an industrial enclosure (similar to mine, mine's fiberglass though) like this

Ger · #**363** 10/21/2003, 09:11 PM

Just found this thread, well, actually about two hours ago. That's how long it took me to read it front to back...
I love reading "progress threads", there are so many great ideas/experiences to learn from.
Ted, let me know if you need help, I volunteer. I am in Sacramento every day.

TurboFish · #**364** 10/21/2003, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReeferMac

So where is the red phone and key-lock detonator switches?!?!

Twize · #**365** 10/21/2003, 11:36 PM

Ger
Thanks for the offer, I really appreciate it.
I'll let everyone know when I get a definite date in place.
That is very kind of you!!
Thx,
Ted

bennyhill · #**366** 10/22/2003, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReeferMac
You call that a control panel?

Now THAT's a Control panel!

- Mac

Better not shut that sucker off. We all saw the chaos that unsued when The Ghostbusters had theirs shut off by Mr. Peck.

Ben

Twize · #**367** 10/22/2003, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by REEFnR6
Thanks Twize. I thought you had it in the house already. If I was Cali I would lend a hand instead of pestering you for pics. Keep up the great work!

Reefnr6,
Thanks for chiming in and for the offer! Not pestering at all. Please don't think that for a second. Hope to have more pix posted soon.

I'm hoping my fellow reef comrades showing their awesome electrical switch boxes will help quench the thirst for now

Uh....Keep the switch pix comming

Thx
~Ted

DerekW · #**368** 10/22/2003, 07:52 AM

never mind!

REEFnR6 · #**369** 10/22/2003, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Twize
I'm hoping my fellow reef comrades showing their awesome electrical switch boxes will help quench the thirst for now

They are definitely awesome but I am not much of a DIY'er. The closest thing to those that I have/need are the little red tabs on the end of my power strips!

How is the tile install coming?

Twize · #**370** 10/22/2003, 09:25 AM

Tile is complete!

came out good.
will take pix asap.
Thanks!

Foster · #**371** 10/22/2003, 10:24 AM

Twize - Have you installed the tank yet?

Also - How high off the water surface is the bottom of your 55g surge?

electric130 · #**372** 10/22/2003, 10:44 AM

I finally updated my website. It shows a little more about the panel. It also now has my new beckett skimmer that I built in action.

Twize · #**373** 10/22/2003, 10:48 AM

Electric130
Work of art! Love the clean lines leading to the connections using the terminal block

Very nice!

REEFnR6 · #**374** 10/22/2003, 10:52 AM

Nice site Electric. I love Euphylia also but I dont have any. What is that giant leather in the center of your tank. Also, what are the benefits of a switch box besides being organized and looking cool?

electric130 · #**375** 10/22/2003, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by REEFnR6
Nice site Electric. I love Euphylia also but I dont have any.

thanks. i started with 1, now i have 11!

Quote:

Originally posted by REEFnR6
What is that giant leather in the center of your tank.

it's a peach colored Sinularia. i've had it for about 2 years. it is bigger than a basketball.

Quote:

Originally posted by REEFnR6
Also, what are the benefits of a switch box besides being organized and looking cool?

not much. main thing is if you want to turn something off (especially in a hurry) all you have to do is flip a switch instead of trying to figure out which cord is which and turn off your MH's when you needed to turn off the main pump, etc.