How Deep Should My Electonics Compartment Be?

[Rufnek100]

I'm in the process of building my stand for a standard 120 gallon tank and I'm putting a partition in one end to place all of my electronics, which will be accessed from the outside via a door. Currently I've allowed for 6" of depth, but after laying it out I'm concerned there won't be enough room for power strips, plugs, and cord turn radii. I do plan on running the Apex, but I'm not sure how thick the power strips are.

Should I give myself some more room? The only downside is that for every inch I gain in the compartment is an inch lost in the main storage area for sump, ATO, etc.

Thanks!

 

[salty joe]

The first thing I'd do is get the power strip and all electronics you will be using and physically line everything up. Then give yourself a little wiggle room.

Will heat or humidity be an issue?

 

[damonbrodie]

The EB8 is 2" thick. With reasonable cord bends, I need about 5" clearance (I just measured mine). I think you're ok with 6" - at least with respect to the Apex part.

 

[Rufnek100]

Thanks damonbrodie - appreciate the help! The Apex ought to be the unit that needs the most clearance

 

[Larz_1]

That is exactly what I did on my 120g.
I built my stand out of 2"x4" and just walled off one end that is the depth of a 2"x4".

I just measured and the depth is right at 5".
The largest transformer plugged into one of my EB8 is 4 1/2".
Plenty of room.

 

[Rufnek100]

Thanks for the pics - that's super helpful!

 

[yellowRubi]

Iam doing the same thing, and I have 4 1/2 left ( I think 5" would be much better but 4.5 is all I had )

 

[Sn8kbyt]

6" is plenty for all apex modules. I planned for 6" but had room to spare so made it 8" and put a small computer fan in the compartment to dissipate heat.