where do you mount your controller?

[faisal629]

Hey everyone! :wave:
My APEX just arrived w/ sybon PH probe :bounce1: (cant play with it until NEXT weekend, mid-terms :reading: ...under grad sucks ).
I have a couple questions, as I was reading the warranty paper it said keep it above and away from the tank because moisture will void the warranty.
Im guessing its same for all the controllers out there,
1) it would be great if you guys can give me and all the people that have the same question what works best with you? pictures will be great!
2) can the temp and PH probe be completely submerged? or how much? best place for them?
3) for a dimmable ballast that the apex will control (4xELN-60-48D for DIY LED), will it need to be plugged directly into the energy bar or a normal strip will work (since if you set the dimming to 0 it will technically be off?)
4) is it safe to mount the display in the door of the stand? it looks cool in front but has anyone had accidents during adding/removing livestock/etc. such as water damage? if so where would be the best place?
please do reply, I know a lot of ppl have controllers and people like me can really use the help!
Thanks!

 

[Brando457]

following along, mine comes in tmrw

 

[faisal629]

BUMP
please reply people i know many of you have controllers

 

[Brando457]

Here is my plan:

Get a cabinet from Target or similar and mount the controller inside the cabinet to the right of the tank using 3-6 ft extension cords. Then to mount the actual controller use velcro.

 

[aleonn]

I have a small cabinet (it hides my calcium reactor) next to my tank.I use a business card holder to keep the Apex standing on top of that cabinet. I mounted the EB8s and other modules behind the cabinet and sufficiently far enough away from the tank to avoid possible splashing.

Whenever I aquascape or do some maintenance, my water drips everywhere so I wouldn't want the Apex display mounted anywhere in, near, or on my stand.

My understanding is that the temp and pH probes should not be completely submerged (I've read of issues with submerging them). The temp probe should be in the same compartment as the heater (if the return pump is off for some reason, you don't want the heater staying on based on a temperature reading in a separate compartment).

 

[jaymoney2]

i mounted my controler on the side of my stand with the wires towards the back, and then the powerstrip is on the back 3/4 up the stand, on the outside.

you definately want them out of the humidity.

I am planning on getting some hinged shoe box sized plastic bins, cutting a large portion closest to the ground out, and then mounting the power strip through the botton of the box to the stand. the cords would come out of the cut-out, and if any water slpashes or sprays, the box will act like an umbrella.... just like the outdoor timers and recepticals you see in hardwear stores around the holidays.

I will take pictures and do a write-up when i get around to this project!

 

[zachfishman]

My RKL head unit is mounted on the side of my stand, with the wires running to the back. I'm cramped for space so the power strip is mounted upside down on the ceiling of the inside of the cabinet above the sump. Great idea b.c. no water can ever follow a power line down into the power strip, bad idea b.c. if the mount ever fails the control strip may fall into my sump!

"I'll get it right on the next tank" :lmao:

^^^funny, I've never stopped saying that.

 

[r-balljunkie]

mounted to the front of the aquarium with velcro, hole drilled for the wires, which are really small. the other pieces (eb8, base unit etc) are mounted on the wall, behind the tank.

to be honest, i rarely use the display....after initial setup, everything i need is on my itouch.

for the probes, i have a magnetic probe holder that holds the temp/ph/drip lines out of the water.

they're a bit hard to find tho.

 

[Snootch]

The temp probe should be in the same compartment as the heater (if the return pump is off for some reason, you don't want the heater staying on based on a temperature reading in a separate compartment).

Good point aleonn, never thought of that.

Probably not the ideal mounting option but I like it where I can see it from the couch.

Probes

BTW, r-balljunkie, awesome tank :thumbsup:

 

[aleonn]

^ You've got a clean setup, Snootch!

 

[Cleancoupe]

Mount it somewhere where it's accessible. I made a bracket for mine in the stand so when I open the door it's right there.