I knew I wanted some sort of disguise for the wires and hoses that go down the outside back of the tank. I had an idea of using some sort of electrical conduit or piping, something rigid to keep the line straight with the edge of the tank, but not so rigid that I couldn’t cut it easily. I thought something square would be perfect, but would have gone with round if that’s all I could find. I went to Home Depot and searched the aisles.
What I found was a sort of channel that people use in installing ceiling tiles. It was 8 ft long, very light white plastic, yet rigid. The piece is ¾ of a square tube, if you know what I mean. I zip-tied 2 together, facing one another, to create a square “pipe” which contains my tubes and wires. It lays flat and fairly inconspicuously on the back vertical seams of the tank.
The white material vanishes into the almost white wall behind. Just look! I feel like a magician. Presto! Virtually invisible!
If you need to get in there to adjust of change something, just cut the zip tie and put on a new one when you are through….
Great idea! And if you have trouble telling which plugs go to what piece of equipment, just paint the base of the cords (at both ends) different colors. Yellow = light, green = filter, red = heater, etc.
I put a little flag of electrical tape on the ends of all the wires.
I found a package that had several colors of thin tape.
Red = heat
White = light
...and so on.
No need to put the same tag at the equipment end of the cord, just memorize the color code, or write it on a slip of paper inside the stand. Some tanks might have 2 power heads (so 2 blue wires in the power strip) but there is no possibility of mixing up their plugs with a filter (yellow) or air pump (green).
I like that method of keeping the cords and tubes out of sight!
thanks, it works really well...glad I could share it.
Now if I can just find white rubber bands in the correct size instead of the zip-ties, we'll really be cooking.
Lookin good, You should start a journal. Id be interested in seeing the progress. Thanks again for the "invisible tubes" idea, Ive always wanted to be a magician. :hihi:
These windows are even better....that's a lake out there. yeah, we are very lucky! Just renovated the house & moved back in in June. Worth every penny. And we spent lots of them. thanks for your compliments!
thank you!!! Nope, got it here from Rod Salyers- he has THE BEST driftwood!!
Everything's been growing very slowly and I like it that way, but I agree I definitely need more green. I'd like to get some java fern etc. So far the plants have been donations from friends- I have been a little tight on money-
Great idea! Looks amazing! I hate all those cords and tubes hanging down. You can't see them much from the side either (from across the room). That's another plus!
thanks Tex Gal! Yes, I was very pleased with myself for coming up with it. Most of the stuff is black cords or green tubes which are not attractive. And I would love to know why Milwaukee makes their pH meter probe bright yellow.
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