Automatic light switch.

[tyler1503]

Hey guys. I was hoping someone out there has step by step plans for a light switch that can turn on a light inside my stand automatically when I open the door?
I can only think of a way to have it turn on when I close the door, but that's no good haha.

 

[mfinn]

Hey guys. I was hoping someone out there has step by step plans for a light switch that can turn on a light inside my stand automatically when I open the door?
I can only think of a way to have it turn on when I close the door, but that's no good haha.

That's a pretty cool idea.
What type of light were you thinking of using?

I use to hang battery powered touch/tap lights, but they were a pain to keep batteries in and the salt air meant they had a short life.

 

[davescrews]

This page has a couple options for you:

Lighting - Hardware

 

[tyler1503]

I'll have an old 2ft T8 laying around when I get my 120 running. Either that, or a small LED I have on my freshwater tank I'm taking down. I also have heaps of those LED strips that are like $2 on eBay. I'd probably use the strips.

Thanks for the link dave.

 

[ravi197699]

its easier to get switch similar to what they use in refrigerators and very simple to install and they are proven to last long ... JMO

 

[Jimbo662]

Do you have an apex or reefkeeper? I used the door / window magnets that are used for alarms and hooked it to my apex.

 

[760mason]

without an apex or controller this set up will work for you
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...BJpdVwt4J2QePZBEcjf8LgA&bvm=bv.63808443,d.aWM

 

[760mason]

this is how it is wired. So easy and works great with leds. I am using these in my cabinet set up with magnetic door switches.
the door switches were $4 each on ebay

http://www.amazon.com/Lightkiwi-K92...UTF8&qid=1395964273&sr=8-2&keywords=lightwiki

 

[tyler1503]

I was considering either the refrigerator door switch mentioned above, or even a small motion detector with a low level sensitivity so any movement inside the stand won't set it off, but opening the doors would. I think there's too many potential issues with the motion light though.
I'm sure there's plenty of great ideas in those links, so I'd better get reading. Thanks everyone.

 

[tyler1503]

Oh and no, I don't have an apex or any controllers.
I'm keeping this build as plain as I can lol. Essentially it's going to be drain, skimmer, return, repeat with lights on a timer. Nice and easy :)

 

[Jimbo662]

Mason, that a great solution!