Automating built in lights

[betareef]

I have started a pico tank (here https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/pico-build-in-cheap-aliexpress-usb-tank.1085244/ ) and the first little problem is with the built in lights, they are completely manual, so I thought I might be able to use a timer. However, the problem is that the on/off switch is electronic, so if the power is cut, when it is restored, the lights do not come on until the on/off button is pressed again. Complicating this, is that the on/off button also selects the colour mix, and can be pressed up to 5 times to select, white/blue/red and colour mixes.

So an external timer can turn them off, but not back on again.

Not sure about having the lights on all the time either. Might upset some of the things trying to live in the tank.

I have a bigger tank with built in lights - but they "remember" their state, and so come back on after the timer has interrupted the power.

Suggestions?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Buy a wifi plug from amazon.... I use them and they do maintain the time when the power is cut off.

 

[dinosaur_1552]

Buy a wifi plug from amazon.... I use them and they do maintain the time when the power is cut off.

the problem is that the on/off switch is electronic, so if the power is cut, when it is restored, the lights do not come on until the on/off button is pressed again. Complicating this, is that the on/off button also selects the colour mix, and can be pressed up to 5 times to select, white/blue/red and colour mixes.

So an external timer can turn them off, but not back on again.

 

[betareef]

Buy a wifi plug from amazon.... I use them and they do maintain the time when the power is cut off.

Sorry, but no, the problem is not the timer, it is that the lights do not remember their on/off or colour mix state when power is cycled.

 

[FUNGI]

You can DIY, but need to be electrically inclined, as it involves re-wiring the entire light circuit.....

 

[FUNGI]

If you do the DIY path, I would suggest this as the controller:

KZKR Aquarium Light Timer LED Dimmer Lighting Controller Adjustment Universal​

Visit the KZKR Store

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[betareef]

You can DIY, but need to be electrically inclined, as it involves re-wiring the entire light circuit.....

Could be difficult if they use an integrated circuit as a controller. That would have to be bypassed completely.

I am also looking at adding a small LED light - some of which come with timers these days, and also time-of-day simulation. How cool would that be in a little pico? :)

 

[betareef]

If you do the DIY path, I would suggest this as the controller:

KZKR Aquarium Light Timer LED Dimmer Lighting Controller Adjustment Universal​

Visit the KZKR Store

---

Cyber Monday Deal


$18.89 with 30 percent savings-30% $18.89

Found this little one too - it needs to be waterproof.

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CR1B9Q8K?th=1

driamor Submersible Aquarium Light, 18 CM Fish Tank Lamp with 3 Rows RGB Beads, 24/7 Auto Cycle Mode, 4 Scenes Mode, Timer Mode, 7 Colors Mode and Brightness Adjustable, IP68 Waterproof​

 

[FUNGI]

cut/de-solder at power point on the actual lights and re-wire for plug.

 

[betareef]

cut/de-solder at power point on the actual lights and re-wire for plug.

Yes. It is a totally integrated unit however, and includes a USB hub that supplies power to the pump and heater (if I get one). I might need to cut tracks on a circuit board.

 

[betareef]

Meanwhile I noticed that the power switch has a letter M below it, and pressing the M also clicks a switch that turns the lights on. Now somecheap LED lights (I have been reading in ads) have built in timers that are automated and turn on for a set period and then turn off, and repeat that cycle every day automatically. The tank did not have instructions, so I wonder?

 

[FUNGI]

YEAH.....M usually would mean Manual.....

 

[FUNGI]

Yes. It is a totally integrated unit however, and includes a USB hub that supplies power to the pump and heater (if I get one). I might need to cut tracks on a circuit board.

You have a pic of the LED/board?

 

[betareef]

You have a pic of the LED/board?

The switch

and the LED light

 

[betareef]

YEAH.....M usually would mean Manual.....

Except that's what the power switch does. I was thinking Memory ? Might be Main?

 

[FUNGI]

If you like to tinker, its doable....but for $20 or so, just get a new light LOL......

 

[betareef]

Well, just discovered it's all glued together so not really able to be hacked.