Under cabinet lights

Triple.T · Sep 20, 2020

Hello everyone. I got my new tank over the weekend from Planet Aquariums. Im looking to add bright white lights for maintenance purposes in the future.

I've noticed lots of people going with strip lights. My personal opinion is those look very " Janky " . I'm looking more towards a cleaner more permanent solution. Maybe 2 semi recessed puck led lights hardwired with a toggle switch on the back of the stand? Any ideas / and or pictures would do great. Thx in advance

725196 · Sep 20, 2020

I use this. Motion sensor light. Fairly bright too.

Amazon.com: Under Cabinet Lighting Wireless Led Closet Light Battery Powered Motion Sensor Light 21 LED Bulbs Magnetic Stick-on Portable Night Light-Security for Cabinet, Wardrobe, Kitchen, Hallway (2 Pack): Home & Kitchen

Buy Under Cabinet Lighting Wireless Led Closet Light Battery Powered Motion Sensor Light 21 LED Bulbs Magnetic Stick-on Portable Night Light-Security for Cabinet, Wardrobe, Kitchen, Hallway (2 Pack): Under-Cabinet Lights - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

SMSREEF · Sep 20, 2020

I used a led strip and ran it around the top of the inside of stand. You can’t see it unless you get down and look up, but it gives me plenty of light in every corner of the stand when needed.

It plugs into a kasa power strip, so I can actually turn it on and off with my phone. You may want to check it out on amazon if you don’t have a controller. It’s probably the best $70 I spent on my tank. I use it as timers for everything and to turn pumps off when I feed. So much better than flipping a switch or pulling a plug.

Triple.T · Sep 20, 2020

NanoReefLovers said:
I use this. Motion sensor light. Fairly bright too.

Amazon.com: Under Cabinet Lighting Wireless Led Closet Light Battery Powered Motion Sensor Light 21 LED Bulbs Magnetic Stick-on Portable Night Light-Security for Cabinet, Wardrobe, Kitchen, Hallway (2 Pack): Home & Kitchen

Buy Under Cabinet Lighting Wireless Led Closet Light Battery Powered Motion Sensor Light 21 LED Bulbs Magnetic Stick-on Portable Night Light-Security for Cabinet, Wardrobe, Kitchen, Hallway (2 Pack): Under-Cabinet Lights - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Does it stay on or come on and off? Would be pretty annoying if I had to keep moving to keep it on during sump tasks.

I don't really want to go cheap and I want something permanent ( it's built with the stand ) . I seen some semi recessed waterproof LED pucks that put out 500 lumens each, i would just need to figure out the mounting .

725196 · Sep 20, 2020

Triple.T said:
Does it stay on or come on and off? Would be pretty annoying if I had to keep moving to keep it on during sump tasks.

I don't really want to go cheap and I want something permanent ( it's built with the stand ) . I seen some semi recessed waterproof LED pucks that put out 500 lumens each, i would just need to figure out the mounting .

It is motion sensor or it has a switch. It stays on for 30 seconds when motion activated. It stays in place via magnet and is easy to move about.

Triple.T · Sep 20, 2020

SMSREEF said:
I used a led strip and ran it around the top of the inside of stand. You can’t see it unless you get down and look up, but it gives me plenty of light in every corner of the stand when needed.

It plugs into a kasa power strip, so I can actually turn it on and off with my phone. You may want to check it out on amazon if you don’t have a controller. It’s probably the best $70 I spent on my tank. I use it as timers for everything and to turn pumps off when I feed. So much better than flipping a switch or pulling a plug.

That looks great ! The only reason I am against strip lights is because when a single LED goes out, it's noticeable and looks like crap ( think of Christmas lights ) .

SMSREEF · Sep 20, 2020

Triple.T said:
That looks great ! The only reason I am against strip lights is because when a single LED goes out, it's noticeable and looks like crap ( think of Christmas lights ) .

Thanks!
That drives me crazy too with Christmas lights. I hope that doesn’t happen with these LEDs.

rioreef · Sep 20, 2020

Got this to light my sump area. Advertised as 1800 lumens. 18w led. Awesome light. Got it plugged into my Apex and with a magnetic switch on the cabinet door, it automatically comes on when opened.

Utility LED Shop Light Fixture...

Triple.T · Sep 20, 2020

rioreef said:
Got this to light my sump area. Advertised as 1800 lumens. 18w led. Awesome light. Got it plugged into my Apex and with a magnetic switch on the cabinet door, it automatically comes on when opened.

Utility LED Shop Light Fixture...

I will be running an apex so I'm very curious, do you have any photos you're willing to share? Does the light stay on until you close the door or will it time out?

Biglew11 · Sep 20, 2020

rioreef said:
Got this to light my sump area. Advertised as 1800 lumens. 18w led. Awesome light. Got it plugged into my Apex and with a magnetic switch on the cabinet door, it automatically comes on when opened.

Utility LED Shop Light Fixture...

Very close to what I have. Also with magnetic switches on the doors with apex to turn it on.

Triple.T · Sep 20, 2020

Biglew11 said:
Very close to what I have. Also with magnetic switches on the doors with apex to turn it on.

How does the magnetic switch work ?

Anihiel1 · Sep 20, 2020

I'd be very careful with the flexible strip lights. I had these running up my stairs and under all my kitchen cabinets. Until my security cam recorded an led blowing up in the middle of the night. Sure enough, the entire plastic casing was singed for 6 inches either side. After ripping them all out i found evidence of other burnouts. Really surprised the cabinets didn't catch.
I now have the leds that are encased in a metal fixture.

Triple.T · Sep 20, 2020

Anihiel1 said:
I'd be very careful with the flexible strip lights. I had these running up my stairs and under all my kitchen cabinets. Until my security cam recorded an led blowing up in the middle of the night. Sure enough, the entire plastic casing was singed for 6 inches either side. After ripping them all out i found evidence of other burnouts. Really surprised the cabinets didn't catch.
I now have the leds that are encased in a metal fixture.

That's not good! I won't use the strips period, that's just another reason to add to the list! I'm thinking a more permanent solution like a mounted T5 or actual recessed lights built into the underside of the stand.

Anihiel1 · Sep 20, 2020

Just be careful of heat being generated by the lights in an enclosed area and also any moisture that may condense within the fixture.

62518161 · Sep 20, 2020

Triple.T said:
Hello everyone. I got my new tank over the weekend from Planet Aquariums. Im looking to add bright white lights for maintenance purposes in the future.

I've noticed lots of people going with strip lights. My personal opinion is those look very " Janky " . I'm looking more towards a cleaner more permanent solution. Maybe 2 semi recessed puck led lights hardwired with a toggle switch on the back of the stand? Any ideas / and or pictures would do great. Thx in advance

Janky is all some can Afford.

Anihiel1 · Sep 20, 2020

Have you considered a small bathroom led? Like you would put in a shower. They're built for humid environments. Slightly better than pucks and come with mounts. Not sure if you're trying to grow chaeto but if just for lighting, it might work.

Gabe · Sep 20, 2020

I added the $12 Home Depot motion activated LED puck. It only turns off if I leave the area and its really sensitive, so the slightest movement turns it right back on. It has good spread, but I only have a 3 foot wide tank and am using one light. I went with it because it was so cheap and easy. So far, it serves its purpose.

Triple.T · Sep 20, 2020

Anihiel1 said:
Have you considered a small bathroom led? Like you would put in a shower. They're built for humid environments. Slightly better than pucks and come with mounts. Not sure if you're trying to grow chaeto but if just for lighting, it might work.

I have considered this, not trying to grow chaeto or run a fuge for that matter. I seen some nice ones at home depot for about 65 bucks each that might serve my purpose. I would have thought someone else would have thought of this, looking for some insight lol.

@DanDman I understand that completely and wasn't trying to sound like an butt. It just does not suit my budget or preference when it comes to looks. I would just like to do it right the first time, with everything in this hobby being pretty pricey the last thing I want is a cheap light burning down my 10k aquarium or my home for that matter. You know the old saying " ya get what ya pay for " ! I apply that to EVERYTHING reef related.

Biglew11 · Sep 20, 2020

Triple.T said:
How does the magnetic switch work ?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sensaphone-Magnetic-Reed-Switch-0006/203505076
With a break outbox you connect the contact part to the breakout box. and you mount the magnet part to the door. When you open the door the contacts close. When you close the door they open back up.

You program the outlet your cabinet light is plugged into to read that switch,
Such as (when switch1 closed then on)

Bryknicks · Sep 20, 2020

I used strip lights along the top perimeter and front face of cabinet. Can't see the lights unless you are in the stand. Have them on a switch just inside the cabinet. Very happy with them so far. Bought them off amazon a year and a half ago.