This article was written many years before LED light sources became common and cheap to purchase. If I were to do something similar today (2018), I would NOT use this method. There are many alternative light sources available very cheaply, and they are usually always safer than something you have made yourself.
For the sake of completeness, I have adjusted the article slightly and, among other things, replaced the bulb with an LED bulb instead of an energy-saving bulb.
Warning! - It is quick and easy to make a homemade lamp for small aquariums, but watch out!
You must know what you are doing - it is always a good idea when you are working with electricity and especially when water is involved. This lamp is only intended for use with an LED bulb of max. 7W or less and only over aquariums with a tight-fitting cover glass.
You will need the following materials:
- a box (I have used a shallow storage box)
- a socket
- a switch
- an LED bulb
- a few meters of wire
- a plug.
If the box you are using is not reflective on the inside, you can use some white, glossy paint.
The procedure is simple
- First, a hole is drilled in the box where the push-button switch is mounted - it must be accessible to turn it on and off.
- At one end of the wire, the plug is mounted.
- Then, a hole is drilled in the side of the box and the other end of the wire is pulled through the hole (with the plug outside the box).
- One pole of the wire is connected directly to the socket and the other is pulled through the push-button switch we mounted earlier.
- The socket is fixed to the box with a bracket, and an energy-saving bulb is screwed in.
- The plug is inserted into a socket, and the push-button switch should then be able to turn the lamp on and off.
Very simple and relatively cheap, total price approx. 50 kroner.
