A Better DIY LED Aquarium Light

[@Dariabar]

I wrapped LED (blue, white and red) tight against each other around a 1 inch ID PVC pipe. I will now place three of these in a Plexiglas mirror frame to make a grow light for my plant during the winter. Thanks for the PVC idea. Quite creative. Tony

[@KipCount]

Thanks for this video. I was wracking my brain trying to come up with a lighting solution after my Coralife light fixture died. I built my tank hood specifically for the Coralife unit. After watching your video I took my Coralife light, gutted it, and installed PVC with Supernights on it. It works terrific. I've noticed though I only really like the White setting. And Red FREAKS my zebra danios out. They start darting around in panic. Thanks again for helping me find a solution!

[@BoY860]

Interested way to do it.. i guess you get a better spread rather then taping it directly to the gutter... suggestion glue down some tin foil behind the pvc to act like a reflector and get even more light out of it. Good job. Thinking of taping this to my canopy to get a little more accent in my reef tank

[@bucklee436]

EnVision flat white beats any reflector

[@TheOpelkoenjas]

That's EXACTLY how I placed the strip too! But here I used the old cap of an old aquarium and kept the old broken TL light in place, on which I glued the strip onto. Works like a charm.

[@silkscorpion777]

Really good idea about the gutter and the PVC tubing. I use those same lights in my son's 36g bow front and they are strong enough to grow zoanthids and plants.

[@bogdanforrester1943]

Unreal, I actually have all of the pieces for this in my shed. My last house had PVC gutters and I took the remaining with me.

[@MikeE-hb8zb]

Built mine the same way, the only diff being that I used reflective tape on the inside of the gutter because,I was told the lights stick to it better but, in time they still did not hold!!! had to drill some holes and use zip strips to hold them! great vid! looks great!

[@JSquaredDesigns]

This is a phenomenal idea/tutorial - I have been fooling around with salt and freshwater tanks for 25+ years and nothing has been a bigger PITA to deal with in terms of cost than quality lighting. Love all of your ideas HOWEVER, I am going to use aluminum heat tape (think that is what it is called) - it is a mirror like polished shiny aluminum face with sticky backing - by coating inside of gutter with aluminum tape it should help reflect additional light back down into the tank. I am also go to run 2 if not 3 runs of PVC pipe inside the gutter "hood" and plan to wrap as much of the 16' LED strip light into my 24" long hood to the 30 gal X-High that I am going to build my light for.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+JSquaredDesigns Do me a favor if you can... Test the light before and after you add the aluminum tape -- and let us know your results. I was going to try something similar, but did a little research and learned that a white surface has reflects a similar amount of light as a mirrored surface does. A white surface will diffuse the light though, whereas a mirror will reflect the light in a more direct pattern.

[@JSquaredDesigns]

Good info to know - will let you know results - rehabbing a 30 x-high for my son in a couple of weeks

[@sammo666]

so, whats the news on this one? how did it go? i saw a similar video to this where he also did the same tutorial.. so i'm not sure if it worked.. btw, what colors should be used ?

[@CharlieRasch]

I recommend getting some mylar (emergency blanket) and line the inside using contact cement. You'll get a lot more light that way. The Mylar will reflect the light hitting the top and sides and reflect it back down. Both are pretty cheap. I got the spray contact cement and mylar for under 10 bucks.

[@mohammedvahid4776]

It's work on planted aquarium also bro how much wat will be capable for planted aquarium

[@curtisspunkmyer4838]

Alot of people have this tutorial but you killed it, awesome job. 👍

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Thank you for your kind comment.

[@flashy5150]

I just wanted to give you a helpful tip that would make your light shine even brighter. Get some aluminum duct tape at your Home Depot and line the inside of the gutter before you add your long tube in there, this will reflect the lights that are at the back to the front, giving it even more power. Some aluminum tape is very shiny and some is kinda' dull, look for the shiny type. If you can't find the shiny type, use aluminum foil for baking, then grab yourself some adhesive spray, usually Micheal's Arts and Crafts Store will have it -- then cut some foil pieces, lay them down, spray one side of them and stick them on. Nice work though, it looks real neat.

[@willhi895]

Nice idea and I was going to do this for an aquarium in my son's room until I started reading the comments on amazon that talked about these being dangerous. Perhaps there is a fire hazard and perhaps not but I can't take that chance. This one reviewer, whose name is "3300", seems to know what he's talking about and he says they are dangerous cheap China junk. He highly recommends a fuse about one amp over what they typically draw if you are going to use them. One lady says they nearly burned down her camper.

[@Angofurious]

wow thats a sick build, never thought about doin it that way. the only little tweek i would do is maybe spraypaint a chrome paint in the inside to get the most out of the leds that are on the top of the pipe. but that might be overkill at the same time. love it though

[@Waverwreck]

Was contemplating a similar build and what i realized is that a lot of the light is being directed towards the PVC gutter. There is a simple fix: measure the bottom of the gutter, buy a strip of acrylic mirror and just glue it there, that will make the light bounce right back into the aquarium. If u feel patient enough, u can do that to all the inside walls of the gutter.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

***** I considered the same idea... I thought about aluminum (foil or tape) or other reflective or mirrored material but after my research, decided against it. I learned that white (the color of the gutter) reflects nearly as much light as a reflective metallic or mirrored surface - but white disperses the reflected light more evenly to fill the tank (or to fill a room, etc.). Most fluorescent lighting fixtures (aquarium, shop light, etc.) manufactured today are painted white on the inside -- I assume for that reason. That said, if the additional cost isn't an issue, no reason not to experiment. I will say though that as built in this vid, it puts off WAY more light than needed. Here is a link of the the tank with water in it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnuoc3-Pg9afjsk

[@tmbacz]

Really like what you put together here. Thank you for sharing. Love your shoeless approach w/ the chop saw. The ultimate DIY outfit. Lol!

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

tmbacz thx... it was a last minute idea to video the process... so i didn't bother with shoes lol!

[@drjeffreywong88]

Any problems with the LEDs getting hot or melting the PVC? I don't want to start a fire in my daughters room!

[@santiagoyoutube621]

the wire is connected to the electricity? or how many hours you can have the lamp turned on?

[@SillyTubereal]

Since i already have a hood so can I just attach these lights to it without that pvc pipe thing?

[@rogernevez5187]

Is it strong enough to grow plants?

[@Cgarrison]

Great idea!I made one for my daughters goldfish tank which is only a 10 gal I believe which makes the light I made only 20” in length.everything went fine for the first few days and today I went to clean the tank and noticed the pvc pipe where the lights are wrapped damn near melted and was drooping.i want to think I wrapped the lights too tight for that small of a fixture.the lights were super hot when I noticed all of this.what do you think?

[@onehandcowboy]

when you gleu some aluminumfoil on the inside of the gutter, so it reflects the light in the upper side. More light and using less power. (sorry if my English isn't good, I speak Dutch ;-) )

[@onehandcowboy]

happens all the time ;)

[@JeremyNaude]

if u line the inside of the gutter with tin foil or even mirrors it would allow the LEDS to project alot better color and lighting into the tank :) not like you need it haha but when the tank is filled with water you will notice a difference

[@slashboom170]

hey bro ive found teh blue shades to be stressful on fish , well not exctly stressful but irt makes them more wild and agressive they kinda freak out and the best ive found is a mix of red and blue or pink or blue than add white to it and things have color and brightness both .

[@electricwater83]

Great vid and tips !could you not take out the tubes in the hood,and put PVC pipe in to replace that then wrap the led around ?

[@blakesham2009]

THAT IS SO COOL!!! I think that I might try that with my 75 gallon.

[@rustafar_2354]

+Blake Sham Won't be bright enough on your 75 gal. no where near enough for my 55 gal. Look good on a 30 gal long though.

[@blakesham2009]

Actually I have a 30 gallon long in my room with cichlids and I bought these lights two weeks ago and put them on. I love them!

[@CahyoPrabowo]

nice diy video, i have a question. if the power shut off and when the power back on, does the light start to the last mode or default ?

[@delfindiaz8069]

Where did you get this pvc gutter at? I tried home depot and lowes and neither had it.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

It looks like they carry a different style gutter now. Looks like Ace/True Value sells them and perhaps other local hardware stores. www.acehardware.com/departments/building-supplies/roofs-and-gutters/gutters-and-downspouts/5124805

[@sauplink7975]

my led lights in the tank work for couple months then then corrode under the strip. working on a clear tube setup

[@dead_fool7875]

ace Idea but I have a question.... the original fish tank light does it emit uv for the plants and fish?only asking because I would like to do this but will it effect the fish and plants

[@jjgloster982]

I know this won't be strong enough for a planted tank by itself, but what if I use it with T8 bulbs? I currently have a 48" shop light with Aqua Glo & Life Glo bulbs.

[@kevinmatechak852]

how is the super night brand? I went on Amazon and some say they suck and some say they are great so I wanna know is it worth buying for my tank? it isn't going to be my main light source just want it to add some color tint for the tank from time to Tim so it won't be running all day long

[@orangecrushz28]

iwould add reflector tape to inside of gutter looks great though awesome diy

[@RaghavendraRajadhyaksha]

Awesome lights. Great and easy design. I prefer single White Color led lights.

[@handyman_]

I found some leds in a enclosed white plastic strip with 3 leds per strip with 10 strips held together with 3meach is 3in long. so I bought rbg bright white and cool white I'm going to seperated each group of 10 strips and rearrange them so each 3in strip will be different colors this will give me a light strip of leds 3in wide x 25in long should be awsome. I didn't like the idea that there were as many white lights as colored and don't care for the multi colored led color output is low. should I do a video of this?

[@ashleytaylor9560]

how did you attach the box that the sensor is on to the gutter? did you put it at the back on the outside or where the leds are on the inside?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+ashley taylor I put the box under the gutter - plenty of room - and just slid the sensor outside of the fixture. Although I didn't bother myself, it would be easy to glue the box inside the gutter, and even drill a small hole to put the tip of the sensor through.

[@tomgarforth936]

Do they work with a timer or do you have to use remote please let me know before I commit to building one

[@KyleSchwanz]

Nice build!! I actually have the same lights already and was going to use them for some kitchen cabinets. I did just buy a 75 gallon aquarium though and will need a light for it. Could you make another video with the lights on a set up aquarium?? Curious to see how bright it is when up and running. Thanks for the video!!

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

***** Thank you! Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnuoc3-Pg9afjsk

[@kyleparker8378]

do the lights still work good after they have been used and maybe even get a little wet?

[@silencedknight]

+Kyle Parker depends on the LED lights you get. I bought 5m for 11$ on Ebay and they're the waterproof kind so they don't mind getting a little wet.

[@Ohhigabe]

can you trim the lights? im making a 10 gallon and dont think ill need the entire length..

[@irishzx9r]

Cool video it's great idea wrapping the led around the tube I would never have taught of that. Will have to try this also myself for another diy project.

[@handyman_]

I want to make shure I'm looking at the right strips were yours 150 rgb and 150 white led to make 300 led per roll 5050 waterproof? looking to do this for a 20 gal and after the install conecting a tc420 controler to them. please let me know asap waiting to order led until after I hear from you.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+Jeff Coffey Yes, those are the lights. I'm not familiar with the controller, but sounds like you are. I just ordered the kit with the power supply and all.

[@gigdog1000]

thanks mate I just picked this up on eBay for $18.00 in Australia mite try to add some refection to the inside of the pvc guttering tho to increase pay load to the tank

[@KYfishguy]

I'm curious. Can you set the light the way you want it then set it up on a timer and every time it comes on it. It automatically turns on with that setting?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

KYfishguy yes, when you turn the lights on and off via a timer, they return to the same setting.

[@KYfishguy]

thanks

[@Martin188a]

What type of gutter is that because I can't find it anywhere

[@kagu88]

do you use all of 5 meter smd led 5050 grbw for that lamp or just half?

[@williammcdonald900]

I have been trying to find these lights but can only find RGB no white. Can you please tell me what brand you used and where I can get it thanks. Best idea I have seen. Brilliant.

[@rustafar_2354]

+William Mc Donald This is the set I got, Same as the posters in the video. There not bright enough for a 55 gal. I tried, too dim. ended up using on a 30 gal long. www.ebay.com/itm/SUPERNIGHT-RGB-Cool-White-RGBW-Waterproof-16-4ft-5050-SMD-300-Led-Strip-Light-/221869827957?hash=item33a878e775:g:-cIAAOSwq5lTrMpY

[@williammcdonald900]

+russ peck thank you for your response. I am considering using you idea as supplementary lighting in a wood topped aquarium. I think I'll will work fine.

[@kagu88]

+russ peck but i cek it in ebay it sold out now

[@sandystahl3319]

I have a 6' long aquarium how many light packs would you suggest for that length?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Sandy Stahl I used the full 5 meters of the LED strip (one set), for this 3 ft (40 gallon breeder) tank -- and it is definitely overkill. I run each (white and colors) at about 25%. The one 5 meter strip would definitely be enough to do a 6 foot fixture. Keep in mind that these lights won't grow plants. That said, from what I understand that also means it won't grow green algae as readily either :)

[@jonisolis9645]

ncredclay gardener If the lights are bright enough why can not they grow aquarium plants? People use LED lights all the time for planted tanks, so why not these? Thanks!

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Joni Solis I don't know the exact science, but from what I understand when it comes to growing plants, brightness is only one variable.

[@petyweestraw]

ncredclay gardener add another pvc pipe to double the lightning. It works great for plants with a low light demand. If you have a super planted tank you already have a super expensive setup.

[@chinnuvinay]

Need assistance to buy similar to your video posted. Since i see many model so which one to choose 16.4ft RGBW IP67 Waterproof/IP67 Power Strip RGBWW/IP67 RGBW Strip/Power Strip RGBW/ RGBWW ? please help me

[@adrianmachado5902]

Does it get hot cause had to take mine out cause they get 2 hot thank you

[@newbie9359]

Can you tell me what size you cut the gutter? I just bought the same tank. Will they cut it for you at the store?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+Newbie The tank is a 40g breeder, 36 inches wide, so I cut it just short of that so that with the end caps on it would run the full 36 inches.

[@royalspin]

Frequency spectrum ? Will it grow plants ? Good for coral growth ? The problem with a lot of these cheaper LED light strips is that they don't give specifics on the frequency lumens etc . Not to mention the fact that once there's water in there the light has to be able to penetrate to the bottom .Si read carefully about any given LED lights before buying them if growing plants or corals is your goal . Just because an ad shows plants or coral doesn't mean that they'll be able to .

[@claudeg3431]

OK, I just set up a 38-gal and planted it. Had 2 LED gro-light strips left over from a plant project. Took the light fixture off that came with the tank(mounted it under the stand and put house plants under it-looks real good). Laid the 2 21-inch light strips on the glass(plastic?) strip where the aquarium light goes. Very easy, but no adjustability of the lights, they do throw a pinkish color. The plants seem to be responding(it’s been over a week). Can easily be changed, but has anybody done this? My priority is to get the plants going ASAP.

[@ninimartin4143]

The following is: The best lighting for African cichlids is Blau Lumina Led 152 special reef But, you have to know how to program it, do not use automatic programming Schedule manual My aquarium is 2 meters long and is lined back and sides with panels of - Juwel So the light gets more concentrated in the aquarium To avoid excessive light and the opposite The programation: Coordinates 10 South 34 East Midday Function 15:30 Intensity Filter - 60% - yes, - 60% Lake Malawi is deep Nubellate Days, to your taste, 2 to 5%, as Africa is constant heat and rains little as we have already decreased the light intensity I recommend 2% for occurrence of cloudy days The Blau Lumina Led 152 special reef - special reef is expectular for dusk with its dimming channels - 2 actinic LED lights per plate And dawn is also phenomenal

[@rachelhopewell4064]

How much was the kit? I have a small 10 gallon aquarium that I'm planning to have plants and cherry shrimp. Friends who have bigger tanks suggested that if I can't get afford the expensive $100 plus LED aquarium lamps to go for for a Lumiy Lightline LED desk lamp. That is suppose to be super bright, adjustable brightness and at less than $50 less than half the price these expensive kits.

[@rustafar_2354]

+Rachel Hopewell $24.00 free shipping------>>>> www.ebay.com/itm/SUPERNIGHT-RGB-Cool-White-RGBW-Waterproof-16-4ft-5050-SMD-300-Led-Strip-Light-/221869827957?hash=item33a878e775:g:-cIAAOSwq5lTrMpY

[@s2104050]

Does anyone here have any solutions to the heating issues? Hear people saying that they strips get so hot that it melts down the PVC pipes?

[@synergistic_r.e.d]

also i am usiung my old floresent top wish is plastic would that melt ?

[@taabaliful]

I am copying your project for my fish tank but I couldn't find the plastic rain gutter so bought me Aluminum gutter my question is can I still stick my PVC pipe to aluminum if yes can you tell me how?

[@chandlerchapman8157]

Hot glue gun may work?¿?

[@taabaliful]

+Chandler Chapman ok thanks I really wanted to show you when I am done can you tell me how can I show you

[@chandlerchapman8157]

+sameer khan you can post a vid on here. I don't know of any other ways

[@santiagoyoutube621]

how much is the supernight? and how much you paid for it?

[@WaynesFishWorld]

nice video man, someone did a recreation of this video yesterday

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+Wayne's Fish World Well, that's interesting. I guess great minds think alike :) He incorporated some of the comments from this comment section here, though I don't think I'd bother with the reflective tape. Everything I've read says that white is just as reflective, but disperses the light better. I also see he painted his as well this time, which does make a big difference. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnuoc3-Pg9afjsk

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+Wayne's Fish World Really bummed. I think Joey did copy it after all. In his description, he mentions this forum where he talked about the pvc pipe idea "2 years ago", which pre-dates my video. However, I discovered that he edited the post to make it look like he had the idea two years ago. Check this out: Post BEFORE editing: web.archive.org/web/20140812061219/www.diyfishkeepers.com/forum/showthread.php?12645-Cheap-and-easy-LED-aquarium-lighting Post AFTER editing: www.diyfishkeepers.com/forum/showthread.php?12645-Cheap-and-easy-LED-aquarium-lighting

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

He stole "Pond Guru's" idea for a liquid filter too!.

[@bahadrterzoglu7566]

does it enough for reef tank?

[@aamitnabajya2119]

Thankyou for the video. I was looking for lights for my 3 ft tank as I want to convert to planted tank. I saw Satellite plus led lights from USA, it can be used for planted tanks, but is far more expensive. Why do you say your method won't grow plants. Your lights looks very bright, then why won't it grow plants.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Ameet Nabajya I personally don't understand all of the technicalities. From what I've read though, the correct spectrum of light and kelvin rating are necessary to grow plants -- it's not just based on the amount of light itself. That said, others may want to chime in here, or you can google it and find more detailed explanations in multiple forums and articles.

[@aamitnabajya2119]

Is the 5mtr led lights you have used gives Really Bright light.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Ameet Nabajya Yes, I used the full five meters.

[@aamitnabajya2119]

ncredclay gardener which led are these? I got 5050 LED 300leds , got it done myself but it isn't looking as bright as yours :(

[@aamitnabajya2119]

ncredclay gardener I used the full 5 meters.

[@ashleytaylor9560]

where did you put the sensor that comes with it for the remote?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

ashley taylor I slid the sensor out front from under the fixture on the left hand side - you can see it better on the vid I took with water in it. It would be very easy to hide by drilling a small hole and poking just the end of the sensor out. That said, the sensor is very small so I haven't bothered as of yet. Here is the link so you can see the sensor better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnuoc3-Pg9afjsk

[@itsmr925kingchannel8]

question i have a smaller fish aquarium can i cut the LED strip ?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+javier yeebuddy Yes, you can cut these strips at specific points along the strip. Google your question to find specific details.

[@dennisflanders1957]

Sold. Got mine coming in the mail!

[@susankenney7536]

Could you send me the name of the name of the lights?

[@comette4u]

Hi! Where did you run your power cord through? Thanks!

[@4x4Rick]

awesome job,you should be proud of that project

[@sanketchalke9070]

Great DIY mate . Can i use this type of lighting for planted tank. Would the plants grow well..?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

***** From what I've read, no. I personally don't understand all of the technicalities. From what I've found online, the correct spectrum of light and kelvin rating are necessary to grow plants -- it's not just based on the amount of light itself. That said, others may want to chime in here, or you can google it and find more detailed explanations in multiple forums and articles.

[@g68unit]

***** Nope, sorry. This won't work for planted tanks.

[@sanketchalke9070]

g68unit thanx for the reply

[@jesusflores7099]

hey is it too much to ask for an exact item name or link so that i can purchase the same leds as yours? lights look great. thank u in advanced

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+Jesus Flores "Supernight" RGBW waterproof LED strip. Not sure if "Supernight" is a private label on a mass produced product of not, but that's what I have.

[@marioreyes1370]

How many ft u get i wanna do one for my 55 gal tank thank you

[@paytonbarry9529]

did you have to cut the light strip at all and what size is the tank

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Payton Barry I didn't cut the strip at all, but could have as it is way brighter than needed. This is a 40g breeder tank.

[@marc-andremarcoraymond2242]

Wow thats awesome 👌👌👌👌 you made the video 5 years ago, my question is, are you still recommended and did they still work(of curse if you still have it) I want to switch from my factory 48" tube by that :) i seen many sellers on ebay sells from 15usd to 30usd.... 30usd comes from USA(may better quality and safe i guess?) Tell me what you think and thanks for your video, very helpfull :)))))

[@EC20121]

There is actually aluminum tape at Home Depot, that you can just cover the back of that lights strip.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Ecli C. I looked into the idea... I thought about aluminum (foil or tape) or other reflective material but decided against it for two reasons. I had read that white reflects nearly as much light as a metallic or mirrored surface - at least according to folks that look to reflect light for other purposes (e.g. plant growing). Also, I figured that with so many LED lights, it would be plenty bright - which it is. I have since painted it (the outside surface) black with plasti-dip spray paint and it looks fantastic :)

[@EC20121]

ncredclay gardener Thank you! I like your videos.. keep it up!

[@EC20121]

ncredclay gardener your video. lol!

[@evamadsen9340]

Does it just sit on top?

[@kagu88]

in ebay that lamp led is sold out

[@shanehildebrand8255]

+edbert ardhito www.walmart.com/ip/Supernight-5-Metre-SMD-5050-Waterproof-300-LED-RGBW-Color/49408313?sourceid=csesh0245b35554223a431aa084021668927a1e&wmlspartner=shoppingcom2&affcmpid=520486939&tmode=0000&veh=cse&sdc_id=972661984333&affjs=1&affwt=popupBlank

[@garrett3108]

A bit late, but just search rgb led light strip on eBay and literally hundreds will pop up, just make sure to buy one with the larger remote instead of a smaller one.

[@luisperez-uy7pk]

How are the lights doing? Do you have a link for ebay? Thanks. Loved this idea !

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+luis perez Lights are great - couldn't be happier. I used "SUPERNIGHT" 5 meters waterproof RGBW (Red Green Blue White) that came with power supply and remote. Easily searchable on Amazon or Ebay, so I don't want to post a link that could expire.

[@luisperez-uy7pk]

Yea i got them in a couple days ago . They work fine but the remote is a little screwed up. I press red and it lights green lol

[@duncanjones92]

Just completed this yesterday. You have to be careful with the amount of LEDs used because the heat made the pvc pipe bend

[@meneldil7604]

metal certion pole would work

[@synergistic_r.e.d]

do they get hot if so what u do to cool it ?

[@darthdarkstalker9799]

Who's the seller you got it from? Can't seem to find the White + RGB.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+Jay Eel Sometimes it's listed as RGB + Warm White. I don't wan't to give out a particular seller. I bought from EBAY, but would recommend Amazon if in USA due to easy returns if they don't work for some reason.

[@darthdarkstalker9799]

Thanks. Found it. Actually search for RGBW (RGB Cool White) or RGBWW (for Warm White).

[@EvilGenius.]

How much did the gutter and caps cost ? $$$

[@kmt112991]

So if I spend a few hundred dollars on an automatic saw then I can make aquarium lights for dirt cheap? Thanks but I think i'll just spend 50 bucks for proper aquarium lights.

[@bucklee436]

Darknessfalls go buy a hacksaw for $2 you schmuck. For this amount of leds, an aquarium shop would charge at least $400. no brainer smh!

[@MrColanzar2007]

Is the strip light water proof?

[@rapidreadyyamaha9746]

I would of put some foil inside of the white plastic where the led strip shines up so it reflects it into the water

[@kilakhmyboi]

bought my lights from amazon. they were suppose to be water proof. but they fried after 5 days of use. did you experience this?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+Anthony Vy Sorry to hear that. No, I haven't experienced any issues with them. I have the "Supernight" brand, though I don't know if that's just a private label thrown on a mass produced product or not. I ordered from an EBAY seller after I saw that they get 4 of 5 stars on Amazon user reviews. I had noticed that many of the negative reviews were regarding the lack of strength of the 3M tape backing and/or the fact that other remotes (e.g. TV or Stereo) seem to trigger the lights -- neither are a factor for me due to the design of this fixture (wrapping the lights around the pipe) and the location of my tank. That said, if I had to do it all over again, I'd order from Amazon instead of EBAY, because I love the ease of returns. Out of curiosity, do you have a glass canopy over your tank, between the water and your fixture? I always thought that was a given, but I've seen other vids where people put lights directly over the water. Not sure if that matters or not, but guessing the less exposure to water and humidity, the better... even if "waterproof".

[@kilakhmyboi]

Un fortunately no. My tank didn't come with tops so I cut egg crates to size. Amazon is sending me a new set so im going to try and but this time install a plexiglass or lexan sheet into the gutter to protect from humidity. Hopefully that works.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Anthony Vy Perhaps you can cut the sheet to cover most of your tank (or the egg crates) instead of fitting it to the fixture? That would save a bit on evaporation loss too. Either way, please share your results!

[@kilakhmyboi]

+ncredclay gardener just curious. why did you use pvc pipe instead of a metal pipe? pvc warps and bends due to heat that I've noticed. maybe due to my light being 6ft long I tried to compensate by using a thicker pvc but it still bent due to heat.

[@jamesgaalmemorial9668]

+Anthony Vy Heat from what?

[@SS-sh6ww]

Do they get hot? I mean you rolled it around a PVC pipe.. Would it melt it with prolonged use?

[@asdfnone1346]

yes it would get hot however it would not melt the pvc pipe. I have the same set up since two months ago.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Use conduit instead of PVC pipe. While the PVC won't melt, it will bow. You won't have that issue with conduit.

[@SS-sh6ww]

Yes mate i thought of the same, i would roll it around a stainless steel tubing.

[@stevefox3763]

no!!!!!!! do not coil these round anything metal, you will create a electro magnet and also introduce a tonne of electrical resistance into the led strip which will make them get very hot or worse!!!! just wrapping them round the plastic pipe my cause problems because you are still creating a coil but around a metal tube you will definitely have serious issues!

[@karlburton4181]

mine got hot and melted the pvc pipe and burnt out contaminated my tank very dangerous

[@jhengis1971]

How are these leds holding up?

[@jerkvision744]

Hey maybe some one can help me I have a 40 gallon tank ...36"L×18"W×16"H, I wanna build a led light system that's grow all types of plants, what kinda of lights and where can I get it from

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Hollywood 4k H4k I see there are other vids on youtube that have diy ideas for led's that will grow plants. not quite as pretty as this one turned out, but apparently more functional if you want for a planted tank :)

[@glance302]

Awesome build. Thank you for sharing.

[@samuelhaffey]

How much was everything?

[@RichWhiteCyberCPU]

can this be put on a timer?

[@bobbykoulouris]

I'm making one of this this weekend for sure!!!! Thanks

[@bubbiee.]

+bobby koulouris did you make it yet? if so, how did it turn out?

[@mayae.7951]

Love the design!

[@davidadel2255]

Wieso wickelt ihr die led um die Röhre?

[@kc0dxf]

Do you think you have enough light for plants?

[@devisissy1]

+kc0dxf No this won't work. You would want something full spectrum. You could buy the LED diodes anywhere and get as many as you would like in any color and make one easily.

[@alvin06sarte]

can this be used in a planted tank?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

+Vin Roxas (alastrez) I've addressed this question a time or two, but bottom line, I'd recommend doing your own independent research to get the answer to this. While these strips give out plenty of light, that is just one factor in growing plants.

[@tayfurgurses]

Hi, it's really good idea. I will try this. Thanks for video.

[@delineotechnologies6926]

Yow...Great Build...What are the dimensions of your aquarium?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

David Flemming It's a 40 gallon breeder tank - 36 x 18 x 17

[@nnodalo]

Just curious, what is the total cost? Thanks.

[@sunnyubale6263]

it costs less than 30-35 $

[@brenner5147]

will this grow simple corals?

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

Brenner Plaehn I don't know. Please try posting the question in an aquarium forum and let me know if you get an answer so I can share. I had read that these lights won't grow plants, but didn't investigate extensively because I don't plan on plants, or corals... and know little about the science other than the fact that the brightness alone is only one part of the equation.

[@brenner5147]

ncredclay gardener Thanks. I'll ask around.

[@soylentgreen8795]

This is not the way to go when going for led imho. The big advantage of led is that it's a directional source of light which is perfect for aquarium lighting since all light can be directed to the bottom of the aquarium. But the way you did it you lose that advantage entirely by wrapping the strip around a tube.

[@ncredclaygardener1866]

The white gutter works wonderfully to disperse the directional light you reference. Here's a look at the results with the tank filled with water... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnuoc3-Pg9afjsk