Today I have some free time, I'm going to show you my first DIY Led, using an old T5 light fixture that I have. I actually have 4 old lights fixtures that can be used for this project.
After doing some reading and research, I decided to experiment this project for a simple reason why not give a second life to an old light fixture instead of throw it in garbage?
For this project, I purchased some materials which are not quite expensive. I decided to go with the cheapest LED ribbon model 3586. It has 250-300 lumens/meter. Color temperature 6800K-7000K which is fine for moss and shrimps.
1 x LED ribbon 5M Super Bright (Model 3586)
1x Adapter AC/DC 12V 2A
5x Connection DC standard LED
5x Connection Switch On/Off
1x Red/Black Wire cable for LED 22AWG
Total cost $22.61 CAD
By the way, I bought 5 DC connections and switches in order to use in another lights fixtures that I have. But you Don't have to buy AC/DC adapter. I'm sure you can find some old around the house, make sure it's 12V and at least 1.7A or more in order to work with this LED ribbon.
And here are equipments that I already own:
To begin, I had to remove all oldies wires of this T5 light fixture and clean all the dirt. This light fixture has Plexiglass acrylic safety protection.
For this fixture, I start with 2 Rows of LEDs but then decided to add another row. Therefore I cut 3x LEDs ribbons, each is 25" which fits for this fixture.
Then comes the fun and interesting part of this project, I have to solder each wire in its right place. In order to get a good solder, you must put some iron in red and black wires but also on the positive and negative of ribbon LED. Push the solder into wire until it melts and they fuse together. I personally use a tweezer for precision. :)
Now testing on 3x5gal tanks. As you can see, it's bright enough for the moss to grow. There is No crappy Blue, Red or Yellowish colors pop up. Noticed for this LED model it fits perfectly on 5gal but in larger tanks, you better get stronger LED ribbon model.
Overall, I quite happy of the result. Like to experiment things and to find a way to do. It's Not that difficult at all if you have some patient and time to find what you need and How you will do it in order to get the result you want to...:)
I have been using it more than a month now, no issues. Will update this project later on. All LEDs are working pretty good and I still have enough ribbon, connection wires to make a few other LEDs fixtures. In my opinion, it's a cheap way to save your money and to invest on other thing... ;)
