Convert Fluorescent Light Fixture to LED (Aquarium)

Hello Everyone!

In this Instructable, we will be converting a defective fluorescent lighting fixture into an LED light fixture.

Having replaced three aquarium light fixtures under warranty, I've decided to simply make my own LED version.

Step 1: Parts

Fluorescent light fixture (Mine was defective): Link

Fluorescent light tube (Mine was defective): Link

5m LED strip (cool white): Link

12v Power supply for LEDs: Link

LED strip adapter cable: Link

Tools like hot glue gun, wire cutter, screw driver

Step 2: Disassemble

Firstly, we need to remove all the parts that are not needed for the project.

By removing 4 screws inside the fixture, we have access to the power supply housing unit.

Since this fixture no longer works, I removed everything inside the power supply housing unit.

Everything else was kept for this project.

Step 3: Wiring

Once you remove all the unwanted parts, you will be left with a basic circuit that needs to be wired.

After removing the power supply, you should see two wires originating from the light switch as well as a positive and a negative wire for the light.

After connecting the switch to the blue negative wire from the light fixture, I connected the other wire from the switch to the black negative wire originating from the 12V LED power supply.

The positive red wire from the light fixture connects to the positive red wire from my 12V LED power supply.

Lastly, I twisted all the wires and carefully placed it inside the old power supply's housing unit.

Step 4: Fluorescent Light Tube to LED

For this step, I wanted a removable LED light that could fit inside the fixture.

The best way to achieve this is by wrapping the led strip around the fluorescent tube.

After fully wrapping the fluorescent light tube with LEDs, I assigned each side of the tube with positive and negative.

As a result, one side connects to the positive input and the opposite side connects to the negative input.

Since we've already wired the internal components with the 12V power supply, all we have to do is turn it on.

Step 5: Done

Once all the connections have been made, the Light can be used on the aquarium.

As always, please feel free to make your own version of this project.

If you want to see similar projects, check out the youtube channel.