Introduction: Another Aquarium LED Hood Light Easier! Cheaper!

About: UW Milwaukee inter arts grad
I know theres alot of diy LED light online already so here's another..although this one is cheaper and less complex than most.

Required skills and knowledge: Basic soldering, cutting plastic with a dremel and basic electrical theory.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Tools you'll need:
Soldering iron and lead to connect wires
Glue gun
Dremel drill with circular cutting disk.
Electrical tape
Wire clippers
Small file
Screw driver

Materials:
110v LED bulbs $3 to $10 each(depends on how bright you want your fish tank)
6 to 9 ft Extension cord $1 to $2
Wall switch less than $1 *not required
PVC gutter 12 feet for $6.50
PVC gutter end covers $2.50 each
PVC 3/4 inch conduit clamps 5 for 76 cents *not required
* All materials except the LED bulbs was bought at Menards Hardware store.

Step 2: Hood Assembly

Measure the length of your aquarium then cut the PVC gutter with the dremel drill/ circular saw attachment.

Also drill some holes on top or on the side of hood to remove heat from the bulbs

Place PVC end caps on both ends. Use glue gun if you want but it is very sturdy already.

Step 3: LED Bulb Prep

The bulbs I bought on Ebay was too big for my PVC gutter hood so I have to remove the male socket piece. Most bulb will be too big for any gutter.

The metal piece is very thin so its easy enough to "peel" off with a wire cutter. As you peel the metal piece off there will be 2 wires connected to it, just cut it with the cutter.

Step 4: Wiring

Space the bulbs equally within the measurement of the PVC hood assembly.
Cut the head of the extension cord. We will use the headless extension cord to wire our bulbs together.
While the bulbs are lined up evenly, remove insulation on the cord where the bulbs are.
Solder the bulbs to the cord.

Step 5: Assemble With Optional Switch

Once the bulbs are soldered to the extension cord, we can mount them with the use of the PVC 3/4 conduit clamp. Use the glue gun to stick them on the hood.

Use the electrical tape to cover up the open wires.

*Optional switch

Cut a hole for the switch and extension cord.

Connect the switch like on a series circuit.

Step 6: Done


Monitor the heat of the bulbs it might get too hot. Holes should be enough but if not yo can install a small pc fan with a dc adapter.