DIY LED Aquarium Lighting: A Detailed DIY Guide

Believe it or not, the market for LED lighting is expected to reach almost $128 billion by 2027. With so many people investing in LED lighting nowadays, you are probably wondering how to save some money on your lighting situation too.

Luckily for you, you're not alone. If you've ever wanted to install DIY LED aquarium lighting, now is the time. Learn how to set up an affordable, dazzling display for your fish and aquatic creatures by using this guide!

Buying Equipment to Make Aquarium LEDs

Okay, here's the deal. If you're ready to make your own LED aquarium light, then you're going to have to buy some key equipment first. This includes everything from LED strip lights to reflective tape rolls.

Not to mention Krylon fusion black paint, four sets of nuts and bolts, and four PVC end caps. Besides this, you will need to pick up PVC pipe and PVC rain gutter as well.

Now that we've got that covered, it's time to build the LED light hood. To do so, you must grab your PVC rain gutter. First of all, you've got to measure how long your tank is.

For example, if your aquarium is five feet long, you'll want about five feet of PVC rain gutter. If you are feeling clumsy, you might want to pick up a few more feet of PVC rain gutter, especially because this will come in handy if you make a mistake.

The next step is to get your PVC rain gutter ready to fit your aquarium. For starters, trim your rain gutter to match the length of your aquarium. Be sure to leave room on both sides for the end caps too.

Then, hold on to any PVC rain gutter scraps to use at a later date. FYI - these extra pieces can reinforce aquarium lighting, preventing your fixture from bowing.

Ready to customize your rain gutter?

If so, listen closely. Using special paint that bonds to plastic, you will have no problem painting your PVC rain gutter any color that you choose. Just make sure that you are using a fresh can of paint, as old paint can put your animals or plants at a major risk!

Customizing and Putting Together Your Light Hood

Want to customize your LED lighting setup? We've got your back.

Just grab your Krylon fusion black paint to apply to your PVC rain gutter. Although this doesn't have to be done at the start, it is going to be the most convenient choice in the end. Once you're done painting the end caps and both sides of the rain gutter, you're ready to continue to the next step.

Now, it's time to put your DIY lighting hood together. For this part of the process, you will need to grab four sets of nuts and bolts and four PVC end caps. These nuts and bolts will conveniently screw into your end caps.

To begin, place a marking on the center of your end cap and drill directly through it. Put two end caps inside of your "rain gutter end cap." Then, make another mark on your rain gutter end cap by putting a dot on its PVC holes.

Next, remove the caps and drill through both parts of your gutter's end cap. Once you are done drilling holes, attach your PVC end caps to the proper spot on your rain gutter end cap. Fasten each end cap with a nut and a bolt.

But here's the catch: you have to drill an extra hole slightly above and in between the PVC end caps on your rain gutters. However, this only has to be done to one rain gutter. For those of you who are curious, you'll place your lighting strip power cord into this hole later on!

Finishing Your Aquarium Plant Light Project

If you want to take you to the next level, add some reflective tape to the inside of your PVC rain gutter. Not only will this amplify the brilliance of your LED lighting, but it adds a shinier and glossier finish as well.

Just make sure that you can't see any of the original white color when you do this step. Don't worry - you will see results for yourself when you test out the lights at the end of your reef lighting project.

When it comes to DIY fish tank lighting, you've got to prepare your lights before you set them up. All that you have to do is wrap your strip of LED lights around your PVC pipe. Using adhesives, you can attach your LED strip lights to your PVC pipe.

Keeping a space in between each revolution, wrap these lights in a circular motion. When you are done, tape off the ends to make sure that your lights don't unravel. Now, turn them on to see how bright they are.

The rest is simple. Attach your LED strip lights to your hood, placing them as evenly as possible inside of your PVC pipe gutter. Last but not least, program your LED aquarium lighting kit and you should be good to go!

Setting up DIY Led Aquarium Lighting Is Easy

Want to know a little secret? Setting up DIY LED aquarium lighting is easy.

Simply grab a few materials online or at the store to save both time and money on expensive installation costs!

Looking to buy LED rope or string lights?

If so, check out our store today!