DIY T8 LED tube PVC pipe light stand

[Navanod]

Hi fellow DIY'ers,

As part of a larger project, I decided to change out the twin tubes T8 light set for some LED tubes that can be more energy saving, easier to slide back and forth and able to fit next to the overflow pipes.

My main problem is that I'm using 3ft tubes for a 4ft tank, partly because 1/2 a ft on both sides do not really need the light and partly because the 4ft tubes are out of stock
It's a really rushed and ghetto DIY so some parts may not look pretty but it can be done real quick and easy!

The stuff:
What I bought. The wire came with a black and white insulated cable inside.


1 inch PVC elbow and PVC pipe ($1.20 for an elbow and about $1 a foot for pipe)


Remember to pick the PVC pipe with the correct internal diameter. If in doubt, bring the LED tube.


First step, connect the 3 pin plug head to one end of the wire.

Step 2, measure how long you want the plug to reach and cut to size.

Step 3, measure and cut the required PVC length to insert into the elbow. If the tube is the same length as the tank, then just a tiny short PVC to hold the LED tube will do.
I used a $2 daiso hacksaw to cut, but you can also ask the hardware shop to cut for you.

Step 4, strip the end of the wire and run it through the elbow and PVC pipe.


Step 5, As I need to power 2 tubes, I measured, stripped and twist the 2 ends of another length of wire to the first.

Step 6, push in and screw tight the ends of the wires into one side of the connectors.
I forgot to take a picture of the connector but it looks like this:


Step 7, Attach and screw tight the other side of the connectors onto the 2 pins on the LED tubes. The tubes are a newer batch according to the vendor, so both the live and neutral pins are on 1 side. The pins on the other end are dummy pins. So unlike older tubes, there's no need to run another wire across the tube! :grin:


Step 8, Push the led tube into the PVC pipe and the PVC pipe into the elbow. If its loose, use whatever means you can find to "fattening" the LED tube's end so it'll grip the PVC pipe. I used plumber's tape and then scotchtaped it to be safe.

Step 9, Do the same on the dummy pins side of the LED tubes. Double check the length so that both elbows will sit on the glass edges of the tank.

Step 10, Test the lights!

Another shot with the camera white balance dimmed


Step 11, Put the lights on the tank and after adjusting, cut a small piece of, erm, anything, and tape it to the side/bottom of the PVC elbow at the dummy end to prevent that side from sliding and falling into the tank. I used a piece of hose cut into half. The wires coming out of the elbow at the live end of the LED would already prevent the elbow from sliding into the tank so no worries there.

And its Done!
Before


After


Note that as I had 1/2 a foot of PVC on both sides to extend the LED tube, the stand is slightly saggy
My advice is to use a full length tube so there's no sag to worry about. Now that I think about it, a 4ft tube may push the PVC elbow totally past the glass edges...hmmm, I'm sure there's an easy fix by just getting some PVC pipe connectors and getting innovative!

Also, I'm sure there're many improvements that can be made, such as spraying the PVC metallic sliver!
Please give any comments and advice for improvements. Thanks!

[madness]

When you use the term 'T8' do you just mean 1" diameter (8/8ths of an inch) or are these meant to be some sort of direct replacement for T8 flourescent tubes?

[Navanod]

When you use the term 'T8' do you just mean 1" diameter (8/8ths of an inch) or are these meant to be some sort of direct replacement for T8 flourescent tubes?

Hi Madness, you are correct in both aspects. It is a 1" as well as a direct replacement. However, the ballast/starter of the T8 fluorescent lightset must be removed if it is used as the LED drivers are built in