DIY Modification of T8 FL lighting fixture to LED light

**Inwares LED** · 30th Jul 2010, 22:17

This post illustrates a step-by-step guide to help you modify your existing T8 FL fixture to accommodate any LED lighting tubes that are designed to be powered by 230V household power supply.

1. Tools needed for the modification

2. Basic LED tube Connection Schematic

3. A Common T8 FL Aquarium light

4. Step 1

5. Step 2

**Inwares LED** · 30th Jul 2010, 22:22

6. Step 3

7. Step 4

8. Step 5

9. Step 6a

10. Step 6b

**Inwares LED** · 30th Jul 2010, 22:29

11. Step 6c

12. Step 7

13. Step 8

14. Step 9

15. Step 10

**xiong80** · 4th Aug 2010, 19:06

total cost?

it doesnt look very bright to me.
any photo for your end product with your tank?

**Inwares LED** · 5th Aug 2010, 00:02

Originally Posted by xiong80

total cost?

it doesnt look very bright to me.
any photo for your end product with your tank?

The exposure is reduced in order to make the LED tube visible, otherwise you will only see a glaring light sabre in the photo.

LED tube costs S$45. Refer here for more information. Modification by yourself should cost you less than 5 dollars inclusive of MRT/Bus ride to hardware shop.

The low tech shrimp tank shown below belongs to one of Eco-quarium LED tube users. This tank has been illuminated by one piece of 2ft Eco-quarium Natural Sun tube for 2 and half months. 12 hrs of lighting per day, no CO2, no algae bloom and minimal maintenance.

**marco** · 6th Aug 2010, 00:00

Do you have sample for us to view when we purchase the light?

**Inwares LED** · 6th Aug 2010, 00:34

Hi, Marco,

The LED has inbuilt transistor power regulator that accept 200-260V AC power supply directly. Be it analogue or electronic ballast, it is advised to remove the ballast to optimize the brightness level and minimize power consumption.

**Inwares LED** · 6th Aug 2010, 00:35

Originally Posted by marco

Do you have sample for us to view when we purchase the light?

Hi, Marco. Since this is DIY forum, I PMed you regarding your question.

**jamesneo** · 26th Sep 2010, 21:26

Could the cover of the LED tube be removed? It seems to be limiting the light output?

**Inwares LED** · 26th Sep 2010, 22:31

Originally Posted by jamesneo

Could the cover of the LED tube be removed? It seems to be limiting the light output?

Hi, James,

The cover serves to protect the tube against splash and moisture and disperse light evenly across its projection angle. It can be removed, however in a destructive manner. In fact, even with the cover, brightness is already on par with conventional FL tube. There is no necessity to remove the cover.