I've tried different voltages of dc adapted and even the requested one of 5v all do the same thing. I'm fairly sure the wires are correct and even the code does what it's supposed to in the video traveling up and then back down excluding all the random flashing in the strip. If I have the power running through the arduino it works fine but i cant supply enough power the cable. all setup i look up have a similar setup and even the way they add power through the extra 2 wires on either end of the strips.
larryd:
You need to have GND between the LED power Supply negative and the Arduino GND.
Do I just stick the components into the adapted like in the picture and it'll work?
First off, temporarily add a wire between the GND (0V) pin on the Arduino and your LED negative power supply lead.
If this fixes the problem, disconnect power from all sources and add a capacitor and resistor as shown.
You can solder these to the wires going to the LEDs, neatly tape to prevent future shorting of the connections.