Question about aquarium led lights

Using Arduino LEDs and Multiplexing
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Hello. I am trying to find the right parts and code so that I can make an aquarium led project that follows the pattern of the sun. Can anyone help me with this? I have already found this question but I don't know if they have similar solutions. Light Sensor and LED Problem - LilyPad

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What specific question do you have?

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I am trying to make a light system for my aquarium and I'm looking for the exact materials and code for it. I want it to follow the pattern of the sun mostly for my plants.

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Ok, let me try and rephrase it: how far have you gotten on your own and where did you get stuck?
Also, playing the devil's advocate - have you looked at the commercially available options yet as well as the projects of people with similar requirement like yours? I'm not an aquarium guy, but I have come across quite a few aquarium lighting solutions and projects in my online meanderings. I'm sure you're not the first to try your hand at this.

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Hi @mike_mileras !

I’m actually building a light fixture for my 200 gallon (soon to be planted) aquarium!
In short, I’m building the light fixture, controlled with an ESP32, with a website to allow user interface.

I can mimic the sun, and will be building light patterns to mimic sunrise, sunsets, and maybe a lightning storm.

I’m retrofitting an old XBOX 360 case to house all my components too.

Here is a list of my hardware:

  • ESP32, with 5v power
  • 300 watt power supply
  • 682 SK6812 RGBW LEDs 5v 60 LEDs/m
  • an old XBOX 360
  • 20 awg solid core wire
  • lots of solder

I have 8 rows of 85 LEDs glued to a 55” x 15” PVC sheet. This is my light fixture. I also have two LEDs installed to light up the original XBOX 360 power button.

I’ve already learned that I should have used 12v LED strips instead of 5v because voltage drop is a real pain in the arse!

My project is still in progress, but I think I could help get you on the right track. Heck, we could even contribute to the same GitHub repo.

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Apparently that is one of the better uses of that device. :grin:

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Hello. @grillingorilla !

My aquarium has 500lt, 132 gallons. It is planted . I haven't collected any hardware that I'll need because I was on vaccation. I don't own an xbox so I don't know where to put the other hardware. I'm also new to arduino and don't know anything about coding. I have watched so many youtube videos but I still can't understand the arduino language. It would be good if I could build it with your help.

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Hi there! Lots has changed since I posted my last comment. In short, my project is complete, but I also kind of took a shortcut. You may be interested in this approach as well.

You don't need an XBOX to store your components; just any non-metal container would do just fine.

Here is a list of minimum items you'll need:

  1. One ESP8266 or ESP32
  2. Some good wire
  3. Your choice of RGB or RGBW Individually Addressable LED strips. I highly suggest 12v, IP67, and 60 LEDs/meter. The rest of the details will depend on your desired application and pattern.
  4. An assortment of 2- and 3-wire pigtail connectors (or whatever connector style you desire)
  5. I used 1/4" thick PVC board to adhere my LED strips to. I used Silicone Caulk to "glue" the LED strips to the board. This is entirely up to you and your design.
  6. 12v power supply (the exact wattage of this power supply will determine you required size.)
  7. Since your LED strips and power supply are 12v, you'll either need a 5v Voltage Regulator to help power your chosen ESP8266, or ESP32, or, you'll need a smaller and separate 5v power supply.
  8. Lastly, (I think), you'll need to use WLED. WLED is a free library that provides a phone app to assist in controlling your LEDs. WLED offers a no-code solution and provides wonderful features such as, Wifi connectivity, phone app, animations, scheduling, and many, MANY more!
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Hello so can you send the layout of your project. I also wanted to see how the final project looks like. Im kinda new to arduino so i dont know anything about coding etc.

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Sure. I’ll pm you a video I made that demoed the final result. Even though I had some success coding it all myself, I decided to switch and just use WLED. It is simply brilliant!! Google how to use WLED on a ESP32 or ESP8265. You may enjoy it as well.

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I see have you got like a drawn sketch to see how u connected the parts?

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