My LED light just crapped out...

Well, after 5 months my cheap Beamworks "Hi lumen" 30" LED stopped working. After the first month, the little power adapter crapped out and I replaced that with an extra one I had. Then about 3 months ago, I wasn't satisfied with the amount of light it was putting out so I boosted the light output which made the unit run pretty warm. Was thinking of adding optional fans like the Quad version has now. But oh too late! I must have fried a connection in the circuit board... (all lights are out)

That's ok, I'm wasn't too happy with this light anyway. But I noticed that the double bright quad version are 10K lights which I don't think are appropriate for plants and may create a washed out look for my tank. So I just order the Fluval Daylight Aqualife & Plant LED Aquarium Lamp. It says it's full spectrum for plants and enhancing the colors of a freshwater tank. I'm hoping it is a big step up from my previous lights and should be way better than 10K leds that I was considering.

I hope my plants will be ok limping along with my light backup Marineland hidden light bar that my kit came with. I might have to setup a CFL bulb on top since my new lights may not arrive for a week or two (free shipping is slow...)

EBay has it for $120, ships free

Looks like they only had one, which I hopefully bought last night.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluval-Aqua...nk-Light-/261323801232?_trksid=p2054897.l4276

Well, I just got it working again!!!

My curiosity about how these lights are made me take it apart this evening.

Where is what it looks like after taking it all apart. There really aren't that may pieces.



And what surprised me was the back side of the LEDs... nothing



I was expecting some wiring back here. Absolutely nothing.
Turns out that the DC power connection broke. The heat must have softened the solder...



These should have better connectors than this. And the wires are so small. Guess this is what you get in a knock off brand.

Anyway, I soldered it back in place.



And what do you know, it's working again!!!



And BTW, every project goes better with Coors...

These are Beamswork lights. Yeah, I'm a "retired" electrical engineer so fixing and tinkering is still in my blood. Since I already ordered a replacement I probably will use this for moon lighting in this tank. Then there won't be any issues with the heat any more.

Actually, overheating is my fault because I'm using 17 volts instead of factory spec 12 volts to crank out lots more light from this unit.

I'm curious what the voltage is on the Fluval I just bought.