Computer Fans

GreenSpottedPuffer · #1 02-22-2009, 04:57 AM

I am trying to figure out if I should use computer fans instead of the big, ugly, loud fans I use now to cool the heat from my lights.

I have no idea how much work it is to wire them up to a power supply, so I am curious about what that takes and also how expensive it would be.

Are they worth it? Strong enough to really do much?

I see them all the time on ebay...anyone recommend any of the ebay computer fans? Nice thing about them I guess is that they are already wired and come with legs.

Just looking for general advice or comments.

rocketlily · #2 02-22-2009, 05:45 AM

In the summer I used 2 computer fans from princess auto wired together. Total cost was under $15. Pointed each one between the surface of the tank and the bottom of a MH and had them on a timer to come on with the lights. Really helped to cut down the heat. Haven't had to use them this winter.

johncody · #3 02-22-2009, 06:12 AM

Nutts GSP i could have shown you my lighting system while you where here today. Hmm maybe if you come back and buy the Naso or lawnmower or saddleback or clam i could show you

Cheers Bud..... JC.

Jack · #4 02-22-2009, 07:12 AM

Your lights don't need cooling.

Is your tank over-heating?

GreenSpottedPuffer · #5 02-22-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack

Your lights don't need cooling.

Is your tank over-heating?

Yup its been higher than my last set up was and this is still without a return pump (which will add a bit of heat). The heat at the water surface from the Lumenbrights is nuts. The last tank had a canopy and lights were about 10" from the water...this time they are 14" off the water and WAY more heat. The tank was hitting 83, so I am using the old fans I used on my last set up but I hate how big they are and loud. They come on about 3 times a day for 2 hours or so each time. This set up won't work like this in summer.

Needs cooling for sure.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #6 02-22-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketlily

In the summer I used 2 computer fans from princess auto wired together. Total cost was under $15. Pointed each one between the surface of the tank and the bottom of a MH and had them on a timer to come on with the lights. Really helped to cut down the heat. Haven't had to use them this winter.

What are these fans actually made for? Cars? I have found a lot of 12V car fans that look great and are dead quiet but I don't know how to wire them and if you even can wire 12V to work with an outlet.

I might be able to get my brother to grab me a few since he works at a car parts shop.

How easy were to to wire to a power supply?

GreenSpottedPuffer · #7 02-22-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johncody

Nutts GSP i could have shown you my lighting system while you where here today. Hmm maybe if you come back and buy the Naso or lawnmower or saddleback or clam i could show you

Cheers Bud..... JC.

Yeah too bad. Your Naso is a really nice fish but I think maybe too small for my tank cause the other tangs are kind of big. Plus I have a Naso and not sure how he would react to another.

Jack · #8 02-22-2009, 05:13 PM

I thought 20-22" off the water?

rocketlily · #9 02-22-2009, 05:16 PM

Working on some pictures. I'll post them in a few minutes.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #10 02-22-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack

I thought 20-22" off the water?

No that was WAY too high. There was more light in the room than the tank

I also went through the entire RC thread about the lumenbrights and mostly everyone found to get the best PAR and decent spread, 12" to the bottom of the reflector worked well (makes the bulb about 18" off the water). I know that article said 20" or so but as most people found in that thread, 20" was too high.