Adding cooling fans, but where is best..?

[JDM_SOHC]

I want to add some fans to keep the temp's cool on my tank and lights, but I've been reading that I should modify fans into my Tek Light and others say I should aim them at the top of my waters surface..?? Anyone with knowledge care to input a little here..?? I like these fans on this tank with a Tek Light..

But my Tek doesn't have moonlights so I was thinking about gettin two of those 120mm fans with built in LED's and doing some DIY fan build onto my Tek fixture..

But anyone who cares to share some input would be greatly appreciated..

 

[ireef86]

The water isn't what is generating the heat... I'd install the fans in the fixture first, if heat is still a concern, I would aim cooling fans at the fixtures.

 

[JDM_SOHC]

The water isn't what is generating the heat... I'd install the fans in the fixture first, if heat is still a concern, I would aim cooling fans at the fixtures.

So the fans in the top picture are basically pointless..? And thanks for ur feedback..

 

[asid61]

I put some fans to run air over the surface of the water to blow away the heat from the light when I ran MH, and it lowered the temp at least 4*F.

 

[garygb]

Search the t 5 q&a thread, or post your question on there, someone will be able to suggest the best position to maximize output of the bulbs for your Tek.

 

[tkeracer619]

A fan running over the water evaporates the water and will cool the tank down better then blowing it on the lights.

Fans on your fixture will increase the life of the bulbs and make them brighter. Particularly when you cool the ends of the bulbs.

 

[JDM_SOHC]

Thanks for the great tips guys.. I'll search for assistance over in the q&a forum as well..

 

[tkeracer619]

On my system as it was before the crash I had 2 fans.

The primary one came on when the lights came on and blew across the top of the water. The secondary one came on if the tank got to 81 and blew across the sump. The chiller came on if the tank got to 83. The lights went off if the tank got above 84.

Heaters were always ran on a Ranco controller and my ReefAngel sent me a text if the two didn't agree.

 

[zenom]

So my LFS put the fans on my hood along with the ACAN lights. They pointed the fan inward, because the saltwater spray was ruining fans faster when the air was blowing out.

Just a thought.

 

[cordell]

Fans work best on my tank by aiming them so that some air blows across the light bulbs (MH bulbs) to move the heat away from them instead of allowing it to radiate down to the water, while the rest of the fan flow blows across the water surface for evaporative cooling.

Basically, prevent the heat from hitting the water, and then cause some evap to allow further cooling. The fans in the top pic seem to be accomplishing this.

 

[JDM_SOHC]

Great info guys, keep it coming..!!! If anyone has pictures as well that'd be great..!! I'm very hands on and not scared to endeavor into a DIY fan setup so links and whatnot are all appreciated as well..

And as far as the fans coming on at certain temps, that sounds bad @$$..!!

 

[tkeracer619]

Going to need a controller

I use a reefangel but any of the reef specific controllers on the market will do that.

I use the clip on fans from home depot but run a screw through the clip so I know it isn't going to fall into the water.

 

[JDM_SOHC]

Going to need a controller

I use a reefangel but any of the reef specific controllers on the market will do that.

I use the clip on fans from home depot but run a screw through the clip so I know it isn't going to fall into the water.

I'll definitely check into that.. Thanks for the tip, an yah something tells me a fan pretending to be a powerhead is not a good idea lmao..!