cooling fans

[CKreef]

Has anyone used cpu fans before? If so what all did you use? If you have any info or any good links it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[theop]

I currently have a Vantec Stealth 80mm fan on my hood. Very quiet with decent airflow. I have also use Antec case adjustable fans with good results.

Just be careful that you don't place them where they can get wet.

 

[CKreef]

I would like to know how to wire the cpu fans for use in a canopy please? A parts list of what you need would be great!!

 

[c_stowers]

I have 2 130 CFM 120 V fans from Grainger in my hood. They move a ton of air for there size (about 3" Dia), but are fairly noisey. I think they were about 10 bucks a peice and came with a wiring harness.

 

[gflat65]

To use DC fans, you'd need an AC/DC converter to plug into the wall (or a PLC).

I'm running Coralvue variable speed fans on the 125. I got them from Custom Aquatics. They are a bit pricier than others and I have only been running them for a little while, so I don't know how they will be long term, but they put out 5 cfm less than the Dayton fans I got from grainger (range from 60-110cfm-with temp sensor- compared to the 115 CFM from Grainger) and are almost not even noticable in terms of noise. When I ran the two 115 CFm Dayton fans, it was louder than most server rooms and the frequency would almost drive you crazy. I hooked the second Coralvue fan up last night and the chiller shut off within 10 minutes (wasn't running a fan at all on that side because of noise issues). The 125 makes very little noise now.

 

[theop]

To use computer fans, you'll need a 12V DC converter. Each fan has a milli-ampere rating. Just add those together and get a converter than can handle that current. They are available from Radio Shack or online.

You'll need to wire them yourself, either directly or with plug-in connectors. You can solder or use push-in connections. If you use solder, I'd recommend covering the wires with heat-shrink tubing.

I can show you a picture of how I did mine if you think that would help.

 

[CKreef]

please show pic

 

[loyalty]

i scored a dc converter that powers two fans for 4 bucks on ebay. they're all over the place on ebay if you're willing to wait for shipping

 

[CKreef]

what exactly did you use loyalty?

 

[Sk8r]

I got a commercial MH enclosed light, but I recognize the CPU fan involved at the end of the light case. It's identical to the fan in our home-built computer case, a good, high-end CPU cooling fan.

 

[Pickupman66]

CK. I got two fans I ordered that were a bit loud for me. they are nice fans, and have a heat sensor. I paid aobut $10 a piece for them, but I will give both to you for $10. I cannot remember the CFM rating, but they really moved the air. they also have heat sensors that will increace RPM when needed. they are Thermaltake brand fans and rated at .50AMP or 500mAMP. all you would need then would be to go to Radioshack and buy the converter 1.0 AMP or 1000mAMP. trust me, they are VERY simple to install. I used speaker wire for mine and bought a quick disconnect at RS so that I can unplug them easily when removing the hood. dont buy a whole roll of wire, just a few feet from lowes so it is cheaper.

 

[cee]

I use 3 60 mm 12 V fans in my Aquapod hood, 2 to push air in and one to direct it toward the front of the unit and out through the feeding flap. I used an old charger I had lying around for powering the fans at about 14 V. They work well, and with almost 150 W of lighting under the hood, I have to move a lot of air to keep things cool.

Dave

 

[aquaman67]

I used a fan out of an old computer.

I found an old DC transformer for an old cordless phone or something. It was marked 12 V

Snipped the end off the fan, snipped the end off the transformer. Plugged in the transformer, fan ran backwards.

Switched the wires around and taped them up.

It's in the stand of my 70 FO.

 

[CKreef]

The fans im want to run are 0.16 A each so going with a 400mA will be good i also have one that 800mA and one thats 340mA(old phone chargers)

 

[rsteagall]

you can easily use an old computer powersupply to power these fans. These days, most people have one shoved back in a closet somewhere. Or try a local computer shop. THey probably have one they'll give you.

Also...Vantec Stealth fans as theop mentioned work nicely.

 

[theop]

Here is the standard 3-pin connector on a computer fan. I put a female connector on the power supply wire side. This way the fan can be changed and no wires on the fan side are cut. I spliced the wires using the connectors shown in the bag. These can be crimped to connect the wires and thus the need to solder is avoided. There is white heat-shrink tubing over the connectors, but this is optional.

 

[CKreef]

where did you get the female connectors

 

[theop]

They sometimes come with fans on a molex converter or fan splitter cable. You can probably find them at CompUSA or someplace similar or do an ebay search for "fan splitter".