Cooling fans...

[BPASCreighton]

I have a freshwater setup, but I figured the reefers would know best . I'm running 4 X 96 watt PC in a closed canopy, and recently a ballast burnt out. I think its due to the high temps. So I would like to install some cooling fans, but I've never had to do this before.

Here's a picture of the setup:
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc164/thenakedaquarist/PICT0167.jpg
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc164/thenakedaquarist/PICT0166.jpg

The canopy is open backed so I could just put two back there maybe, but maybe the sides would be better? I've also been told that I need to work with convection to get the most efficiency out of my fans, but I'm a little confused on this. This means just blowing cool air in through the bottom which will force the hot air out the top? Is that the correct way to be thinking about it?

Where can I get some cheap fans? Where is it best to place them?

Thanks,
Creighton

 

[rissaroo]

since your canopy is open in the back why dont you buy a clip on fan like those sold at walmart in the auto section and clip it on the back of your canopy? The fan cost is around eleven bucks and the converter for the fan ( check out the plug on the fan and you will know what Im talking about) is around 3-4 bucks. They are usually in the auto section too but if not I know they have them in the electronics.... I have one on my 90g and it keeps it within 78-80 degrees and it has 4 T5 bulbs and 2 VHO bulbs. I hope this helps!

 

[BPASCreighton]

Thank you so much. I didn't even think of that.

 

[woolyt2]

if you use timers on your lights what i have is a 120 volt fan from radio shack that comes on with the lights ...one at each end on the back blowing in, the hot air will get out . oh there are 4 inch fans

 

[H@rry]

I use the 4" fans on each end. One blowing in and the other blowing out. I put them on the same timer as the first MH in the winter and run them 24/7 in the summer. My back is open as well. I like the idea of creating a constant path of air over the tank, hence the "cross current" arrangement. Many people will tell you that you can't have a fan blowing out because the salt air will ruin it. I haven't noticed any difference in the life of the ones blowing out or in. I started these tanks in '99 and still have one of the original fans. When the Radio Shack fans finally quit I have been replacing them with fans from an Electronics shop (Mock Electronics) that have a little higher RPM and seem to be better built. They cost a little more but they're probably worth it.

HTH

 

[8BALL_99]

If you wait just a little longer home depot and lowes stock all kinds of small ac fans..Not sure if they have them out yet. You can also use 12v puter fans and just run them off a transformer. But if you have the room a little bit larger fan will move more air with less noise then a pc fan..

I have a couple of these and I really like them.. They are very quiet and move a decent amount of air.. I think they were about 12-15 bucks

 

[Tomoko Schum]

I am glad that 8ball posted that picture.
I have one of those, too, and it does a real good job on keeping my tank cool and it's really quiet like 8Ball pointed out.

Tomoko

 

[BPASCreighton]

Do you think one will one work for my setup? or should I get 2?

 

[Tomoko Schum]

I think one is plenty for your tank. The fan can really move a lot of air.

Tomoko