Fan recommendations for a canopy?
- Thread starter reefsafe
- Start date
artful-dodger
New member
I used IceCap variable speed fans on my first build--worked fine, but (I now realize) was way too expensive.
Lately I've been using computer case fans as well. I bought three different brands (they were cheap) and found one that Panaflo was lmost the cheapest for the amount of air that it moved but had the best mounting for my setup.
Then I bought a variable output transformer that I use to control their speed...just push a slider to the best output DC voltage that spins them enough to keep the temp where you want it. I then plug that into the same timer as the lights.
This combination is working great (+- 1 degree) for about $15.
If I had it to do over now, I'd check these out for a custom canopy. They are supposed to be very, very quiet and the design would be perfect for directing air across the water surface for evaporative cooling.
Lately I've been using computer case fans as well. I bought three different brands (they were cheap) and found one that Panaflo was lmost the cheapest for the amount of air that it moved but had the best mounting for my setup.
Then I bought a variable output transformer that I use to control their speed...just push a slider to the best output DC voltage that spins them enough to keep the temp where you want it. I then plug that into the same timer as the lights.
This combination is working great (+- 1 degree) for about $15.
If I had it to do over now, I'd check these out for a custom canopy. They are supposed to be very, very quiet and the design would be perfect for directing air across the water surface for evaporative cooling.
Last edited:
chadscharf
New member
That cross-blower fan is sweet. I'd definately hook a couple of those babies up for sure. You can find cheap PC power supplies at any geek-shop or off an old 486 machine at the flea market for $5 to $15. Getting one brand new is ridiculous at nearly $75 to $125 a pop. Most of the power supplies aren't as noisy as the fans themselves.
"Umm fish?"
Premium Member
I bought the QuietPC fans because I have to work next to this sucker and the first set of fans I bought were unbearable. They are _very_ quiet. I won't say that I can't hear them, but they don't make me want to tear down the tank. 
diesel_ftc
New member
Mike I have some PC fans laying around that can be wired to an adapter - thats what im using for my MH. If you come down this way let me know, we'll work out a price
chadscharf
New member
I have 2 running in my hood and it they manage to keep the temp down pretty well. Overkill is never a bad thing in this arena though I would imagine.
Crit21
Active member
I built a box type frame for the top of the tank, then attached front and side panels to the frame with hinges. There is nothing enclosing the top of the hood, so any heat just rises out the open top. No fan is necessary.
It also has a side effect of not trapping moisture in the hood to damage the wood or corrode any metal.
It also has a side effect of not trapping moisture in the hood to damage the wood or corrode any metal.
ReefJerk
Member
I used 2 server rack fans(90cfm) on my 90 and it dropped the temp a good 3 degrees. And, I could put my ear next to the fan and could hear nothing but the wind. They don't need an adapter or anything. They have a plug just like on the back of computer. Worked flawlessly for ~3 years. Now, I just use one desktop fan over my sump for temp control.
milsaltnewbie07
New member
i got 2 90mm in my 55g however i only use one because 2 is too much
