Travis L. Stevens
New member
DOH! Why didn't I think of that?
fans in canopy
- Thread starter mskohl
- Start date
Stephanie,
I have used both the ac & dc type of Radio Shack 4" fans. Granted, they move a lot of air but are quite noisy (compared to similar fans). I decided to switch to a quiter fan, and went with the Coralife Cooling Fan.
I purchased two of these to move roughly the same amount of air as the Radio Shack fan (1), and are much quieter. I chose not to use the IceCap fans because I wanted the fans to utilize use my existing Reef Keeper temperature probe. The fans turn on when my tank temperature reaches 79.9 degrees, & turn off at 78.1 degrees.
The Ice Cap 4" fans are a good choice, they have a fully automated variable speed control with a built in remote heat probe.
I have not done a thermodynamic study on which position is more advantageous for the fans. I tend to agree with Travis. I have had the fans set up to exhaust the air from the canopy. This has resulted in salt coating the fan & mechanism. For the past year, the fans have been blowing air into the canopy with no salt buildup on the fan or mechanism. I have two (2'w x 5"h) openings on the back of my canopy.
Dragon68 has a good idea, but the salt will still get through, if you don't take the time to clean the filter (I had filters on mine).
Ray
I have used both the ac & dc type of Radio Shack 4" fans. Granted, they move a lot of air but are quite noisy (compared to similar fans). I decided to switch to a quiter fan, and went with the Coralife Cooling Fan.
I purchased two of these to move roughly the same amount of air as the Radio Shack fan (1), and are much quieter. I chose not to use the IceCap fans because I wanted the fans to utilize use my existing Reef Keeper temperature probe. The fans turn on when my tank temperature reaches 79.9 degrees, & turn off at 78.1 degrees.
The Ice Cap 4" fans are a good choice, they have a fully automated variable speed control with a built in remote heat probe.
I have not done a thermodynamic study on which position is more advantageous for the fans. I tend to agree with Travis. I have had the fans set up to exhaust the air from the canopy. This has resulted in salt coating the fan & mechanism. For the past year, the fans have been blowing air into the canopy with no salt buildup on the fan or mechanism. I have two (2'w x 5"h) openings on the back of my canopy.
Dragon68 has a good idea, but the salt will still get through, if you don't take the time to clean the filter (I had filters on mine).
Ray
eddybabyhd
.Registered Member
I think this is one of those things that you are going to have to try for yourself. I think if you are going to use the 99 cent fans than who cares if you have to replace them every 4-5 months. Either way you decide to mount them is up to you. But find which direction works for you, and go with it. Apparently this is one of those subjects that we will have to agree to disagree
zoomfish1
New member
If you have the room in the canopy, this is what works for me. 3 radio shack fans. 2 blowing into the canopy and one drawing out. Mount them in a triangle evenly spaced in the canopy.
Best of both ways. I have mine wired in with the timer on the halides so they come on together. Pretty simple solution to the heat problem from the lights.
Best of both ways. I have mine wired in with the timer on the halides so they come on together. Pretty simple solution to the heat problem from the lights.
dugg
New member
I use the 5" metal Radioshack fans. One blowing in at the base of the halide, and one drawing out at the other end of the bulb. I usually have to replace the one that draws out about every 18 to 24 months. The one blowing in usually lasts 3 or 4 years. They are pretty noisy, but they move a lot of air.
