Fans needed for canopy AND stand?

[Grendel0501]

I am having a tank, stand and canopy built into a outcove/bookshelf area in my living room. Picture of area (thats my old tank in the pic)
The new tank will basically touch the wall on 3 sides, with only the front showing. It will look 'built-in' to the wall, there will be doors to get to the sump, and the entire front section will be able to be removed incase I need to completely change out the sump (larger than doors).

My question is, since the canopy and stand areas will be basically sealed off from air flow, will both need fans to pump in external air?
Could I get away with just putting fans in the canopy? Facing downward, where they couldn't be seen.
Or will I need a second fan to push air into the stand area as well? (I hate the idea of having a fan on the front of the stand)

 

[Hamsternuts]

The only thing that really needs a big amount of airflow are your lights, depending on what type they are. Normal air circulation will be plenty and your skimmer will even add more oxygen to the water.

The only time you really need a fan in the stand is to either try to keep things from getting soggy inside because the stand is nearly sealed or to cool the tank down in the event its overheating. Some people use their controllers to turn on a fan directed at the sump if the tank gets too hot, kind of like a poor man's chiller.

If the sump/stand is nearly sealed maybe you could rig the doors so that they look closed, but are 1/4 inch or so from sealing up the stand. A tiny fan inside the stand aimed at the cracks would work well to keep everything dry.

 

[MichaelDavid]

You should have a fan blowing in and out of the canopy and stand if their going to be enclosed. Moisture will build up and start to corrode anything metal. My canopy always has a fan blowing out of the canopy so no moisture is trapped inside. The one blowing inside is only on when the lights are on to keep the lights cool. Also I have vent holes in my stand as its fully enclosed. You basically want someplace for the moisture to escape. A fan for the stand my not be necessary, although, it can help with the heat on those hot days and help keep moisture out. Good luck.

 

[Grendel0501]

I plan on running LED's. Specifically Kessils, I already have 2 15k a150's. I also plan to add 2 a350's when they come out. Other than that the canopy will house LED moon lights and a Apex power strip.

 

[Grendel0501]

I was thinking of using felt to cover up the fans on the canopy, to hide the light from inside the canopy. Like speaker covers.
I like the fins/vent idea for the stand. Maybe I could hide a fan behind a vent painted to match the stand.

 

[Grendel0501]

Is there anyway to use 12v computer fans, but have my apex control their rpm Based on heat?