PC Fans
- Thread starter Critter
- Start date
I have 2 fans, one is a variable speed one from icecap, but it doesn't seem to blow that hard. I have a 2nd PC fan just from radio shack, a model with a transformer plug so it just plugs right it.
I've heard (from icecap I think) you should always blow air in from the outside, it will find its way out. I have one fan like that, the other is angled down to blow on the water. The evaporation helps cool the tank. Someone I know has 2 fans, one blowing in and another at the opposite end blowing out. I think there's probably lots of ways that can work.
I've heard (from icecap I think) you should always blow air in from the outside, it will find its way out. I have one fan like that, the other is angled down to blow on the water. The evaporation helps cool the tank. Someone I know has 2 fans, one blowing in and another at the opposite end blowing out. I think there's probably lots of ways that can work.
Fizz71
FragSwapper
Because of mounting concerns I had to blow in from the back. I chose in because of reduced salt build up, but I've heard every combination including one in and one out so I don't think you'll find a definitive answer that's not opinion. If your hood is closed pretty tight, one in and one out would probably get the best flow.
You do want to make sure you are NOT blowing onto your MHs...they are designed to work in their own heat.
As for hooking it up...the last fans I had were 110s so that was a no brainer, but back when I had bought regular fans from radio shack I bought the power converter that matched the fan's and cut the plug off to re-wire the fan to it. You just have to make sure you get the right one for the fan's power requirements.
Do they make them all the way down to PC levels? I'm not sure.
--Fizz
You do want to make sure you are NOT blowing onto your MHs...they are designed to work in their own heat.
As for hooking it up...the last fans I had were 110s so that was a no brainer, but back when I had bought regular fans from radio shack I bought the power converter that matched the fan's and cut the plug off to re-wire the fan to it. You just have to make sure you get the right one for the fan's power requirements.
Do they make them all the way down to PC levels? I'm not sure.
--Fizz
yellowtruck75
New member
Does anyone remember the Icecap variable fan at the last Hegins frag swap? Any idea where I could find one of those.
Critter
Premium Member
I looked at radio shack and they make ac to dc converters down to 12v dc. which is what the fans are. I don't have MH but 46.5" VHO 4 bulbs all together. I never really had a heat problem before but this time I got an aquasun instead of a second 50/50. I think that might be doing it. Maybe i'll just go back to a two bulb setup. Time to tinker I guess. 
Thanks for the tips on the fans guys.
Thanks for the tips on the fans guys.
http://www.aquariumsupplystore.com/Productspages/icecap_electronic_ballast.htm & http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2..._Code=OE&Product_Code=I4VSF&Category_Code=TCF
both carry our 4.5" (120 MM) variable speed fans for $43.00
Unless it's a very small tank I recommend the 120 MM vs. the 80 MM we carry as they run with less noise and much more air movement. They're made to last 10-13 years of abusive neglect. Imagine if you take care of them.
Andy
both carry our 4.5" (120 MM) variable speed fans for $43.00
Unless it's a very small tank I recommend the 120 MM vs. the 80 MM we carry as they run with less noise and much more air movement. They're made to last 10-13 years of abusive neglect. Imagine if you take care of them.
Andy
yellowtruck75
New member
Are these the fans that have the temp prob to come on or off on certain temp.
yellowtruck75
New member
Thanks Fizz, I guess I should have read that first.
The probe determines at what speed the fan runs. It doesn't go on and off.
I run mine 24/7 as the speed at temperatures around 80 is so slow and soft you'd hardly notice it. You can put it on a kitchen timer to run when your lamps are lit.
If salt ever builds up on the fan, I squirt make-up water into it head on (the front not the back) while it's running. They're made for this kind of harsh application and avoiding the landfill. Just keep the probe out of the water.
Andy
I run mine 24/7 as the speed at temperatures around 80 is so slow and soft you'd hardly notice it. You can put it on a kitchen timer to run when your lamps are lit.
If salt ever builds up on the fan, I squirt make-up water into it head on (the front not the back) while it's running. They're made for this kind of harsh application and avoiding the landfill. Just keep the probe out of the water.
Andy
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