cooling fans for MH

chevegan · 07/13/2007, 10:41 AM

My chiller has been running quite a lot to keep the tank at 82. With the temp in L.A. at 90 everyday with a 35% humidity it's getting hard to think of whatelse to do. I have a 4" fan blowing under the canopy with the 2x150w over my 50g. But I want something with a good amount of flow without anything ugly. I drilled a hole in the center of the canopy top which does get rid of a bunch of hot air. I think it's not that I don't know what I need much as it is where to buy it from. There are a bunch of DIY guys selling computer fans they attatched to a 12v dc to run the fans. But is there something with more umph maybe?

Once again links would be great thanks

rykwong · 07/13/2007, 10:45 AM

I just bought some fans for $6 each from newegg.com, Kingwin 120mm. They're pushing about 80 cfm at only 30db, very quiet. So far they're working really well. I'm thinking about ordering more since each fan takes only about 3watts/per to run. There are other fans pushing 110 cfm, but they're all $20 each.

DarG · 07/13/2007, 10:57 AM

Start looking at desktop, clip-on and smaller high velocity fans. They run on AC so installing them away from salt spray and the possibility of falling in the tank is improtant. But, these will give you some real air flow. It is a compromise as far as cosmetics. But the smaller ones, 6" or 8" or so, come in alot of different styles and really dont look "bad". I use a large cross flow fan. I tore the guts out of a Lasko standing cross flow and just use the motor and vanes. Blows through my canopy and also over the T5's and water surface some. I alos use a 6" clip on that blows across the water surface and also across the T5's. Cut my Chiller run time by 10 minutes per cycle when the tank lights are on.

chevegan · 07/13/2007, 11:37 PM

as far as the computer fans go where did you get the ac adapter from to connect them.

drives300 · 07/14/2007, 06:14 AM

You can use most old cellphone chargers. I believe most are 12 volt and you only need about an amp or 2

AZDesertRat · 07/14/2007, 10:35 AM

Harbor Freight tools sometimes carries them as does Radio Shack, Frys Electronics and Wal Mart.

Ebisan · 07/14/2007, 11:37 AM

I had 2 80mm AC fans under my canopy. Installed at opposite ends of the canopy with one pushing and the other pulling air. Unfortunately those were too loud. I forgot who made them. Just bought some new AC fans from http://www.pctoys.com/840556029427.html These are about half as loud and push a good amount of air. They also make 120mm versions and come with a power cord. But too short for my application so I had to get longer power cords.

07/13/2007, 10:41 AM	#1
chevegan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Colorado springs, co Posts: 1,614	cooling fans for MH My chiller has been running quite a lot to keep the tank at 82. With the temp in L.A. at 90 everyday with a 35% humidity it's getting hard to think of whatelse to do. I have a 4" fan blowing under the canopy with the 2x150w over my 50g. But I want something with a good amount of flow without anything ugly. I drilled a hole in the center of the canopy top which does get rid of a bunch of hot air. I think it's not that I don't know what I need much as it is where to buy it from. There are a bunch of DIY guys selling computer fans they attatched to a 12v dc to run the fans. But is there something with more umph maybe? Once again links would be great thanks __________________ Everything is copasetic. Reefing on a budget Current Tank Info: Do it right the first time, save up, spend where it counts OR end up another craigslist ad of money lost.--------Why is this hobby so damn expensive??!-------

07/13/2007, 11:37 PM	#4
chevegan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Colorado springs, co Posts: 1,614	as far as the computer fans go where did you get the ac adapter from to connect them. __________________ Everything is copasetic. Reefing on a budget Current Tank Info: Do it right the first time, save up, spend where it counts OR end up another craigslist ad of money lost.--------Why is this hobby so damn expensive??!-------

07/14/2007, 06:14 AM	#5
drives300 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 961	You can use most old cellphone chargers. I believe most are 12 volt and you only need about an amp or 2 __________________ Water Param 79 degrees nit 0 amm 0 phos 0 salifers Calcium 450 salifer alk 11 dkh Ph 8-8.1 Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon,reef octopus nw150, 2 oceanflow mods, 2x 250w 10k mh, phos reactor

07/13/2007, 10:45 AM	#2
rykwong Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Irvine Posts: 1,029	I just bought some fans for $6 each from newegg.com, Kingwin 120mm. They're pushing about 80 cfm at only 30db, very quiet. So far they're working really well. I'm thinking about ordering more since each fan takes only about 3watts/per to run. There are other fans pushing 110 cfm, but they're all $20 each.

07/13/2007, 10:57 AM	#3
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	Start looking at desktop, clip-on and smaller high velocity fans. They run on AC so installing them away from salt spray and the possibility of falling in the tank is improtant. But, these will give you some real air flow. It is a compromise as far as cosmetics. But the smaller ones, 6" or 8" or so, come in alot of different styles and really dont look "bad". I use a large cross flow fan. I tore the guts out of a Lasko standing cross flow and just use the motor and vanes. Blows through my canopy and also over the T5's and water surface some. I alos use a 6" clip on that blows across the water surface and also across the T5's. Cut my Chiller run time by 10 minutes per cycle when the tank lights are on.

07/14/2007, 10:35 AM	#6
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	Harbor Freight tools sometimes carries them as does Radio Shack, Frys Electronics and Wal Mart.

07/14/2007, 11:37 AM	#7
Ebisan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,141	I had 2 80mm AC fans under my canopy. Installed at opposite ends of the canopy with one pushing and the other pulling air. Unfortunately those were too loud. I forgot who made them. Just bought some new AC fans from http://www.pctoys.com/840556029427.html These are about half as loud and push a good amount of air. They also make 120mm versions and come with a power cord. But too short for my application so I had to get longer power cords.