High Tide Aquatics

Fans in light fixture?

svreef

svreef

Webmaster
BOD
BARcard
It occurred to me that the hybrid light fixture would be a great place to mount some fans blowing down on hot days. I’m thinking three 140mm computer case fans. I’m sure salt spray could be a problem...any thoughts?

411df83271b7c63fbf30dfdc50d86e6a.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: JVU
It should be fine. I do the same with some small personal desk fans that. They're about 10" off the water surface.

7C3AE379-75C4-40C5-9E3B-029AC0A10400.jpeg
 
Those look perfect, nice to have the speed control to make sure there not too loud also. You can order extra brackets from aquatic life (or brs) for your fixture to mount them.
 
While it's not a problem to mount fains up there, I would question how effective they would be, blowing down as opposed to off the surface. I guess what I'm getting at is when you're blowing on coffee (or whatever hot beverage of choice) you typically blow across the surface and not straight down right?

Bottom line is I really don't know the physics of this :D
 
I have used computer fans.
The Noctua quiet ones work well. I get the 12V ones and hook them to a 9V supply. Lots of flow, dead silent.
Only had 1 fail over the years.

Key: Whatever you do, make sure the power supply is not near the salt spray.
If the fan dies, it is easily replaced.
If the power supply shorts out, that is a bad thing.

Blowing down should be fine. It hits the water and spreads out across the surface.
 
3 personal desk fans pointed straight down keep my frag tank in the garage under 82F, even when the ambient garage temp hits in the high 90s.

I actually recorded this a couple days ago when I was doing a water change when the fans were on. All the pumps were off, but you can see there's still a decent about of the water surface moving.

 
  • Like
Reactions: JVU
I think it’ll work well. It’ll also help dissipate the heat from the lights - and I can use the Apex to turn the fans on and off.
 
RandyC said:
3 personal desk fans pointed straight down keep my frag tank in the garage under 82F, even when the ambient garage temp hits in the high 90s.
Click to expand...
I would like to say, that I'm sure your personal desk fans push a LOT more air than your standard computer fan, and probably with a lot more velocity.
 
svreef said:
It occurred to me that the hybrid light fixture would be a great place to mount some fans blowing down on hot days. I’m thinking three 140mm computer case fans. I’m sure salt spray could be a problem...any thoughts?

411df83271b7c63fbf30dfdc50d86e6a.jpg
Click to expand...
I like this idea. It should look really clean. I used to have fans clipped to the glass (rimless tank) during the summer months. It looked bad. I don’t think the salt spray would be too bad that far up. I guess time will tell though.

Let us know how well it works.
 
Great idea to integrate into the fixture, should look better than handing on the side of the tank.

If you aren’t already planning it, you can use the Apex’s 24v output to run cooling fans, that’s what I’m doing. Free’s up an AC plug for something else.
 
RandyC said:
3 personal desk fans pointed straight down keep my frag tank in the garage under 82F, even when the ambient garage temp hits in the high 90s.

I actually recorded this a couple days ago when I was doing a water change when the fans were on. All the pumps were off, but you can see there's still a decent about of the water surface moving.

Click to expand...
Those desk fans definitely push a lot more air even with low DV voltage input than computer fans can. Larger blades help a lot.
 
Do you have a way to control how much voltage comes from the 24V output? Or are you running 12V fans in series to drop the voltage... (and then hoping one doesn't short open)
 
I stepped them down with a buck converter:

Amazon.com: EPBOWPT Voltage Converter DC 24V 36V 48V to 12V Buck Converter (24V to 12V 5A, 24V to 12V 60W): Home Audio & Theater

Buy EPBOWPT Voltage Converter DC 24V 36V 48V to 12V Buck Converter (24V to 12V 5A, 24V to 12V 60W): Power Converters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
smile.amazon.com

The main fan I used for the top of the aquarium (also have computer fans in the holes into the sump in back):

Amazon.com: Alagoo 12V 6''Car Cooling Fan Automobile Vehicle Clip Fan Powerful Quiet Ventilation Electric Car Fans with Adjustable Clip & Cigarette Lighter Plug for Car/Vehicle: Car Electronics

Amazon.com: Alagoo 12V 6''Car Cooling Fan Automobile Vehicle Clip Fan Powerful Quiet Ventilation Electric Car Fans with Adjustable Clip & Cigarette Lighter Plug for Car/Vehicle: Car Electronics
smile.amazon.com

And to connect and give flexibility (could have just soldered):

Amazon.com: 2Pack Female Cigarette Lighter 1.6FT Outlet Ring Terminal Plug Power Supply Cord 12V 16AWG Heavy Duty Cable Accessory 15A Fused DC Power 12 24 Volt Socket for Car Tire Inflator Air Pump By ZHSMS: Automotive

Buy 2Pack Female Cigarette Lighter 1.6FT Outlet Ring Terminal Plug Power Supply Cord 12V 16AWG Heavy Duty Cable Accessory 15A Fused DC Power 12 24 Volt Socket for Car Tire Inflator Air Pump By ZHSMS: Cigarette Lighters & Parts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
smile.amazon.com
 
Cool beans, nice solution there.

How many 24V ports does the Apex come with? And what are they normally used for? i.e. are you giving up something down the line by using one?
 
sfsuphysics said:
Cool beans, nice solution there.

How many 24V ports does the Apex come with? And what are they normally used for? i.e. are you giving up something down the line by using one?
Click to expand...

Is it safe to run a fan? I can only imagine that it only provides soo much wattage. I still can't find any info on it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top