Using a computer fan controller for canopy and stand
- Thread starter badbread
- Start date
Guest
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2005
- Messages
- 6,882
That is a cool controller. Can you set the fan speed when it reach certain temperature?? I think average PC temp is ~40 degree Celsius = 104 degree Fahrenheit. If the controller is configured for PC only, that could be a problem for reef tank. Average reef tank is around 77-80. That is low for PC so the fans won't run that fast. Even at 85 it's not that high for PC but for reef tank, you might see things starting to die. Also will the temperture sensor work under water?
It could be a cheap/cool controller if you can set the fans speed according to the temp and the sensor work under water..
It could be a cheap/cool controller if you can set the fans speed according to the temp and the sensor work under water..
Guest
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2008
- Messages
- 1,512
- Thread Author
- #5
Phong, I was planning on trying something like this just for the canopy and inside the stand, not for any tank temp control. I'm pretty sure if will go down lower than like 76º or so.
Eric, I was looking into that one but it will only control one zone. I want something that could independantly control both the canopy and inside the sump. If I were to use that I would need to buy 2 of them.
Eric, I was looking into that one but it will only control one zone. I want something that could independantly control both the canopy and inside the sump. If I were to use that I would need to buy 2 of them.
Supporting Member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2005
- Messages
- 17,384
Let me know how that temperature sensor works if you do go with it, seems quite impressive to have 4 temperature sensors and be able to control 4 fans independently (maybe more if you daisy chain them)... my only concern would be how the temperature sensors hold up under a moist environment.
Guest
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2008
- Messages
- 1,512
- Thread Author
- #7
Take a look at this picture Mike:
http://zalman.co.kr/eng/product/Product_Img_Pop.asp
Click the 2nd one that shows the rear of the unit. It looks like all I would need to do is rip an old CPU power supply out and plug it in, right?
Check this one out to, it's a little sleeker.
http://zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=341
Other than the sensor's being made of an unknown, it displays in Celsius only it looks like.
http://zalman.co.kr/eng/product/Product_Img_Pop.asp
Click the 2nd one that shows the rear of the unit. It looks like all I would need to do is rip an old CPU power supply out and plug it in, right?
Check this one out to, it's a little sleeker.
http://zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=341
Other than the sensor's being made of an unknown, it displays in Celsius only it looks like.
Supporting Member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2005
- Messages
- 17,384
Yup looks like a std 4 pin power supply connector, slides into a 5.25" drive bay and looks all slick.
Not sure what the power rating is on the thing, why you'd want to measure how much power your computer is sucking up? *shrug*... curious too if the output to the fans is something that can be controlled or if it's simply on or off.
One final issue you might need to worry about is how long are the temperature sensors, remember they're used to be put into a computer case, not to be wired 3-6 feet away, and I'd be hesitant to put this into the hood of my tank unless you built a water proof box that it slides into.
Not sure what the power rating is on the thing, why you'd want to measure how much power your computer is sucking up? *shrug*... curious too if the output to the fans is something that can be controlled or if it's simply on or off.
One final issue you might need to worry about is how long are the temperature sensors, remember they're used to be put into a computer case, not to be wired 3-6 feet away, and I'd be hesitant to put this into the hood of my tank unless you built a water proof box that it slides into.
Guest
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2007
- Messages
- 1,146
Why would you need a controller when these computer fan use so little energy? isn't putting it on a timer good enough?
Guest
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2008
- Messages
- 1,512
- Thread Author
- #10
If I use timers then I have to buy multiple power supplies, the cost is equal if not more than the PSU controller... I think...
On top of that with the controller the fans will run constantly (providing some air exchange) and only crank up when the temp gets up there.
On top of that with the controller the fans will run constantly (providing some air exchange) and only crank up when the temp gets up there.
Supporting Member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2005
- Messages
- 17,384
Well when you make that thing happen Jay let me know, the tank I'm setting up might like that fan in the canopy option, once I skin everything up... for now it'll stay naked so its easier to work around, and I'll be curious to see whatever option you go with.
Guest
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2008
- Messages
- 187
I used a similar device on my Pico 5gal tank with a 150W MH light.
Although my temp gague did not turn on and off fans, it did lead me to a issue you did not mention yet.
the power for the "unit" needs to have both 5 and 12 rails, not just the single rail set like the power supply you listed.
My work around was to get a cheap "PC pewer supply " from wierd stuff wherhouse, that in used for the power of the fans, and the temp unit itself.
build thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1509864
pics:
Was built for Pico challenge, for a club event, but the club imploded, and so did the contest.
Although my temp gague did not turn on and off fans, it did lead me to a issue you did not mention yet.
the power for the "unit" needs to have both 5 and 12 rails, not just the single rail set like the power supply you listed.
My work around was to get a cheap "PC pewer supply " from wierd stuff wherhouse, that in used for the power of the fans, and the temp unit itself.
build thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1509864
pics:
Was built for Pico challenge, for a club event, but the club imploded, and so did the contest.
