Where can I find cheap fans to install in canopy

fishiesRfriends · 05-04-2005, 11:23 PM

Hello,
Once again I am running into problems. Its my temperature, its gone up to 83. My air conditioner can blow air onto my tank if I face it in that direction and when I slowly get it where I want it I can face it another way where it doesnt hit the aquaruim. But last week it broke! Im not sure if the landlord will fix this one(lets hope for aquarium sake) or if he will replace it with one that only goes in one direction. I added extra lights a couple of weeks ago and this is where my problem has started. I've read online that I can use a small fan from radio shack or computer and install in my canopy(back open). I went to 2 radio shacks and menards today and nothing. I didnt want to spend alot of $ on this but leaving my hood open is just ugly(opps, I did'nt stain the inside). I actually have an old computer fan in an old computer that the motherboard died in but I dont know how to wire it so it can plug into the wall. Lord knows the last thing I need is an electrical fire(knock on wood).I have glass under the lights which is not helping matters at all but my cat thinks its her tank too and crawls into the canopy from the back to have a splashing party. She's imposible but thats another story. I think she watches the tank more than we do.

What I have for lighting right now on the tank is 55 gal
1x 48" compact 65watt strip (sits about 3" above glass)-
1x 48" compact 55watt strip (lays directly on glass)

Any suggestions for cheap?

Also I have a 48" floresent bulb that if I could figure out how to fit in hood would give me 5 watts a gallon. Can't figure it out though. Wish I knew an electrician. I took them out of there casings to see If I could get them to fit in lid but I think I would gave to overlap on the reflectors and still dont know if it will work.

I made the canopy before it was a saltwater tank so I may have to make some adjustments with it. Does anyone have any suggestions on mountin lights.Normally I would say I am semi handy but I dont know with this one.

Any suggestions would be helpful. Its just going to keep getting hoter outside and I'd like to take care of it before it sky rockets. Not going to count on landlord fixing it right away.

Thanks,
Juliette

volitansman · 05-05-2005, 12:31 AM

Do you have an electronics supply store nearby? I went to the one we have around here and was able to get four inch computer fans for about five bucks each.

Peterock · 05-05-2005, 12:50 AM

Radio Shack

volitansman · 05-05-2005, 12:53 AM

Radio Shack definately has them but most of the time a specialty supply will have them cheaper.

wolfie · 05-05-2005, 01:54 AM

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...fit.asp?CartId=

they have 3" - 4" fan from $29 and up. I have been using their 4" with Thermal speed control with thermal sensor and it work wounder for my tank. I was able to drop my temp from 85F + to an 78F since I keep my heater at 75F to 79F

yardboy · 05-05-2005, 05:06 AM

With glass on top of the tank, I don't think you will get the temp. down with any fans in the canopy. That glass is trapping heat and reducing gas exchange between the water and the atmosphere. Those lights produce about minimal heat compared to anything else. Picture what would happen if you slapped a few metal halides on there. You'd boil the water out.

Air molecules are smaller than the cat, you should be able to block the cat without restricting air flow. Is the back of the canopy open enough (with the glass removed!) to make an arrangement something like this? These fans are $10 at Wallyworld and it keeps my tank dead on 79 degrees. (it would probably go lower at night but the heater cuts on) Yes, I do use a lot of topoff water 4gpd but that's cheaper than a chiller. Yes, my setup is different from yours, but I have a 70 prop tank in the garage which uses the same fan and it keeps it cool in summer too. And under that light hood is 220 Watts of VHO and 750 Watts of metal halide. 5" from the waters surface.

Junkzoo · 05-05-2005, 05:21 AM

Ditto the desk/tabletop fan deal, will work great, just make sure it's fastened securely above tank.
On a 'puter fan, if you go that route,just make sure it's a 110v AC one,don't want to plug in a 12v DC fan into the outlet!

VWD · 05-05-2005, 06:07 AM

You can go to just about any computer store and pick them up , If they are 12v make sure You have a 12v adator.The ball bearing type will cost more then the sleeve type.

Vince

Loverotties · 05-05-2005, 06:14 AM

But also think cheap usllay loud too,not all but some.

Rob_Reef_Keeper · 05-05-2005, 11:43 AM

$6 - Clip on Fan. Works better than any 4 inch fan.

fishiesRfriends · 05-11-2005, 12:55 AM

Thanks for the replies. Your right, there is a better way than the glass top, and with summer coming Ill have to do it soon.I could get thin pieces of wood and install them like bars so the back is still open but put them close enough to deter my cat.I have 2 bengals who love water, they will play in the toilet if the lid is up, shower, tub, anything with water. I have to lock them out of the bathroom to brush my teeth, but they are awesome cats(they act like little dogs). Anyway I am wondering if my diamond gobie is going to jump out without a lid. I just got him and hes pretty fiesty. I have a used computer guy down the street who is reasonable, Ill go in and see if he has any 12v fans that arent to loud. If not I have a fan that is wall mountable in the other room(From Menards).Its to big to fit inside my canopy but I can face it toward the open back for now and then later find some small clip ons to fit inside the canopy
I guess my radio shack suck! Maybe I should look on their web site.
Thank you guys,
Juliette

Adam · 05-11-2005, 12:59 AM

>I could get thin pieces of wood and install them like bars so the back is >still open but put them close enough to deter my cat.

wood gets pretty nasty when wet...maybe eggcrate?

fishiesRfriends · 05-11-2005, 01:06 AM

I dont know if eggcrate will stop her. she pushed her head though things when she wants at somthing.

fishiesRfriends · 05-11-2005, 01:13 AM

I try to squirt her with a squirt bottle on high blast to keep her off of things shes not allowed on.She knows its not allowed but she is very aware when I am not in the room or even if I am right there and sleeping that she will get away with it. I used to catch her all the time when I come back into a room or wake up to splashing. What if I put plastic strips to the back somehow?

fishiesRfriends · 05-11-2005, 01:18 AM

My hood goes about 2" farther back than the back of my aquarium(diy mistake). Im not sure why that happened I know there was a reason but It may work out to my advantage now. I figure the wood wont get as wet because of this,I think. Im really not sure actually. Do you think Ill still have a problem?