Canopy fans

Kalen · Nov 6, 2014

I'm getting ready to finish my canopy and want to put for fans two on the top and one on each side. However not sure what type of fans to use. Computer fans or ones that are made for aquarium canopies. Can anyone point me in the right direction.

Reefing Madness · Nov 6, 2014

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...ration/179536-cooling-fan-recommendation.html
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...quarium-filtration/174029-canopy-cooling.html

Kalen · Nov 6, 2014

Thanks that helped

Kalen · Nov 6, 2014

I had been looking for something like that just couldn't find it. That was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again

AZDesertRat · Nov 7, 2014

I have a bunch of photos of my canopy construction, lighting and fans but Photobucket is real slow on my laptop over wifi so will post some later when I get home. I had a build thread on AZReefs but the site folded and I lost it.

FishGuyTy · Nov 7, 2014

I really like the temperature controlled fans. They have a built in thermometer and the fan speed adjusts based on the temp. That way during lights out, they will ramp way down or off, than turn back on automatically when lights come back on. I use them for a lot of clients' tanks. The other fan kits I like come as a pair with a speed control knob. Only problem is the length of the cord connecting the fans together. It's probably no long enough to have one on either end of the canopy.

AZDesertRat · Nov 7, 2014

I tried the temperature controlled fans and found they didn't vary much other than when the lights were completely off. Instead i use a variable voltage DC power supply and adjust the fan speed according to the seasons, temperature of the house and cooling needs. In summer they would run at 10.5 or 12v and in winter at 7.5 or 9v so they were much slower and didn't evaporate as much. With my LED's I don't even use them anymore. They are hooked to the RKL so if the water temp rises they will come on but it hasn't happened yet in over 3 years.

Kalen · Nov 7, 2014

Wow everyone is so helpful. Thank you so much.

Kalen · Nov 7, 2014

I was thinking about using these fans. How ever there is really no need for the speed control.

However I'm not in a rush to get everything.

http://www.rapidled.com/120mm-vantec-stealth-fan-kit/

mark sid tottle · Nov 8, 2014

I have but a pair of cooing fans in my canopy, i have them sucking the air out, the reason why i have done this is due to diy led build. when the fans are on they they blow air down on to the heatsinks then from there the air is blown out sideways. then the fans in the canopy pick the moving air and its sucked out. not say this is correct but it works great for me. I have also reduced the power of the fans to about 6v so run half power and are on a timer to come on and off.

Kalen · Nov 8, 2014

That canopy kinda really nice and professionally done. That gives me an idea of how to set them up. Does it matter which fans are blowing air in and sucking air out? I like that pistol looking thing right above the fan. Where you get something like that.

mark sid tottle · Nov 8, 2014

Thanks glad you like it made the canopy myself. Direction of fans is up to you, but with air blow in it can cause more water evaporation. The pistol thing is a small gas strut for cupboard doors. Them ones are rated to 120 Newton meter. You can get them with a lower force ratings.

Kalen · Nov 8, 2014

If you don't mind I may use that pistol thing on mine. I will say your canopy is so sleek. Could you by chance take a full shot of the canopy. I know all canopies are about the same. However I enjoy seeing other people's work. Which could also give me ideas. Hell I'm about done with my stand. Now what's is a good paint to use on the inside of the canopy. I've heard kiltz. Any truth behind that.

Kalen · Nov 8, 2014

Do those gas struts allow the canopy access panel to stay open by its self or do you need some thing to prop it up top stay open.

mark sid tottle · Nov 8, 2014

Go for it bud, don't have any problems with that. That's the beauty about diy its full ideas for everyone to share and use. you should have a look at my diy led build
Don't have any other picture of my canopy. i take some and post them on here for you.
not heard of kiltz? I used an acrylic resin based paint then coated it with an Polyurethane gloss varnish.
yes it does allow the canopy to stay open. here is a link the them gas struts.

Kalen · Nov 8, 2014

Cool I'll take a look at the build. I've never been brave enough to attempt diy leds. Maybe one day I'll give it a shot. I did Google gas struts. Thanks, you have been very helpful.

Kalen · Nov 8, 2014

I just skimmed through your led build. Very impressive.

mark sid tottle · Nov 8, 2014

Kalen said:
Cool I'll take a look at the build. I've never been brave enough to attempt diy leds. Maybe one day I'll give it a shot. I did Google gas struts. Thanks, you have been very helpful.

no worries

Kalen · Nov 8, 2014

I'm surprised you didn't try to mount those struts inside your canopy.

I need a few more things before I can start building my canopy again. I have the frame of it built right now. Been to busy working in the stand...

mark sid tottle · Nov 8, 2014

I did thinks about it. but was worried about them rusting. all metal rusts unless its a very good grade of stainless steel. but looking now they would of been fine as there is no condensation in the canopy at all.