DIY Cooling Fan Temp Controller Easy

saltyfilmfolks · Jun 21, 2016

Easy temp switch and fan controller. All parts come from Amazon or ebay.
Uses the existing power DC Supply that comes with the fan. If you use a 12v Power supply with a Higher AMPERAGE rating the fan blows like a huricane.

Longer cables and splitters are available to reach the fans.

Set the temp according to the instructions. The fans come on when the temp gets too high. Goes off when it cools.
This can control any 12v fan. You can use larger computer fans or larger Aquarium Cooling fan arrays.

Fans use evaporation to cool the tank. you should have an Auto top off with rodi to avoid changes in salinity.

A word of Caution, this controller also comes in AC power. PLEASE do not try to do this if you do not have experience with AC power. AC is DANGERIOUS.

Edit. 9/1/17

Use the highest CFM 12v fan you can find. Computer fans are around 50 cfm. I just ordered new 160 cfm fans to replace the old ones.

The I petite ones are low CFM. So there's def better out there. Or be prepared to by several smaller fans. It works too.

So on a small tank one or two low CFM fans or an ipetite or for a larger tank more low CFM or a couple high CFM.
Bigger tank. You need to blow more air.

You can use 24v with that controller too. Just use a 24v supply like from a JEABO pump or from eBay. And 24v hi cfm fans. They come in very high output

ReeferMaddness843 · Jun 21, 2016

Efficiency with a purpose. Love the idea. If rebuild my hood will definitely incorporate this idea.

Nick.B · Jun 29, 2016

I was just looking at these and was curious how they worked. Thanks!

revhtree · Jun 29, 2016

Thanks for sharing!

tutmatt3 · Mar 29, 2017

LOVE that I found this!!! But don't have an ATO on my sumpless system, but still will most likely do the addition nonetheless

Brewman1987 · Mar 29, 2017

Also with this type of controller you can get the model that offers a heating/cooling function together. I built a temperature controller for both my DT and Frag tank. One outlet is heating and the other is cooling, so in the event of high heat you could have the fan connected to the same unit and it will kick on when it becomes to hot. Only one side will run at a time, heat/cool.

Brew

Justfbilly · May 16, 2017

I put this together on my 125 gallon reef tank and it works flawlessly! This is a great DIY that can control your heat and cooling for you tank.

saltyfilmfolks · May 16, 2017

Justfbilly said:
I put this together on my 125 gallon reef tank and it works flawlessly! This is a great DIY that can control your heat and cooling for you tank.

Cool! Glad Its working for you!

Rakie · Sep 2, 2017

@saltyfilmfolks -- What is this mechanism actually called? I was looking to do this but without knowing what it's called I can't find much.

saltyfilmfolks · Sep 2, 2017

Rakie said:
@saltyfilmfolks -- What is this mechanism actually called? I was looking to do this but without knowing what it's called I can't find much.

Digital temperature controller.
Just make sure you get the correct scales you want C/F and AC or D.C.

I reccomend the D.C. It's what I used in this project.

Rakie · Sep 2, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
Digital temperature controller.
Just make sure you get the correct scales you want C/F and AC or D.C.

I reccomend the D.C. It's what I used in this project.

Awesome, found it. Did you use the iPetite fan from Amazon too? Those things looked a little too small to get anything done (without these mods)

saltyfilmfolks · Sep 2, 2017

Rakie said:
Awesome, found it. Did you use the iPetite fan from Amazon too? Those things looked a little too small to get anything done (without these mods)

I should edit the original posit with this tidbit.
Use the highest CFM 12v fan you can find. Computer fans are around 50 cfm. I just ordered new 160 cfm fans to replace the old ones.

The I petite ones are low CFM. So there's def better out there.

You can use 24v with that controller too. Just use a 24v supply like from a JEABO pump or from eBay. And 24v hi cfm fans. They come in very high output

Rakie · Sep 2, 2017

I just picked up a 110 CFM 120mm fan with standard wall plug on Amazon for $18 this morning, should be here monday, but I wanted to make sure I don't ahve any further heat issues. I'm glad 160cfm is doing it for you -- gives me hope 110cfm might be what I need.

saltyfilmfolks · Sep 2, 2017

Rakie said:
I just picked up a 110 CFM 120mm fan with standard wall plug on Amazon for $18 this morning, should be here monday, but I wanted to make sure I don't ahve any further heat issues. I'm glad 160cfm is doing it for you -- gives me hope 110cfm might be what I need.

Hit me up if you need any help.
Make sure all the component are D.C.

Rakie · Sep 2, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
Hit me up if you need any help.
Make sure all the component are D.C.

Will do, thanks much!

cwk84 · Jul 15, 2019

saltyfilmfolks said:
Easy temp switch and fan controller. All parts come from Amazon or ebay.
Uses the existing power DC Supply that comes with the fan. If you use a 12v Power supply with a Higher AMPERAGE rating the fan blows like a huricane.

Longer cables and splitters are available to reach the fans.

Set the temp according to the instructions. The fans come on when the temp gets too high. Goes off when it cools.
This can control any 12v fan. You can use larger computer fans or larger Aquarium Cooling fan arrays.

Fans use evaporation to cool the tank. you should have an Auto top off with rodi to avoid changes in salinity.

A word of Caution, this controller also comes in AC power. PLEASE do not try to do this if you do not have experience with AC power. AC is DANGERIOUS.

Edit. 9/1/17

Use the highest CFM 12v fan you can find. Computer fans are around 50 cfm. I just ordered new 160 cfm fans to replace the old ones.

The I petite ones are low CFM. So there's def better out there. Or be prepared to by several smaller fans. It works too.

So on a small tank one or two low CFM fans or an ipetite or for a larger tank more low CFM or a couple high CFM.
Bigger tank. You need to blow more air.

You can use 24v with that controller too. Just use a 24v supply like from a JEABO pump or from eBay. And 24v hi cfm fans. They come in very high output

And where are the parts I need listed? Can someone tell me what I need from Amazon to build this?

Pmauro55 · Jul 22, 2019

saltyfilmfolks said:
Easy temp switch and fan controller. All parts come from Amazon or ebay.
Uses the existing power DC Supply that comes with the fan. If you use a 12v Power supply with a Higher AMPERAGE rating the fan blows like a huricane.

Longer cables and splitters are available to reach the fans.

Set the temp according to the instructions. The fans come on when the temp gets too high. Goes off when it cools.
This can control any 12v fan. You can use larger computer fans or larger Aquarium Cooling fan arrays.

Fans use evaporation to cool the tank. you should have an Auto top off with rodi to avoid changes in salinity.

A word of Caution, this controller also comes in AC power. PLEASE do not try to do this if you do not have experience with AC power. AC is DANGERIOUS.

Edit. 9/1/17

Use the highest CFM 12v fan you can find. Computer fans are around 50 cfm. I just ordered new 160 cfm fans to replace the old ones.

The I petite ones are low CFM. So there's def better out there. Or be prepared to by several smaller fans. It works too.

So on a small tank one or two low CFM fans or an ipetite or for a larger tank more low CFM or a couple high CFM.
Bigger tank. You need to blow more air.

You can use 24v with that controller too. Just use a 24v supply like from a JEABO pump or from eBay. And 24v hi cfm fans. They come in very high output

How loud are the 160 com fans?, I’m assuming the will get louder with age / use