cooling for tank with canopy

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by Billme, Apr 10, 2014.

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  1. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    Hello folks, I just got the SCA 120 PNP package and looking ahead for cooling this summer. I want to avoid a chiller. I have an open top 40 breeder that made it through last summer no problem. This system has a canopy so I'm concerned about cooling it. I'm thinking of putting fans in the canopy, one blowing in and the other blowing out. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with this type of cooling? How effective is it? What type of fans would you recommend? I'd prefer to put fans in the sump area but there is only a small opening for cords (5"*10") and I'd be concerned about alerting the structure down there. All suggestions appreciated.
     
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  3. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    A couple of these should work:

    120VAC 4 Fan : Computer Fans | RadioShack.com

    Put one on each end near water level, both blowing in across the surface, then vent the top to allow hot air to escape. This will double the amount of air movement for better cooling, and help provide better gas exchange.
     
  4. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    What temp are you aiming at are we talking about here? Are you using MH's lights?

    What is the ambient temp where the tank is?

    Those fans mentioned above should do nicely.

    Also, Are all sides of the canopy closed, or is the back open?
    How about a pic?
     
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  5. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    All sides are closed, there is an opening on the top about 6"*36" but I'm willing to cut holes in the sides for fans. I'm thinking about placing fans both ends of canopy pointing out so air is sucked in through hole in the top. Though this will reduce efficiency by pulling air from lights, it should reduce ripples.
     
  6. Oryo

    Oryo Feather Duster

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    This is what I bought 3 of these with each package includes 2 fans so I had 6 fans total. Cool thing is they link up to each other with USB and have an on/off switch. I still can add more and have them all linked up with the 1st one of series you can hit the on/off switch and controls all of and they work great.

    Amazon.com: AC Infinity AI-MPF80A2 Quiet Dual 80mm USB Fan for Receiver DVR Playstation Xbox Computer Cabinet Cooling: Electronics

    I cut 4 holes in my canopy which is about 24" long so longer you might need more fans.. 2 on top and 2 on the sides and mounted the last 2 on plexiglass so they can blow into back of tank. They are strong fans and very quiet considering how small they are.
     
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  7. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Wow, those fans for that price! I Wish I needed some!
    I bought one similar fan for my small air hockey table- it works- barely- but my kids and I never use that anymore.
     
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  9. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    You're going to reduce efficiency quite a bit actually, as you'll be fighting heat's natural tendency to rise. You'd do better to place them a little higher if water ripples are your only concern. As long as they're below the lights, it will still provide the cooling effect. If you're set on pointing the fans outward, I'd suggest mounting them on top and venting the sides below your lights.
     
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  10. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

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    Post pics of your cover
     
  11. dahos

    dahos Feather Duster

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    I have a closed canopy on my 75. I use two 4" computer fans on each short end. Blowing in on one end and out on the other. I have 6 - 4" holes cut in the top. With my LEDs it is enough. The temp stays at 75-76. When i used a 6 bulb t5 fixture i had 6 additional fans on top blowing air out. The temp would not get above 79 with all 10 fans on. I did run ac in the house during the hot summer months.
     
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  12. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    In a closed canopy use one 120mm or 4"fan in each end, both blowing in across the length of the water surface and have equal sized holes as high up in the back or on top as possible for the warm, moist air to escape.
    When you have one in and one out you only have the CFM or cooling capacity of one fan since the second only moves what the first feeds it. The out fan will also gum up and fail quicker than the fan pulling cooler dryer air in from the room. I have posted many threads on cooling fans over the last 20 years and tried every combination possible and the above works the best with a closed canopy.
     
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