Need help wiring computer fans to cool tank...

[NightOwl]

Hello all,

I recently got some T5's and new Mag pump, between the two of these I am having issues with heat. I want to put two fans on my sump for now and then add two to my canopy which I still have to build. The next two will be the thermal fans so depending on the temp they can control their speed. I have seen where people use computer fans to help cool the tank as an inexpensive way to have multiple fans but never any pictures of the wiring. If possible I need some pictures. I would like to do something like this Fan bracket . I have alread brought the fans and now I need a ac to dc power converter or something like that.

 

1.) How is the wiring done?

2.) The what size converter/power supply would i need for two 12V fans?

 

Thanks,

 

Henry

[Guest Rileyporter]

Hello all,

I recently got some T5's and new Mag pump, between the two of these I am having issues with heat. I want to put two fans on my sump for now and then add two to my canopy which I still have to build. The next two will be the thermal fans so depending on the temp they can control their speed. I have seen where people use computer fans to help cool the tank as an inexpensive way to have multiple fans but never any pictures of the wiring. If possible I need some pictures. I would like to do something like this Fan bracket . I have alread brought the fans and now I need a ac to dc power converter or something like that.

 

1.) How is the wiring done?

2.) The what size converter/power supply would i need for two 12V fans?

 

Thanks,

 

Henry

 

 

You can use a computer power supply if you have one lying around. I did. its a bit bulky though but Ihave the space. On the atx connector you need to jump i think pin 14 and 13. Not exactly sure just do a google search for ATX power supply pinout. Or you can just go to radio shack pickup a 12v DC adapter and then wire them directly.

[ErikS]

While you can use a computer power supply it's bulky & overkill. If you use one simply jump the green & black wires - this will allow a non-MB start..............though be advised some supplies don't take kindly to this (no load starts).

 

Convertors are easy, just make sure it can supply the required current (amp). Check the fans & the convertor. Have any old cell phone chargers? Some are 12v, check any old & un-used wall warts - might find a 12v convertor.

 

Then it's a matter of cutting the plug, stripping the wire, and connecting it to the fan(s).

[NightOwl]

Thanks guys,

Rileyporter i don't have the space for the computer fan so I think I am going to go with the converter option. Both of my fans are 12 volt so I will look for a converter thats right around 24 or more. Is too much power going to hurt anything? I.E. me? I dont want to plug it in the socket and end up across the room like when I was younger. Well its off to Wal-Mart this weekend or Radio Shack for me this weekend.

 

Thanks,

 

Henry

[Jager]

you actually dont want a 24v convertor youll fry the fans. a 12v converter with the right amps for your fans is the ticket.

 

if you google the fan info on the back you can see what they are rated for amps wise if its not on there already.

[rioreef]

The 12v plug should be fine. It is the amperage of the fans and what the plug is capable of handling. Also, you do not need two plugs, as long as the amperage of the two fans is less or equal to the amperage rating of the plug you can supply power to both fans with one plug. The key here is to wire the fans in parallel and not in series.

 

The series option will have less power going to the second fan, while the parallel option has equal power being delivered to each fan.

[NightOwl]

Hey All,

Thanks for all the info. My fans were working just fine but now the adapters are dead :(. During my wiring experiment I thought it would be a good idea to add a on/off (light switch) switch to the wiring. Both fans were going along happy as larks and then after being turned on and off a few times stopped working. No fuses were blown in the process and I did not get shocked . The little light on the adapter does not even come on anymore so I think they are dead. I brought the adapters from WallyWorld (Wal-Mart) they were 12V 600 milliamps. The ones that have all the little plugs for running kids toys with the multiselect of voltage. The fans were 12V 80mm Ultra fans each had their own power source. These are the fans I brought link. I brought the pack just in case something did not go right.

 

Should I try again and not add the switch this time and get an adapter with bigger milliamps?

How many fans could one of the adapters with 600 millamps support?

 

Thanks,

 

Henry