How to build a temp controlled fan

[jason the filter freak]

I'd like to have a temperature controlled fan for the lighting and electronics on my new tank and I know you can have variable speed fans that are controlled by a temperature sensor in a computer but is it possible to do DIY for an aquarium application with out the need for a ranco, medusa, helix or other style controller?

 

Links greatly appreciated

[jason the filter freak]

Let me be more specific as

http://www.makingthings.com/teleo/teleo/cookbook/autofan/index.htm

 

is a very obvious choice but I'm not understanding the component of the circuit board/poly block

 

http://www.makingthings.com/teleo/products/documentation/blocks/block_poly.htm

 

I can't figure out how to make it and I haven't found a place where one could be bought

(its not available in their store)

Edited July 13, 2010 by jason the filter freak

[jason the filter freak]

I had also come across this one which seems pretty awesome and easy

http://www.virtual-hideout.net/guides/temp_controlled_fan/index.shtml

 

but I don't get how to vary the temperature the fan kicks on and off at...?

[Charlie]

You could go with something like this:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3HJN6

It is a bit heavy duty, it's made for attic fans.

[Coral Hind]

Do you need a simple on/off or a variable speed controller?

[bluefunelement]

I'd like to have a temperature controlled fan....

 

I would group fans into the following categories;

Active - controlled by water/air temp sensor and/or by RKL etc

Passive - turned on/off by timers etc

 

And as long as you are ok with air temp controlled vs water temp then these would help -

Ventec Thermoflow fans

 

They run at a constant low speed till 77deg then ramp up to full speed at 131deg so I would buy the larger one and expect them to come on as the cabinet heats up under the lights and go off after in the evening - the advantage with this over passive is they would run faster and longer during summer and after the lights turn off. Currently I am running active with an RKL, passive on another tank, and looking at these ThermoFlow's for work.

 

BTW - here's a nice description of a cabinet setup incl power supply for speed control.

http://www.buyextras.com/cafankivath1.html

[thewire]

You can buy one pretty cheap..

 

ICAP 4" variable speed with thermal sensor. I am have one laying around

[rioreef]

Have you ever checked out Coolerguys.com. They pretty got everything you need for fans. I will let you do the looking on the web site for anything to fit your needs.