how to install computer fans to strip lights: wiring issues

[abc]

Well I combed the forum, and found that some people have installed 80mm computer fans (ball-bearing types for the low noise) to their AH supply retro-fitted strip lights. But all the posts I read did not explain HOW they did it.

I just bought the ahsupply retrofit kit. I'm done with the installation but before I screw in the reflectors, I want to finish the wiring on the fans. But how do you do it? I'm assuming you have to take off the 4-point nub/connector on the 80mm fan and somehow connect the right wires with the plug wires (or is the ballast somehow involved in the process) or should I wire the fans to their own separate plug altogether?

Any advice on this issue would help! Thanks in advance! abc

[Rolo]

I can't help much, but I do know one thing. The fan is not connected in any way to your lighting. You need a seperate AC->DC converter, or called a "all wart." They are the same things used to charge cell phones.

Someonelse can pick up here and give all the specifics: watts, amps, volts...

[unirdna]

ABC, take a look at a DIY thread I posted a few days ago http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/7774-jbj-formosa-adjustment-fan-assembly.html. Maybe it's not exactly what you're looking for, but it may help. My guess is that it would be much easier (and cheaper), for you to simply wire a fan to a 12v power supply. As easy as hooking up a stereo.

Ted

[Wö£fëñxXx]

You may have to get yourself a cheap computer powersupply from staples, bestbuy, circuit city, or any one of your favorite neighborhood computer parts service super stores near you..

Try newegg.com

[cich]

Just a 12 volt wall adapter. The power requirements should be on the fan too actually.
I think the power supply of a computer would be a bit more bulky than what you're hoping to use, and more expensive too.

--cich

[unirdna]

...right Cich. That's what I used....just an old AC/DC adapter for my answering machine.

[abc]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I went to radio shack and got a 115V computer fan that has two AC wires. It plugs right in my current wire set up.

I'M DONE!!!! WHEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This whole thing was driving me bananas. I let it run for 1 hour before calling it a night but the fan/multiple holes combo seems to work. I now have 190 watts total for my 75g tank (just over 2.5 WPG!!!!)

I'll let it run for the day and check the water parameters to see how the extra lighting changes how fast the plants use nitrates, etc. Hopefully, my algae problems will go away with the plants eating up the nutrients. I have pressurized CO2, so it's now a matter balancing the NO3, phosphates and CO2 levels to get rid of the algae.... I hope

1 more step and I can enjoy my tank. abc

[cich]

Originally Posted by unirdna

...right Cich. That's what I used....just an old AC/DC adapter for my answering machine.

Totally... those fans (most) pretty low power-consumers, so you can use pretty much anything. If you want to compare power needs to the output of the adapter, when using 12v, 1 amp is 12 watts if you need to convert.

--cich\