Which canopy fans and how many will I need?

[Hoosch]

My tank is 6 ft. x 1 ft. (looking at it from the top), and my canopy is approximately 4 inches wider than the tank (meaning there's open space between the back of the tank and the back of the canopy).
I would of course like to purchase fans that have good output, but that are also quiet. Any suggestions as to which kind of fan to look for? It sounds like a 12v DC fan is the preferred choice. I've got AH's 4x55 watt Bright Kit on it's way as we speak. How many fans should I implement? What about size and positioning of the fans? Will I need to be drilling holes in my canopy, or can I position them in the open space at the back of the canopy and still be efficient enough to cool the lights?
I guess what I'm looking for is the most efficient set-up that's still quiet (and of course something that won't cost a day's pay, but I'd rather spend a couple extra bucks on the fans than have to replace my light bulbs sooner than normal). I plan to hook the fans up to the same timer I'll be using for the lights. Obviously I'll also need a power supply for the fans, but will I need a transformer as well, or is this just necessary when the power supply doesn't match the fan's required current/voltage?

[markstr]

Try the "IceCap" 4" Thermo- Sensors.
They Vary the Speed on the Fan and are Extremly Quiet.......
I have had them on my Reef Tank (on sides of Canopy) ....
One pointed in, the other out...
Your not going to have the Heat like on a Reef with Halides but they
have smaller versions as well I believe......
Think they are around $42.00 each approx...

[GulfCoastAquarian]

Originally Posted by Hoosch

How many fans should I implement? What about size and positioning of the fans? Will I need to be drilling holes in my canopy, or can I position them in the open space at the back of the canopy and still be efficient enough to cool the lights?
I guess what I'm looking for is the most efficient set-up that's still quiet (and of course something that won't cost a day's pay, but I'd rather spend a couple extra bucks on the fans than have to replace my light bulbs sooner than normal). I plan to hook the fans up to the same timer I'll be using for the lights. Obviously I'll also need a power supply for the fans, but will I need a transformer as well, or is this just necessary when the power supply doesn't match the fan's required current/voltage?

Those IceCap fans look nice, but are definitely a bit pricey. If you're not wanting to spend that much, then it's pretty easy to piece your own system together for a lot less.
I would go with two 4" 12VDC fans, one at each end, with one pushing air in and the other pulling air out. The 12V fans are definitely quieter. Best place to get 12V fans is from a computer parts website, or even better a computer swap meet. They have boxes of those fans for a few dollars a piece.
For the transformer, I use a regular 12V transformer from Wal-mart.

PSL has some fan kits for a pretty cheap price if you can't find the PC fans...
http://www.petsupplyliquidator.com/htm/aparts_fans.htm

[d28 boy]

has anyone done actual comparison of the icecap "superquiet" fans to standard pc box fans? i am in the same situation as Hoosch. my tank is in a very quiet part of the house and i hope to keep it in its present state of tranquility, but need to add fans to my hood for the 4x55 setup. in a relatively cool environment (coastal pacific northwest) where temps do not exceed 80F, is it feasible to create a convection cooling situation with a standard wooden hood? just throwin' it out there...

[Rex Grigg]

If you want inexpensive quiet fans check out http://pcpowerandcooling.com/product...rfan/index.htm I use these in my canopy. If you mount them correctly and don't stress or warp the frame they are silent.

[Rolo]

http://www.nexfan.com/60mmfans.html

Fans starting at $1.99. They have a huge selection of not only fans but all the accessories too plus some cheap thermosensors. Shipping is at a flat rate of $6 or $7.

Call me crazy, but its only a idea as of now. Since the weather outside is freezing, I was actually thinking a hooking something like dryer vent tubing from a window to the canopy. No fans since the difference of >100F will be enough to cool the hood/plus selfactivated circulation. Anyway, just an idea, not trying to run with the post.

[markstr]

I have used the IceCap Fan in my Canopy and even though they are a
bit Pricey they are a GREAT FAN!!!

The THermo Sensor is a great feature allowing the fan to vary the amount
of flow within the Canopy so, Depending how hot it is in there it will vary..
And this is a quiet fan.... and Well Built...........

[d28 boy]

i'm sure this has been gone over many times, but what does the wiring situation entail(from a wiring gimp!)...