Hello, I am just wondering how to hook up some cooling fans for my tank. I have a couple of 90mm CPU fans I can use but they have the 3pin connectors. I don't mind if I have to cut the connectors off but I am not sure what I have to connect then to for power. I have a pile of old power adapters but not sure if I need a certain type. Most of them were for normal electronics such as cd players, phones, cell phones, routers, ect. Could I just use anyone or deos it need to be a specfic type? How would I then wire it up to work. DO I need to splice into the adapters wires then connect the fan wire or do I need something else. Please let me know as my tank keeps climbing in temp and because I don't have an AC unit I can't cool it that way. The fish I am really worried about are my swordtails and my cories as they both like it cooler then what I am at. Currently my tank is sitting at about 84d F and continues to climb. Thanks
How to connect cooling fans
- Thread starter Needeles
- Start date
You need to know how many volts the fans are, are they ac or dc? If they are 110 ac then they will need to be wired to a plug and put into a wall socket. If they are DC (which they probably are) you will need to find a power supply that has the right voltage and enough amps to run the fan. Then you will end up cutting the ends off of both the fan and powersupply and doing the wire work.
I found this bit online:
I'm fairly sure that most of these fans run on 12 volts, so find an adapter among your bunch that is at least 9 volts, if not 12 and pick the biggest clunkiest one as it's likely the one capable of pushing the most amperage rating through.
Then, as Jericho says, cut the ends off of both the fan and the power supply and fiddle around until you find the right combination of two wires that will run the fan. Solder it together or just tape it up well and you're done.
So you can run your fan with just two of those three.
I'm fairly sure that most of these fans run on 12 volts, so find an adapter among your bunch that is at least 9 volts, if not 12 and pick the biggest clunkiest one as it's likely the one capable of pushing the most amperage rating through.
Then, as Jericho says, cut the ends off of both the fan and the power supply and fiddle around until you find the right combination of two wires that will run the fan. Solder it together or just tape it up well and you're done.
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Hello and thanks for the reply. If I do connect the wires and they are the wrong combo will anything happen or will it simply not work? Will it fry the fans or will just readjusting the wires simply work? Also will I be able to run 2 fans off one power adapter or do I need to have seperate adapters for each fan. My plan is to modify my hood and fit the fans in somewhere. I just have a standard Top Fin 24" Flouresent Hood. Thanks
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I really don't think you'll fry a fan by trying the wrong wiring. If anything it will run in the wrong direction, but probably nothing worse.
If your power supply is rated for enough amps (or milli-amps mA), it can drive two fans in parallel. If not, you'll have to use two separate supplies. Do you have a computer's power supply lying around? That would run dozens of fans I suppose.
Oh, BTW, I was born July 23rd as well. We're like, calendar brothers. LOL...
If your power supply is rated for enough amps (or milli-amps mA), it can drive two fans in parallel. If not, you'll have to use two separate supplies. Do you have a computer's power supply lying around? That would run dozens of fans I suppose.
Oh, BTW, I was born July 23rd as well. We're like, calendar brothers. LOL...
it'll just run in the wrong direction....My grandpa and I used to play with simple DC current stuff like that and would get a random chuckle off wrong guesses..
Ok I did some digging and found the 2 biggest adapters I could find. Below are what they say on the backside of them. Let me know which one would probably work better and if they might be able to power 2 90mm CPU fans. Also they used to go with a couple RCA Cable Modems. Thanks
Adapter 1
Sino-American
Model A30980
AC Adapter
Class 2 Transformer
Input:120VAC 60Hz 15W
Output:9VDC 800mA
Adapter 2
Sino-American
Model A41209
AC Adapter
Class 2 Transformer
Input:120VAC 60Hz 20W
Output:11VDC 800mA
Adapter 1
Sino-American
Model A30980
AC Adapter
Class 2 Transformer
Input:120VAC 60Hz 15W
Output:9VDC 800mA
Adapter 2
Sino-American
Model A41209
AC Adapter
Class 2 Transformer
Input:120VAC 60Hz 20W
Output:11VDC 800mA
Here are the specs on that fan.... Use the 11vdc power supply and you should be able to run both fans... The starting voltage is 7dvc and the 11 is close to the normal 12vdc operating voltage...
P/N
A2013
Fan Speed
2500±10% RPM
Fan Color
White
Max. Air Flow
52.24CFM
Fan Dimension
90x90x25mm
Max. Air Pressure
2.84mmH2O
Rated Voltage
12V
Noise
21 dBA
Started Voltage
7V
Bearing Type
1 Ball 1 Sleeve
Rated Current
0.18A
Life Expectation
60,000 hrs
Power Input
2.16W
Connector
3 Pin
Weight
103 g(0.23lb)
P/N
A2013
Fan Speed
2500±10% RPM
Fan Color
White
Max. Air Flow
52.24CFM
Fan Dimension
90x90x25mm
Max. Air Pressure
2.84mmH2O
Rated Voltage
12V
Noise
21 dBA
Started Voltage
7V
Bearing Type
1 Ball 1 Sleeve
Rated Current
0.18A
Life Expectation
60,000 hrs
Power Input
2.16W
Connector
3 Pin
Weight
103 g(0.23lb)
Hello and thanks for the help. I have gotten the fans setup. My next question is what would be the best way to set them up. I have them currently sitting in the front of the tank with the front lip of the hood open and they are blowing twords the back of the tank. They are sitting at a slight angle. I don't have a big opening in the back but there is some room there. Is this the best way to run them and if not what would be the best way? Thanks again.