Replacing a Fan on an Aqualight
- Thread starter clayt101
- Start date
FWIW, the Tornado fans are HORRIBLY loud for the airflow they provide. I had one... and simply could not stand it. Its been sitting in a box in the garage for a couple years. Somehow I think my vacuum cleaner is quieter... -_-
To be serious for a moment though, it would be wise to use a DVOM to determine the voltage and amperage coming out of those wires.
(ironically, I can quote myself from earlier in this thread)
Worst case scenario, there is an easy way to solve your problem. Here's what I suggest.
Purchase one of these: http://www.coolerguys.com/840556029977.html
You can then connect any 80mm computer fan to the molex connector, though I suggest something like this one: http://www.coolerguys.com/840556081067.html
Optimal air flow at a minimum noise level.
If you'd rather go for something that is all-in-one, you could go for something like this: http://www.coolerguys.com/840556086970.html
$18 and you're set, just bolt it on, plug it in, and away you go. That will be a lot louder than the other method I've suggested, but that's still going to be much quieter than the tornado would have been. Goodness those things are awful. (though they do move a LOT of air)
The one caution I'd offer you with going for the latter of the two is that the fan is HEAVY (die cast metal frame) so make sure its bolted on good. You could set it up on a timer to come on a few minutes before the lights, and turn off half an hour after to ensure your fixture is staying plenty cool. (or just get a socket splitter and have your lights and fan on the same timer) Just be sure to cap the 2 wires from the fixture so they cannot contact each other, and wrap those caps well in electrical tape to ensure they don't come off without your intent.
Sorry I didn't respond to your PM or get back to you on this yesterday, things have been pretty hectic. :\
To be serious for a moment though, it would be wise to use a DVOM to determine the voltage and amperage coming out of those wires.
(ironically, I can quote myself from earlier in this thread)
Do you have a DVOM? (Digital Volt Ohm Meter) If so, check the voltage coming off of that white wire. (very carefully.. we don't want any electrocuted people hereIf its 12v DC then you should be fine going with a computer fan. If its AC or a different voltage, you may be in a bit of a pickle. If AC, you'd need to find an AC fan to replace it, though I seriously doubt they'd use an AC motor in that fan. If its lower than 12v, you could still use a pc fan, it will just turn slower than it is rated to, and therefore move less air than rated for. If more than 12v, which I also doubt, you may damage a pc fan or have it burn out relatively quickly, and you may notice that it will be louder than rated for, since the fan will be in overdrive.
Is there any way to contact the manufacturer and order a replacement fan from them? If so, that'd be what I'd do. If not, check that voltage, and see if you can find an adequate replacement from Fry's Electronics, or something of the such. Good luck to you.
Oh, final thought: you shouldn't need to break open the new fan. Splice the wire you have coming out of the fixture for the current fan, and attach those wires to the wires coming out of the new fan. If its ~12v, the wiring on the new fan will be fine to handle that... either solder the connections and wrap with electrical tape or use those twist-on connectors and tape those on.
Worst case scenario, there is an easy way to solve your problem. Here's what I suggest.
Purchase one of these: http://www.coolerguys.com/840556029977.html
You can then connect any 80mm computer fan to the molex connector, though I suggest something like this one: http://www.coolerguys.com/840556081067.html
Optimal air flow at a minimum noise level.
If you'd rather go for something that is all-in-one, you could go for something like this: http://www.coolerguys.com/840556086970.html
$18 and you're set, just bolt it on, plug it in, and away you go. That will be a lot louder than the other method I've suggested, but that's still going to be much quieter than the tornado would have been. Goodness those things are awful. (though they do move a LOT of air)
The one caution I'd offer you with going for the latter of the two is that the fan is HEAVY (die cast metal frame) so make sure its bolted on good. You could set it up on a timer to come on a few minutes before the lights, and turn off half an hour after to ensure your fixture is staying plenty cool. (or just get a socket splitter and have your lights and fan on the same timer) Just be sure to cap the 2 wires from the fixture so they cannot contact each other, and wrap those caps well in electrical tape to ensure they don't come off without your intent.
Sorry I didn't respond to your PM or get back to you on this yesterday, things have been pretty hectic. :\
