Want to hook up 4 computer fans to my apex

[BAUCE]

Can someone give me a hand with some parts to make this work? I want to hook up 4 computer fans to behind my tank to cool it off during summer months. Im trying to figure out a way to plug all 4 into 1 power outlet on the apex. Anyone know the cleanest way to do this? Please link some parts if you can.

 

[kyleinpdx]

Can someone give me a hand with some parts to make this work? I want to hook up 4 computer fans to behind my tank to cool it off during summer months. Im trying to figure out a way to plug all 4 into 1 power outlet on the apex. Anyone know the cleanest way to do this? Please link some parts if you can.

You shouldnt need more than the fans themselves, a soldering iron/solder, some heat shrink tubing and a 12v wall wart (power supply), I would suggest something at least in the 3+ amps range (3000ma). I have a 12cm variable speed asus case fan that wont spin up with a power supply less than 2 amps (12volts x 2 amps = 24watts.)

Most PC case fans are 12v devices, cut off the molex connector (the 2, 3 or 4 pin connector) from the fans, cut off the barrel plug or whatever came on the wall wart, solder the positive from the wall wart to the positive on fan 1, solder the negative from fan 1 to the positive on fan 2, solder the negative on fan 2 to the positive on fan 3, do the same for #4 then finally solder the negative from fan 4 for the negative on the wall wart.

I've done alot of complex (read small) soldering in my day, and honestly, getting all of my gear setup would take longer than actually soldering all of the wires. Your mileage may very, but its a great skill to know.

 

[HuduVudu]

If you use 24vdc fans you can run them into the 24vdc acc line. Then you can dispatch with irritating bricks. Bit loud but work like champs. Here is my programing for them:

Fallback OFF
If TEMP < 80.5 Then OFF
If TEMP > 82.0 Then ON

Noctua 24vdc fan

 

[Galvano]

You shouldnt need more than the fans themselves, a soldering iron/solder, some heat shrink tubing and a 12v wall wart (power supply) [...]

Most PC case fans are 12v devices, cut off the molex connector (the 2, 3 or 4 pin connector) from the fans, cut off the barrel plug or whatever came on the wall wart, solder the positive from the wall wart to the positive on fan 1, solder the negative from fan 1 to the positive on fan 2, solder the negative on fan 2 to the positive on fan 3, do the same for #4 then finally solder the negative from fan 4 for the negative on the wall wart.

Chaining the fans in series, each of them will only get a quarter of the PSU's voltage. IMO you have to run them parallel, each directly connected to the PSU.

Cheers

 

[BAUCE]

Chaining the fans in series, each of them will only get a quarter of the PSU's voltage. IMO you have to run them parallel, each directly connected to the PSU.

Cheers

What does running them parallel mean? each one needs its own PSU?

 

[HuduVudu]

What does running them parallel mean? each one needs its own PSU?

No, it means that they all have the same input voltage.

 

[TheHarold]

Can someone give me a hand with some parts to make this work? I want to hook up 4 computer fans to behind my tank to cool it off during summer months. Im trying to figure out a way to plug all 4 into 1 power outlet on the apex. Anyone know the cleanest way to do this? Please link some parts if you can.

Do you have the newer eb832, that has 24v accessory ports?

 

[BAUCE]

No, it means that they all have the same input voltage.

What would I need to run all 4 at full strength? I think Im getting pieces of how to do that in here so far but Im avoiding having to buy a soldering kit at this point.

 

[BAUCE]

Do you have the newer eb832, that has 24v accessory ports?

I have the old eb8 unfortunately.

 

[TheHarold]

I have the old eb8 unfortunately.

There are fans meant for regular 120v plugs, such as this- could then just put all 4 on a splitter, and then use 1 port of your EB8. No soldering required.



Alternatively, there are plugs meant for regular computer fans to use wall outlets. Can connect to premium Noctua fans that have an IP67 rating. (Linked a 2000rpm and a 3000rpm version)

 

[BAUCE]

There are fans meant for regular 120v plugs, such as this- could then just put all 4 on a splitter, and then use 1 port of your EB8. No soldering required.



Alternatively, there are plugs meant for regular computer fans to use wall outlets. Can connect to premium Noctua fans that have an IP67 rating. (Linked a 2000rpm and a 3000rpm version)

Thanks for this. Would that power supply be running each of the 2 fans at 100% capacity? I might just buy 2 of those supplys and 4 fans and connect them to a splitter.

 

[littlebeard]

In a previous tank build I used something like this for my hood.

Coolerguys 100-240V AC to 12V & 5V DC Power Supply with 4pin Molex (2A / 2000mA)

Buy Coolerguys 100-240V AC to 12 / 5v DC 4-Pin Molex 2A Power Adapter (2000mA) from online store at the best price. This is currently the only power supply we carry that works with our programmable thermal controller.

www.coolerguys.com

Not sure about voltage drop... I was more focused on having whisper quiet computer fans which seem readily available and relatively cheap.