Quietest fan with decent CFM? 50mm if it matters...

novasatori

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
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Not really computer related, but I've got a light fixture with 60mm fan which is really cheap and noisy. I was wondering what a good 50mm fan is, and if it will be as easy as I imagine to replace?

I imagine it being something like this, cut/strip the wires, put on some screw things (that hold wires together) and some zip ties, then remount the fan...

Also, would it be possible to put something like this in?

AFAIK the fixture just has the standard black and red wires to the 60mm fan, so I'd have to mod the controller power thing too I think.

Any input or suggestions would be awesome.
 

WoodButcher

Platinum Member
Mar 10, 2001
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Your link was FUBAR. First off have you checked the voltage of your existing fan? Make and model? That zalman has limited capabilities.
 

novasatori

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
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Ok so I measured wrong at first (was guesstimating from the outside) its a 50mm Sunon Maglev Fan 12v DC, 1.5w

This exact model here http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811999019

I can go with any width, there is over 40mm of clearance between the fan and the cords in the fixture.

I'm taking out the reflectors now to check the wiring, maybe I'll get lucky and it will not be hardwired.
 

novasatori

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
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Well I went ahead and ordered the zalman controller and the only 50mm they had in stock

hopefully it will all work - I'm far from an electrician, but I imagine this should be pretty straight forward...
 

WoodButcher

Platinum Member
Mar 10, 2001
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I'd be inclined not to use a fan speed control if the lamp was designed w/o.
You say a 12v wall plug? This mist be an indoor low-voltage setup, no? More reason not to slow that fan, where or how is the lamp mounted? Those small, high intensity lamp get hot, I'd be concerned about fire.
 

novasatori

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
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It's one of these http://www.current-usa.com/satellite.html
1016 48" 4x65 watt

Its in an aluminum housing, and about 6" above the aquarium. The house stays less than 70 most of the time (northern cal) but the noise is just too much on the current fan, I think its broken. I also only run 2x65 at a time, so 130w, not 260w.
 

novasatori

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
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Just wanted to say I got this done today.

It was pretty easy, and it worked out really well. The new fan I got was silent at full power almost, so I didn't need the controller really, but with the controller, I was able to tweak it so you can't hear it at all, and still have good flow.
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
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For future reference, buyextras.com has one of the best selections of odd-sized fans I've seen.

.bh.
 

novasatori

Diamond Member
Feb 27, 2003
3,851
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Wow, thanks.

I'll probably order some more fans from there, I've got a couple other fixtures with noisy fans.