Best fan to use with Hydros Controller

TheHarold · Mar 4, 2023

tmccaff said:
What two wires do you join to make this work?

Here is the pinout: https://forum.coralvuehydros.com/threads/full-diy-hydros-pinout-cheat-sheet.419/

Choose a 0-10v Output (A-D) + Ground.

tmccaff · Mar 5, 2023

couldn't you use this as it's a RJ 45 connector that GHL uses no? Maybe I am wrong though

Hydros WaveEngine APX Link Third Party Controller Cable - CoralVue

The HYDROS WaveEngine APX Link allows you to connect the WaveEngine`s 0-10V input port directly to a Neptune Systems Apex aquarium controller (rather than using an outlet) so you can remotely control the WaveEngine from Apex Fusion. This remote control capability is not limited to only Neptune...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

tmccaff · Mar 5, 2023

Nevermind I see GHL uses different ones

tmccaff · Mar 5, 2023

Actually I think can use that cable. However, does the hydros support fan temperatures speeds based of temp? Like voltage rampage based on temperature of tank

srobertb · Mar 5, 2023

reefpat said:
any tips on how to DIY one and which parts would I

reefpat said:
I'm searching for a cooling fan that can be used/controlled through the Hydros Control 4 Drive Port, but haven't been able to find any online.
Can anyone recommend any?

I don’t know the voltage. I’d have to check. I think it’s 24v? You’ll need a 24v fan or a buck converter. Buck converters are easy to use and can be found on Amazon for $10. They convert “x” voltage to “y”voltage.

What I would do: Buy a Hydros solenoid (which is a simple on/off) and cut the cord. Ditch the solenoid. Determine voltage from the control 4 port and set the buck converter correctly (it’s a knob with a led . Then buy a Noctua industrial fan (or whoever many you think you need). The beefier Noctua (industrial/commercial) are louder but are invincible and do well with saltwater. Found on Amazon. Buy these mounts fan: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1027935462/.

Wire the fans to the solenoid end you cut for the control4. Use the buck converter to adjust the voltage to the fans (5v I think). I’d also get a Noctua fan speed controller to turn the fans down since you don’t need to run them at 100%.

Plan B (what I did): Same Etsy mounts. Same fans. Plug them into a power outlet on my hydros power supply using a “turbo fan” USB brick (Amazon)….or if you have the cheaper power bar, just get a USB to PC fan converter and use the USB port on the power strip.

TheHarold · Mar 5, 2023

srobertb said:
I don’t know the voltage. I’d have to check. I think it’s 24v? You’ll need a 24v fan or a buck converter. Buck converters are easy to use and can be found on Amazon for $10. They convert “x” voltage to “y”voltage.

What I would do: Buy a Hydros solenoid (which is a simple on/off) and cut the cord. Ditch the solenoid. Determine voltage from the control 4 port and set the buck converter correctly (it’s a knob with a led . Then buy a Noctua industrial fan (or whoever many you think you need). The beefier Noctua (industrial/commercial) are louder but are invincible and do well with saltwater. Found on Amazon. Buy these mounts fan: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1027935462/.

Wire the fans to the solenoid end you cut for the control4. Use the buck converter to adjust the voltage to the fans (5v I think). I’d also get a Noctua fan speed controller to turn the fans down since you don’t need to run them at 100%.

Plan B (what I did): Same Etsy mounts. Same fans. Plug them into a power outlet on my hydros power supply using a “turbo fan” USB brick (Amazon)….or if you have the cheaper power bar, just get a USB to PC fan converter and use the USB port on the power strip.

Hydros drive port is 12v. No buck converter needed. I use Noctua IP67 fans that can cool a 70g by 4+ degrees!

n2585722 · Mar 5, 2023

tmccaff said:
Actually I think can use that cable. However, does the hydros support fan temperatures speeds based of temp? Like voltage rampage based on temperature of tank

I use the chiller output type to run my fans. Here is screenshots of my settings. It turns the fan on or off. The third screenshot is the temp of the tank the past five days. The fans were working keeping the tank at 78 or below quite a nit during that time.

srobertb · Mar 6, 2023

TheHarold said:
Hydros drive port is 12v. No buck converter needed. I use Noctua IP67 fans that can cool a 70g by 4+ degrees!

View attachment 3050925

I love these fans. I use them on my servers too. They’re loud though so you need a controller in my opinion. Thank you for clarifying the voltage. I haven’t done a lot of “custom” wiring to my Hydros

I like your mounts better than the ones I posted from Etsy. Did you make them or can you share a link?

BR260354 · Apr 7, 2023

TheHarold said:
Hydros drive port is 12v. No buck converter needed. I use Noctua IP67 fans that can cool a 70g by 4+ degrees!

View attachment 3050925

That is a cool design. Did you print those? Looking at fan options, however, I do have a TopLids lid. Thought about the GHL Propeller Breeze, but not sure how that would work with the lead as well.

TheHarold · Apr 7, 2023

BR260354 said:
That is a cool design. Did you print those? Looking at fan options, however, I do have a TopLids lid. Thought about the GHL Propeller Breeze, but not sure how that would work with the lead as well.

Yeah I 3D print the housings. It’s a bit more discrete than the GHL ones that hang over the tank