Fan Placement? - Orchid Board

Royal · #1 03-25-2008, 10:34 AM

I am looking for some input on the placement of the fan in my make-shift orchidarium. It's attached the the underside of a 3-tiered shelf ($2 spice rack from Sprawl Mart). The fan is really small, even for a CPU fan, but I was kid of worried about the direct air current on any plants. I'm not sure if this is adequate. My leaves don't move at all, but everyone seems happy. Fan runs 24/7.

Thanks in advance!

Ross · #2 03-25-2008, 11:28 AM

Yeah, that looks a bit small. I wouldn't worry about a fan running directly against the pots, but some orchids are sensitive. Others not. I have a 3.25 DC fan running 24/7 onto brassias and paphs and they seem to like it. I have had to move a lot of Angraecoids around to get them out of the breeze when in spike. Rest of time the direct breeze is ok. Try this fan if you want a cheap, larger DC fan Coralife Aqualight 3 1/8 Cooling Fan Kit It's $15 for everything, including power supply.

CoolPhrog · #3 03-29-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

Yeah, that looks a bit small. I wouldn't worry about a fan running directly against the pots, but some orchids are sensitive. Others not. I have a 3.25 DC fan running 24/7 onto brassias and paphs and they seem to like it. I have had to move a lot of Angraecoids around to get them out of the breeze when in spike. Rest of time the direct breeze is ok. Try this fan if you want a cheap, larger DC fan Coralife Aqualight 3 1/8 Cooling Fan Kit It's $15 for everything, including power supply.

Thanx Ross!

I bought one for my viv this morning! I'm sure just the one 3.25 will be plenty for my setup...we'll see!

Ross · #4 03-29-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irphrog

Thanx Ross!

I bought one for my viv this morning! I'm sure just the one 3.25 will be plenty for my setup...we'll see!

I totally agree. That's what I use and my tank is 36" long, 20" wide and 32" high. I took off the filter on the back and the wire grid on front and installed it bare. Seems to work just fine and can't hear it running.

RaN · #5 04-01-2008, 05:01 AM

Here is another good source for fans. Basically all computer fans wired up to power sources. Best thing with this site is the shipping prices:

BUYEXTRAS.COM

I just bought bare fans and wired one of them up to an old phone charger. Works fine, but could use a little more power for a bigger set up.

Becca · #6 03-25-2008, 02:49 PM

Thank you for the link Ross! I have been looking for a website that sells these fans that are not overly expensive, which is all I had been able to find, until now!

Ross · #7 03-25-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becca

Thank you for the link Ross! I have been looking for a website that sells these fans that are not overly expensive, which is all I had been able to find, until now!

Becca, I have purchased about 6 of these so far (not 'cause there's a problem, but because I use them in multiple locations/applications) and they are really nice and very quiet. I bought one 4" fan as well and it's just too big, so far, for any current application, but still very quiet.

Becca · #8 03-25-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

Becca, I have purchased about 6 of these so far (not 'cause there's a problem, but because I use them in multiple locations/applications) and they are really nice and very quiet. I bought one 4" fan as well and it's just too big, so far, for any current application, but still very quiet.

Well I found the 4" fan on the same website and the price isn't much more! I was wondering if the 4" fan would work well in my larger orchidarium? I was thinking of putting two down on the bottom floor of the orchidarium....I just don't want it to decrease my humidity...I just want more air movement, and I know the smaller one's don't seem to have a powerful air movement, but it is enough for my smaller orchidarium.

Royal · #9 03-25-2008, 05:18 PM

Thanks for the input. As for the placement, do you suggest hanging it up higher, like hooked the the edge of the tank?

Ross · #10 03-25-2008, 05:34 PM

I have two fans in my tank. One runs 24/7 and is located in one corner blowing towards front of tank to help clear the acrylic. You can see it at left in this shot:

There is a second fan, mounted on the outside of the tank, so that it blows through the whole thing for 3 hours at night and provides adequate air exchange. You can see this one in upper right beyond the door