Is overhead fan sufficient to cool the tank temperature?

[Georgeer]

My tank is always 31 32 degC, and the moss are not growing at all.

Saw from another thread about putting in a $1080 chiller, that will definitely help to solve the temp issue. But the cost to do so is really too high.

Thinking to add in some DIY overhead cooling fan.

Question is, are these cooling fan effective?
How many is required to cool a 3ftX18"X18" tank?
Will it cause fire hazard if theis kind of fan is on all the time?

Thanks.

[OUTLAW]

Mmmm, you can try SIM LIM TOWER, which is a road across the more famous SIM LIM SQ(sells IT stuff) and DIY yourself.
I recommend that if you are on a tight budget, then get the small 12V ac fan, normally only $5 each (refer to article in Equipment on how to DIY)

For myself i use the 240V fan, which is much bigger and heavier, but much stronger, and they plug right into your power point, unlike the 12V ones, which needs to connect to a ac-dc transformer.

I dont think there are any problems if you on 24/7 , but for me i switch off the fan when i sleep, cuz my area is very cooling at night.

I'm using 2x240V for my 2ft, temp in day lowest was 26-27dg, highest was like 32dg a few days back. For 3ft, perhaps can try 4, they are really useful. =)

[geoffrey]

Fan will only bring temperature down by 1~2 deg C, maybe even 3 with respect to it's surrounding temperature. 3 disadvantages come with fans; they get noisy ovetime; unsightly and they accelerate evapouration.

[Allen_1971]

Fans are generally adequate to bring the temperature down... though in today's hot climate, your water could still be quite hot. The noise from fans is not really that bad... I don't even hear mine anymore... or maybe I'm going deaf but the topping up of water can be a pain due to extra water loss via evaporation

[loupgarou]

given the ambient temperature these days (34-35), my temp is at 28 (no lights), 29 with lights.

in december, the tank went as low as 26 given a single AC fan.

[wks]

Georgeer, what type of moss are you keeping? If yours is java moss, the plant will still be thriving at 30C. If others like Christmas moss, taiwan moss etc., then I'm sorry to say that you need a chiller to bring the temperature down to at least 26C for the moss to grow well.

[loupgarou]

I keep xmas/willow moss.

[tawauboy]

having fans will definitely help in cooling down the tank.
but the tank will not go below the ambient air temperature.
and the temperature will fluctuate according to ambient temperature.