can you use computer case fans for ventilation?

stkkts · 08-02-03, 12:36 PM

Just curious if i wire 2 case fans onto the outside of the wooden tank i have built for my ball python, one blowing fresh air in to the bottom, on drawing fresh air out at the top, would that be good? or would too much heat escape?

Wuntu Menny · 08-02-03, 12:48 PM

I've seen several similar setups using that type of fan. If you wire a rheostat into the circuit, you can modulate the temp by controlling the airflow. It should work.

WM

Jeff_Favelle · 08-02-03, 02:52 PM

NO.

You WILL dry out your Ball Python. They are fossorial by nature. They don't require, nor do they enjoy copious amounts of airflow. Don't think that they breathe and utilize air like you do, because they don't.

Think how the snake acts in nature before you impliment things like this into your cage ideas.

Wuntu Menny · 08-02-03, 08:52 PM

OK, chalk up one emphatic NO from Mr. Favelle.

I don't think stkkts was planning on creating a wind tunnel with the fan idea. Although you do have a point about maintaining the humidity, I was envisioning more of a gentle circulation. Wouldn't the environment be prone to bacterial and fungal accumulation if left stagnant all the time?

As for how the snake acts in nature, I'm pretty sure they'd prefer some sort of climate control in their melamine boxes as well.

Better consult the experts on this one, stkkts. Heaven knows I ain't one.

WM

Bryce Masuk · 08-02-03, 09:05 PM

I don't think stkkts was planning on creating a wind tunnel with the fan idea. Although you do have a point about maintaining the humidity, I was envisioning more of a gentle circulation. Wouldn't the environment be prone to bacterial and fungal accumulation if left stagnant all the time?

The air isnt that stangnent. the air is moved already by the heat from the heat pad it causes a up draft that removes the hot air and replaces it with cold air snakes need VERY little air they are not running around like little mice the sit there for hours at a time

Jeff_Favelle · 08-02-03, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Wouldn't the environment be prone to bacterial and fungal accumulation if left stagnant all the time?

You should see my Rainbow cages stacked 8 cages high, wet newspaper, glass fronts, no vents, 82-88F. Its not prone to anything, so there's no way a BP cage would be. Trust me.

Kyle Barker · 08-02-03, 11:28 PM

If you do use one of those fans for something be sure to buy an adapter. The fans are 12v and your average outlet is 120v, so buy one that puts 120v into 12v, also be carfull not to exceed the amperage of the adapter if using more then one fan. I have used it in plant cages, and in a 30 gal with one 4"x4" fan it definatly creates a mini wind tunnel. amazing amount of air pushed by those things.

Stockwell · 08-02-03, 11:32 PM

Jeff you're wrong!! Your Brazilian cages are prone to.....

I damn good rate of reproduction! LOL
I agree, fans in cages are a bad idea. Your water bowl will be dry all the time, it will remove the scent of prey too fast, and will subject the animal to a constant draft...

I use fans in my incubators only, and only low wattage and low CFM models..Incubators is where you want even constant temp, stirred air, not your cages

Jeff_Favelle · 08-03-03, 03:12 AM

Ha ha thanks Roy.

Now listen guys, Roy has been breeding snakes since The Honeymooners was a top TV show, so trust what he says. No fans in your snake cages. Not only will it NOT create the desired effect (which is an undesirable effect anyways) it will do many bad things.

To reiterate: No computer fans in your snake cage.

Hamster of Borg · 08-03-03, 07:41 AM

I only have one issue with these fans... most of them vibrate like mad - especially when the bearings on them get dirty. It may not be entirely noticable to us, but I'm sure your snake would notice. Seems to me that it would be stressful if it were on 24/7. I would suggest having it on a timer to only come on at certain times and run for a few minutes and shut off.

Ham

stkkts · 08-03-03, 09:20 AM

ok so thats a no-no.

Thanks for the input, thats why I asked before I did anything.

Do I need any ventilation other than perhaps some small holes drilled in the side? This is the cage, I'm actually using lights at the top, not a heat pad.

You can see the hood for lights at the top, theyt have been sunk into the tank. I cut the bottom out so the waterbowl sits flush with floor. And his hide has moved up a level so he is closer to the heat source.

Jeff_Favelle · 08-03-03, 02:34 PM

No you don't need any extra ventilation, but if you turned that cage on its side, cut it in 2 vertically, you'd have 2 great Ball Python cages.

That cage is for an adult Carpet and entirely too big and tall for a Ball Python.

Siretsap · 08-03-03, 02:55 PM

got enough room in there for one of us to move in with the snake
:-p

lordkovacs · 08-05-03, 03:27 PM

that would be a cool cage for an IJCP or JCP.

lordkovacs · 08-05-03, 03:36 PM

I woudl think a fan would be unnecessary as well. i agree with the earlier comment about heat cycling air. That's what creates wind mostly. hot air rises, cool air takes it's place on groud level, then the hot air moves away from the heat and cools, then sinks, and the cycles continues. No way is that air gonna be stagnant. I would however put a vent in...

jeff, i realize the air would flow still w/o the vent, but wouldn't it cause a crazy smell in there?
cheers,
MIKE