Ma77hew7's 2nd Build - Zoo Med NT-4

[Kale Stallaert]

Originally Posted by Ma77hew7

Now here's a Fun part I took my Zoo Med Hood, and cut out a section to mount my fan into. Now I know I could just make a top to house everything, but I wanted to try something I had never seen...

I really love how you did this. If I end up needing a fan in my build I might try this too. Do you mind posting a picture of the inside of the hood? I only have exo terra hoods so I'm curious how they compare.

[SubmarinR]

good looking tank/setup..

new here but doing some preliminary research into a first build for a paludarium style viv.. I've got a 47 high that I'll be using and want to have a few inches of water area for a small school of nano fish (maybe)

Anyway, wanted to say hi and good work!

Joe

[Ma77hew7]

Originally Posted by Kale Stallaert

I really love how you did this. If I end up needing a fan in my build I might try this too. Do you mind posting a picture of the inside of the hood? I only have exo terra hoods so I'm curious how they compare.

Kale, sorry for taking so long to respond. I'm house sitting for some friends this weekend, and have not been able to give the picture laden response I would have liked... I will post some inside shots of the hood, and my process of the installation, (pretty simple - just a few suggestions), on Monday. I assume that you are using an 18" Exo-T hood? Thanks

[Ma77hew7]

SubmarinR,
Hello, and thank you. Be sure to do a build thread for your viv when the time comes. I'm into the height. It might pose some lighting issues if you go planted though...

[Ma77hew7]

Originally Posted by Kale Stallaert

I really love how you did this. If I end up needing a fan in my build I might try this too. Do you mind posting a picture of the inside of the hood? I only have exo terra hoods so I'm curious how they compare.

Here are a few pictures of the inside of the "Fan mod" Zoo Med hood.







Outside close up



I hope that helps...

As far as I remember,(I sold my last one w/ my first build), the inside of the Exo-T hood is very similar for the 18". I do know that the plastic itself is a little different, and maybe a bit thicker on the Exo -T. I wouldn't imagine those differences would pose any issues though.

Steps:
1. Unscrew the reflective light housing/ anything in your way on the fan end.
2. measure out where you want fan, mark/score the entire area you will cut
(I would measure 1/16" under on a 2 sides. That way you can have the hood hold the fan tight before you silicone it in. It also helps w/ the amount of vibration from the fan.)
3. Drill out a starter area within scrap piece.
4. Use grinding bit to make an area to fit a saw-blade into.
5. Use open ended hand saw to cut straight across the hood.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 till you have a square.
7. Pop the fan in,(recessed into hood), and silicone all sides top and bottom in place.

Hopefully that makes sense

[Ma77hew7]

Originally Posted by beckdg

mold will be minimized with time, a fan or by covering it with plants such as moss.

p.s. my last post was in reference to your thread earning it's place amongst the stickies.

Beck,
Thanks for the mold comment

I also read the majority of threads w/ "mold" in the title, and have a much better and calmer understanding of it now. Thanks members! I swear every day I become more and more amazed by the amount of knowledge, expertise, and ideas you all put out there! I'm honored that my thread made it up there with all the great and awe-inspiring builds! Thanks again!

[beckdg]

no problem, that's what we're all here for....

[SubmarinR]

Matthew,
Re; the light mod
didn't see this mentioned anywhere and couldn't be 100% from pics, but after placement of the fan, were you then able to reintall that one bulb again?

just wanted to be certain, as I like the idea of keeping the fan in same area/mount but will also need/expect quite a bit of lighting too ;0)

curious,
Joe

[Ma77hew7]

Joe,
I had no intention of reinstalling the light into the hood. I placed the fan on the short side of the Zoo Med hood w/ intention to not use the light. Its placed on my top w/in an area that I don't need the light requirements. I kind of planned the build out that way. I also have other hoods w/ lights in the Viv. I would imagine that the plastic from the fan would melt if a compact fluorescent was placed right near it. It might take a few fans, and a lot of brand/bulb switching to find one that wont. If you choose to... You could help the potential melt issue by, having the fan mounted on the outside of the Hood instead of inside. Then you have aesthetics to worry about as well. I would also be concerned that the air would not travel as much into the Viv. From the light-bulb in effect dispersing it. Try it out and let me know

[SubmarinR]

Appreciate the response Matthew, figured that but just wanted to be certain if you had found a *trick* I hadn't thought of yet. ;0
I'll likely just have to build a fan/hood combo or go w/ a vented (half) cover to allow more air flow/less humidity build up...

thanks again,

Joe