Help with new setup

[aqw8326]

Just got 2 Phalanenopsis, and I am growing them in a 30 gal. fish tank.
I am recycling, since I moved the fish to the pond outside.
I have the full spectrum light that came with the hood, and found another hood for a smaller tank that has two lights, one clear and the other one blue, 25W, which I mounted against the back of the tank.
I now want to set up a fan, and read that a computer fan can be used, but how would I wire it to run on a plug, any suggestions?

[mayres]

I would suggest a small clip-on fan that you can get at any department store, drug store, walmart, etc. for between $5-10. That is what I use and it works great. Runs 24/7.
You will need more light than what a 25W bulb can provide for growing orchids, including relatively low light need phals. I grow phals under 40W fluorescents - as close as I can get the leaves to the bulbs without touching - and change the bulbs about every 6-12 months.
Good luck! mike

[aqw8326]

Thanks, that is an even better idea.
As to the lights, the original cover for the tank has a 22 inch 20w full spectrum fluorescent plant bulb, and I added the two 6 inch bulbs, one clear and one blue at 25w each. I have the lights on a timer at 12 hours off/12 on.
I plan to add white contact paper to the back and sides, read it helps to make best use of light.
One of the leaves started to turn yellow, but when I added the 2 lights, it is greening up.

Ann

[Anton]

I have a 12 volt car fan in my GH run off a car battery, lasts around 3 to 4 days before the battery needs charging again, cheaper than a powered one.

[jerrymeola]

Anyone wanting to use a computer fan remember they run on DC power and can not be hooked up to a plug without a transformer in the circuit.

[kmarch]

"Grow lights" aren't necessary. You can get virtually the same spectrum by using a 2-tube fisture with one cool and one warm tube. This is how I grew for about 5 years until I moved here (Australia). I bloomed all sorts fo things that way. Using one cool and one warm bulb is about half the price of using grow lights too.