Anyone that owns a chiller, I'd love some advice...

btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
I know that I'm not going to be able to keep my tank cool throughout the warmer months with just fans and ice bottles. I have way too much on my plate at the moment and won't be home enough to change an ice bottle every hour.
This being said, we're looking into a chiller for the tank. I'd love anyone's advice and review on models they own or have used in the past. We were condisering the DIY route, so anyone with a DIY, info on that as well would be great. My husband is very handy so it wouldn't be too much of a problem if we do decide to make our own.
Info about the tank:
155G reef. We keep SPS, LPS, softies, anemones and non photosynthetics.
125+ lbs of live sand
200lbs live rock
There are many inverts and fish in this tank.
Optimally, we like to keep the tank at about 79F. I have a goby with a head wound right now from aggression and I'm unable to catch him, so the tank has been bumped up to 81, so I need a chiller that allows changes in temperature fairly easily.
Thanks again guys =)
 
cranberry

cranberry

Active Member
Don't go the DIY route. They are inefficient and expensive to run.
We run all current chiller from 1/15 to the 1/3hp. I haven't had any problems with them. We also have a big ole Aqualogic drop in. That's a beast and nosy.
They all are supper easy to set. I hit set and then up or down arrow. That's it.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
Everyone is telling me that I need a 1/4hp for my tank (it's a 155). We are upgrading when we move (whenever the damn house is finished, which seems like never at this point) to a 180 or a 225, we own both already so I want to make sure I have one that is sufficient for the upgrade as well.
Anyone heard anything good or bad about Oceanic chillers? My LFS sells them ridiculously cheap.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
LOL....what size tanks do they run? I guess I shoulda known that would be the next question....

I got a small window unit a/c for $125...I keep the room cooler...therefore keeping the tanks cooler
even though I have central air, the "fish" room always seems to be warmer
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3275043
LOL....what size tanks do they run? I guess I shoulda known that would be the next question....

I got a small window unit a/c for $125...I keep the room cooler...therefore keeping the tanks cooler
even though I have central air, the "fish" room always seems to be warmer
Until the house is done we're in a basement apt and we're not allowed to have ac :-(
the 1/2 is up to 250g and the 1/4 is up to 125 I think
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I prefer Aqua Logic chillers.... Flow through chillers are going to be alittle more efficient than the drop in style. Drop in style easier to install. I'd opt for at least 1/2hp, but check manufacturer specs. I run a 1hp on my 240.
 
scsinet

scsinet

Active Member
I agree that 1/2hp is the size you want if you are going to end up wtih 225g.
I also prefer aqualogic, though I also have an artica that I am happy with.
I was expecting someone to bring up the dorm fridge idea... thanks everyone for saving me from doing a lot of writing and arguing.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I agree with the AquaLogic..... Very nice units. I would argue the point or issue of oversizing the unit. It would fall under the same principle of over sizing a house AC unit. An oversized unit won't be a benefit. The chiller woul cycle a good bit wasting electricity.
 
scsinet

scsinet

Active Member
Originally Posted by acrylic51
http:///forum/post/3275800
I would argue the point or issue of oversizing the unit. It would fall under the same principle of over sizing a house AC unit. An oversized unit won't be a benefit. The chiller woul cycle a good bit wasting electricity.
Only to a point. The folly in oversizing air conditioners is that it causes them to run for periods that are too short to achieve effective dehumidification, which in turn makes the occupants of the space feel warmer, causing cooler temperatures to be needed, which of course lowers efficiency and rasies operational costs.
Dehumidification is not a factor in aquarium chillers, so this is not really anything to worry about.
However, oversizing too much carries three main drawbacks. The shorter cycles cause a rapid swing in aquarium temperatures. Most chillers operate in a 3 degree or so margin, where they will cycle on at say 80 and cycle off at 77. This is usually not a problem to the livestock, unless it happens in only a few minutes time, causing stress. Next, the shorter, more frequent cycles significantly increase wear and tear on the compressor and the thermostatic and starting relays. Finally, if you oversize a chiller for your size tank, more than likely, the chiller wants more water flow than you are providing. Chillers are designed for a minimum water flow, and that flow is usually not a problem in a filtration system designed for a tank the apporpriate size for the chiller. There is some give, but if you oversize too much, and do not meet the minimum flow, you risk freezing the chiller. Freeze and AC, and it stops cooling until you shut it off to thaw it. Provided you discover it in a reasonable time frame, no harm results. Freeze a chiller and you'll more than likely fracture the heat exchanger, which will thoroughly ruin your day.
So IMO, you can oversize some... usually to the next size up with no problem, but you don't want to go much higher than that lest you take on some serious risk.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
What are your thoughts on the Oceanic, since I can get one for so cheap? If they're garbage, I'll spend the extra money, but if it's a deal, I'm going for it...
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
I think I'm going to pick up the Oceanic. The price is too good to pass by. Even if it only gets me through this summer. I need something, and I need it fast. My tank was at 86 this morning!
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Wow.....you don't have AC in the house? Any fans blowing across the sump or across the top of the tank?
 
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