My chiller is shot!!!

[kahnsell]

So I took my chiller to a repair shop this weekend and the compressor was blown (actually, it was "grounded"). I bought the chiller from Custom Sea Life. And that company went bankrupt!!! To buy a new chiller, it will cost me around $800.
So I guess the questions I have is this:
If my tank's temp. flucuates between 78 and 82, do I really need a chiller? And if I do need a chiller, I should probably buy a 1/3 HP for a 175 Gallon.
Or should I try to get the repair guy to try to replace the parts and fix it or try to make a comparable one for $400ish..
Does everyone here use chillers??? I took the heater out of the tank because I am afraid of the heater misfiring and cooking my fish and corals.
Any suggestions???

 

[daniel411]

82 degree's is perfectly fine. You shouldn't need a chiller.
Any HVAC or electrical shop should be able to rebuild or replace the motor for alot less than $400, Guessing.
Very few people need to run chillers.

 

[daniel411]

If you can, its better to have multiple smaller wattage heaters. That way if one sticks on, you're be likely to catch it in time.
Than again, some of the aquarium controllers have safeties that will shut heaters down if they stay on.
I don't know about the chillers, but Custom Sea Life has another company handling their warranties, replacements, etc. regarding their lights. Maybe someone can chime in with the name, and you can try contacting them.

 

[kahnsell]

So what's the reason for a chiller? What would cause a tank's temp to rise above 82? Really hot lights and other electrics, like pumps?

 

[daniel411]

Originally posted by Kahnsell
So what's the reason for a chiller? What would cause a tank's temp to rise above 82? Really hot lights and other electrics, like pumps?
Yes. Internal pumps use the water to cool off. External pumps transfer heat into the water, heavy lighting particularly 250-400 watt halides, etc. all add heat.
Chillers are mainly used if your tanks day time temp (with lighting on) frequently gets over 84 degrees (roughly). Or if you have fish from cold waters, such as Catalina Gobies, Cali Rays, etc.
With central air, cooling fans in the tanks canopy, etc. most of us can get by without the use of a chiller. Saves on the electric bill too! Though having a chiller piped and ready "just in case" could never hurt.

 

[slowest is fastest]

Kahnsell
I also have a Custom SeaLife Chiller. My chiller is working fine but my controller is bad. If you decide to replace yours with a different one perhaps you would be willing to sell your controller and make a few dollars towards the new one?
If you are interested post back here and I will leave you my e-mail.
Thanks
SiF

 

[kahnsell]

Hey Slowest. If I decide not to get a new chiller or repair my old one, I will work out a trade or sell you my probe. First I want to monitor my temps for awhile or see if there a cheaper alternative. I will keep you informed...