Running a chiller in the winter

[dsp]

I have a 1/3 hp aqualogic in-line chiller running in my garage which is not heated. The directions say that I should not run the chiller if the air temp is below freezing. Does anyone know why this is? Can I unplug the chiller and just let the water run through it or should I disconnect it for the winter?

 

[fishman830]

a chiller does exactly that, they chill

 

[dsp]

Yes it does, but why do they recomend that you don't run it if the air temp is below freezing (it's in the garage not in the room with my tank)?

 

[fishman830]

hmm im baffled!

 

[dsp]

I was thinking that you may run the risk of the water flowing into the chiller becoming too cold too fast and freezing which is the same reason why you should not go below the recomended flow rate. I had water freeze once in the chiller because the pump stopped running and the chiller kept chilling. Fortunately there was no damage.