chillers...a few questions

[scubadude]

Ok im in the market for probably either a 1/3hp or 1/2hp chiller....I definately want an inline model (NO drop in) I also want to have the tempature controller, and last but probably the most important....I want a VERY dependable model! Yes $$ does matter but my theory is as long as the chiller is effecient then I can justify spending around a $1000 for what im looking for. I have a 220g tank with a 55g sump/refugium which has an 2100GPH pump that serves to my spraybar as my return....I would like to plumb the chiller to this pump and Im wondering how much more flow im gonna lose? From the look of most chillers im sure I will be adding a few more elbows and I dont know if there is alot of zig-zagging goin on inside the chiller which would also decrease flow. I dont know exactly what my Pull-Down range will be but im guessing around 10 degrees....what does everyone keep their chiller at? I have heard that 77degrees is a good number? also im worried about heat issues in the room this is a big tank in a small room....Im gonna be running 3-250 HQI MH's and the Chiller which will both be creating heat into this room.....my thoughts where to create a small closed in section for the chiller and the vents for my lights and exhaust it w/fans into the attic?

 

[lawndoctor]

I have a 75 with a 1/5 hp Aquanetics in-line chiller, which I previously used on my 37. My two cents for what it's worth:

1. Brand - I don't know about the other brands, but my Aquanetics has worked perfectly for the past three years. Like most other things in this hobby, I suggest you get at least one size larger than the rating charts suggest. Just be sure you have enough electricity because these things draw lots of amps.

2. Head Loss - The manufacturer should have a technical department which can tell you how much head loss they believe their chiller causes. Aquanetics told me it was something like a half-foot, which is not much. Probably of more concern is the plumbing you may need to do to hook it up. Mine has 90 degree elbows at the inlet and outlet, but maybe you can set yours up without elbows.

3. Heat - The chiller will put out lots of heat and sounds like a window air conditioner. With my old tank, I put the chiller in a separate closet with a powerful bathroom-type ventilation fan leading outside. It worked very well. Sounds like you are planning to do something similar. Also, I hooked the fan to a plug-in thermostat switch so the fan was only running when needed. For my new tank, the chiller is in the pantry closet between the refrigerator and the dishwasher, so its heat and noise blend in with the other things going on in the kitchen.

4. Temperature Setting - The thing I like most about the chiller is that I can keep the water temperature precisely where I want it. Personally, I keep mine at 81F and the tank is doing much better than it did at 77F, but there are many views on that issue depending on what type of livestock you have.

5. Heater - If I had it to do over again, I would either get a chiller/heater combination or a dual stage controller. With my setup, I have to watch my heater setting to keep the heater from "fighting" the chiller. Also, if you get a dual stage controller you can plug in the exhaust fan with the chiller so the fan turns on only when the chiller does. Just a thought.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[esmithiii]

LawnDoc: Good info. I am considering a chiller but need to put it in a remote location. Any ideas?

E

 

[lawndoctor]

E: I understand many people put them outside or in their basement. Either sounds ideal to me but I've not yet been able to try them because I live in a city apartment. Maybe others can comment on their successes with these locations. A well ventilated closet is probably the next best thing. I think in the stand under the tank would be the least preferable spot, although the chiller instructions do have a diagram for how to do that, so it must work fairly well if set up properly. I think the Aquanetics chiller instructions can be downloaded from their website, which I think is www.aquanetics.com. Basically, you want to put the thing (a) away from the tank so the heat from the unit doesn't warm the tank back up, (b) where the heat and noise won't be overly annoying, and (c) where the unit will get enough air circulation so it works efficiently. One other thought: Depending on your situation you might want to consider one of the "drop-in" models. These are not plumbed through the system but instead have a probe that goes in the sump and have a coolant line running from the probe to the unit. I've heard some mixed reviews about "drop-in" models in general, but I have no personal expeirence with them. Maybe others can comment on it. Hope this helps.

 

[Jeff_S]

I have a drop in unit which works well but because of the limited length of the hose you lose the flexibility in where the unit can be placed. Mine had to be placed inside the stand and I had to remove the heat it generates with a fan.

 

[lionfish1]

I live in an apartment and my AquaLogic drop in chiller sits behind my tank in the living room which has 2 windows behind it one window is open for ventilation, unit runs pretty quiet, compared to the hood fans and protein skimmer it makes little noise, cya.

 

[TazzBear]

I use a drop in AquaLogic 1/4hp chiller in my basement with the drop in coil in the sump. I use a Neptune controller for heat and the chiller control. I run my tank at 81 degrees as well. I also use 3 x 250WHQI lighting. My chiller RARELY comes on. I have had if for 5 years now. I prefer the drop in type because plumbing it inline only slows the return of the water, you can not remove it when it is not needed, and then you also have to invest more in plumbing parts. As for out of the way, how far can you plumb a chiller inline from the system? If you do put it under the tank, just get some of that foam insulation and cut it to fit under the tank between the glass and the stand. It helps to insulate the tank anyway. And of course, you will need a fan. What a vicious cycle. A friend and I once used a refrigerator. We put a beer keg filled with water in the fridge, wrapped flexible hose around it, and plumbed it out the side of the refrigerator. What was so kewl about this is that he had an additional pump (MaxiJet1000) from the sump and when it got to hot in the tank, his controller turned the pump on which pushed its own water thru this system and cooled his tank down very quickly. His refrigerator was in the garage. By the way, the refrigerator was still used for beer and pop, and other stuff. So it served a dual purpose. He could also pull the temp down more than 15 degrees in his 200Gallon tank. The water line emptied back into the sump when it was not is use. I wonder how this would work plumbed into the freezer? Man, that would be VERY cold and work VERY well. Necessity is the mother of invention.