Chillers

[KennyJennings]

What is a good chiller that is not too expensive that will be good for a 29 gallon tank? :?: Yesterday when I came home the water temp was 82 degrees. I turned off the lights and the temp came down a little.

 

[Len]

82 isn't bad at all, but you'll have to be careful come summer. The best way to cool a 29 gallon is via fans. There are no cheap, effective chillers out there. If you're willing to spend $300+, there are a few small chillers available, but cooling fans over the water's surface (and through the canopy) usually works well enough alone.

 

[ChaoticReefer]

I have to agree with Len, your best option that is cost effective are fans blowing across your water suface.

I can that see you are new to our board, let me welcome you to our community. Its always a pleasure to see new faces in here. It is our hope that you will find Reefs.org resources helpful.

 

[KennyJennings]

What type of fans is recommend and where can you buy them?

 

[Emperator]

i have used 3" and 4" fans (usually labeled computer fans) from radio shack. works well for the price @ $10 each.

 

[squeezix]

I have two 4" Radio Shack fans in my hood. One is toast, the other acting up. They cost me about 20 bucks a piece, and after a year, both need replacement. The Inflowing one still works, the Outflowing was toast months ago. I have noticed using the inflowing alone does not raise temperature.

I would pay double (and am about to) for two IceCap fans (brand name) made for fish tanks, and both flowing inward. Listen to these folks advice, many know what they are talking about. Rad Shack fans suck, they corrode, thus making noise and eventually failing. Die-Cast metal reacts to anything, but especially salt, Kalk.

I would rather spend 80 bucks every two years than 40 every one.

Oh, pull down temp in a 38 AGA, 175 W Halide, 15 gallon sump, 3 gallon refugium (37 watt PC, 24/70 is 4-6 degrees. With a clip on fan over the sump, add another 2. I live in South Florida, and would rather run the AC than the clip on fan. Evaporation is 2 gallons a day without clip-on fan. With it on, it's three.

Danner MFG makes a little chiller that works like it's Skilter (TM)

Kind of a POS, but looks like it would pull a degree or three down in a little tank. But don't count on it. IME Danner does not make a reliable product.