Tired of Cooling the House

[Anonymous]

I have decided to get a chiller so that I can open up the windows in my house.

I see chillers and chillers/heaters. Any comments on mixing these two components in the same device? Any current on line locations to purchase quality chillers? Or more importantly brand names that people like?

75 Gallon tank if left on its own would be about 6 degrees too high.

 

[HClH2OFish]

I've been toying with the idea of a chiller as well for my next tank. I live in Phoenix and my electric bill is ridiculous due to keeping AC around 78-80.
I'm thinking of an Arctica or possibly a gang of IceProbes...not sure yet on my sump design tho..

Here's a link with a few mfrs.

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_chi ... rture&key=

 

[shellshocked]

I have the aqualogic inline that marine depot sells. I have about 150 gallons and 1/5 HP and it easily holds the temp at 79-80 degrees. I live in Atlanta so the summer weather is hot - high 80s - to mid 90s. It is noisy so make sure you have somewhere to put it that will suppress the noise. I cannot imagine putting this under an aquarium in a living room - way to noisy. I put mine in the basement and ran the plumbing to it. The Iceprobes will only cool a very small tank maybe 10 to 20 gallons unless you get several and at that point the normal chiller is a better deal. You do need the controller. I use a drop in heater so I don't have any experience with the chiller/heater combo.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks.

Noise will be a problem, the tank is in the living room and as I am sure all are aware, it already produces a bit of noise.

So I will add sound level to my list of concerns.

 

[shellshocked]

Definitely sound is a concern. Based on the design of the normal chillers they are basically small refrigeration units adapted for cooling water -they have a compressor and fan - and zero sound insulation. Mine is quite loud.

 

[ChumbawambaMan]

im going to tag on this as well. im in the process of looking for a chiller for my 120 gallon. noise is also a concern, as its in my bedroom currently.

 

[Anonymous]

After doing some searches, it would seem there is no such thing as a quiet chiller.

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=50977&highlight=quiet+chiller
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43682&highlight=quiet+chiller

Some of the threads I read seem to be from before last year. Maybe there is newer product with better technology.

 

[Anonymous]

I think I am down to the AquaLogic Cyclone 1/5hp Drop-In Chiller for a painful $775.00 or the in line one for $700.00 with controler or the Titan 250 Chiller for $549.00

I won't be able to plumb it out of the house for at least 2 years so inline is not necessary.

Anybody have comments on these brands or prices? My woman insists I can't skimp on quality :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

First, get an inline chiller. They are most cost effective. They chill the water more efficiently.

You also have to worry about heating. They produce a lot of heat. Just for that reason I would not put it under the tank. The chiller will have to work extra hard to combat it's own heat. Plus it will raise the temp in the room making you uncomfortable as well.

I would suggest a nice sized fan(9" diameter) to blow across the top of the tank and remove any glass canopy you may have covering the tank. These covers cotain substancial heat. Evaporative cooling can drop the temp up to about 6-7 degrees(just be prepared with extra top off water). If it does not drop enough you can add a second fan under the tank directed into the sump. If your tank room has an air conditioner run that instead. It will use a similar amount of electricity and will also chill you.

 

[Anonymous]

I purchased an Aqua Logic chiller and have it running.

To start out it is a bit noisy, but I can deal with that. After running for about 20 minutes it starts making a horrible rattling noise, like the fan is hitting something. I opened it up and the fan is not hitting anything.

Is this rattling to be expected? Or could I have a defective model?

Unbearable as it is.

 

[Anonymous]

OK, I found the problem. A corner of a sticker underneath the fan came loose and was making the noise.

I was starting to think I had wasted allot of money, again.

 

[maypo59]

I would say "good choice", I have had one in my living room for about 4 years. It's under the stand, I have an open back stand, and just leave one door open for intake. It is a little noisy, but not bad. It keeps the tank right where I want it temps wise. I also use a meduse dual stage temp controller, and have been very pleased with it.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I am happy with it so far. I like to keep the house warm, 80 F is fine with me, I'm too skinny :roll:. Just couldn't do that without the chiller.

And welcome to reefs.org