Chiller??

[Doc]

I have a 55 gallon saltwater tank for about a year and a half now. I've done this whole thing completely backwards and just tried to put these parts together. Luckily for me, I seems to be working. The next thing I seem to need is a chiller, but I'm completely lost. Can someone explain what to look for in a chiller and what all the diferent numbers mean?

Thank You

 

[alrha]

are you sure you need a chiller on your 55? they are expensive and big. have you tried fans to cool your tank? what are your temps?
I'm sure someone else will chime in regarding what to look for (i dont have one) but first make sure you absolutely need one before dropping that kind of money. They are usually needed on larger tanks which are harder to cool.
(myself, i have a 200gal system and am still reluctant to buy a chiller)

 

[Josh]

Doc,

Can you post some info about your tank?

Live rock?
Sand bed?
Coral?
Lighting?
Sump?

 

[Sean]

are you sure you need a chiller on your 55? they are expensive and big. have you tried fans to cool your tank? what are your temps?
I'm sure someone else will chime in regarding what to look for (i dont have one) but first make sure you absolutely need one before dropping that kind of money. They are usually needed on larger tanks which are harder to cool.
(myself, i have a 200gal system and am still reluctant to buy a chiller)

I totaly agree
try leaving the top open get a fan to blow over the top of the tank that alone can bring the temp down 10 degrees. You'll get alot of evaporation but you'll save alot of money on electric.

this doesn't alway work in realy hot rooms or when there is alot of pumps and lights over the tank. but worth it. I'd even do this over a tank with a chiller to help assist it.

but keep in mind that a chiller will help give you a more consistant temp. than the evaporation method.

anyway if your asking about the best type of chillers I'd suggest getting one that uses freon like Trade Wind.

 

[Doc]

My tank is standard 55 gallon with a lot of rock(I'm not sure how much but it fills a good portion of the tank. I have 2 standard fluorecent bulbs bought from petland (AS is most of my equipment) I have a fluval 304 for filtration. I also have a lifereef "reefugium"/sump below that holds about 30 gallons. I have the large lifereeef protein skimmer and a little giant running it all. I have a fan on the sump portion, but the temperature in the summer seems to be between 82-84 degrees even with the fan. My fish seem to be surviving but I do not want to try to put in any corals because of the temp. any help is appreciated.

 

[alrha]

well first thing you would need for corals would be upgraded lighting. That too would likely raise your temps further.
you are probably looking at around $1000 for lights and a chiller for your tank to be able to sustain corals. if you are ready for the upgrade, go for it. but if you are not yet ready for the jump, you wont need a chiller yet. 82 is not THAT bad, and these past few days were really hot so its not likely to get much hotter than that and it is probably normally a few degrees cooler (80?). you can always cool the tank with ice (frozen in a soda bottle) on super-hot days.
do you have an air-conditioner in the room?

 

[joseney21]

i do the ac thing, and i love it. the house is always cool when i come home.i still think the ac will do the work when i get the 180g up and running.

 

[Sean]

M I have a fan on the sump portion, but the temperature in the summer seems to be between 82-84 degrees even with the fan.

do you have a glass canopy or one of thoes plastic hoods?
if you do remove the top and blow a fan over the top of the tank (not just the sump) that will bring the temperature down several degrees.

as far as lighting look into better lighting for corals and such. But untill then this will solve the heating problem assuming the room doesn't hit 90 degrees or more for several days.

hope this helps

 

[jhale]

Doc, I moved your question out of the tank forum. that forum is for keeping a diary of your tank.

jonathan

 

[stingnyc]

jhale,

congrats on becoming a mod!!!

-steve

 

[alrha]

jonathan is now a mod? gosh, what's this world coming to...

 

[jhale]

not quite lmao, but close,
thanks, Albert i can always count on you to back me up