The past week has been somewhat stressful, and I have decided that I will need to forgo my chilling tower proposal, and pick up a chiller. With some other things going on in my life, I just need it to work. Although I believe it will work, I really don't have the time or the energy to tinker.
I have a 220 gallon tank, with a 120 gallon sump. I figure that the total system volume has to be around a 250+ gallons.
The first question I have is about the difference between "in-line" and "drop in" . Which is better, and by better I mean more efficient. In comparing models from the same company, it looks like the in-line models use less energy, but they need a feed pump. That being said I think I can feed the chiller from my return pump. Is there any other reason you would want a "drop in" chiller over a "in-line"?
The second questions is also about efficiency. As said I have about 250+ gallons of water. According to manufacture specs the Tradewind 1/3hp will handle 300 gallons, while the 1/2hp will handle 450 gallons. I have read that by buying a larger chiller than I "need", that it will cool faster and as a result run for a shorter period of time saving energy. Is this true? Do i really want the 1/2hp, over the 1/3hp? the upfront cost is a somewhat secondary concern, but I could use the savings someplace else on my system (did someone say calcium reactor?)
The final question, is about particular models. The Tradewinds get good word of mouth. I have also been looking at the Pacific Coast chillers and the prime modular chillers. I have about $1,000 to spend on the tank (birthday presents to myself), but I also don't feel a need to spend the entire sum on a chiller.
Any reccomendations? experiences with chillers? ....????
I have a 220 gallon tank, with a 120 gallon sump. I figure that the total system volume has to be around a 250+ gallons.
The first question I have is about the difference between "in-line" and "drop in" . Which is better, and by better I mean more efficient. In comparing models from the same company, it looks like the in-line models use less energy, but they need a feed pump. That being said I think I can feed the chiller from my return pump. Is there any other reason you would want a "drop in" chiller over a "in-line"?
The second questions is also about efficiency. As said I have about 250+ gallons of water. According to manufacture specs the Tradewind 1/3hp will handle 300 gallons, while the 1/2hp will handle 450 gallons. I have read that by buying a larger chiller than I "need", that it will cool faster and as a result run for a shorter period of time saving energy. Is this true? Do i really want the 1/2hp, over the 1/3hp? the upfront cost is a somewhat secondary concern, but I could use the savings someplace else on my system (did someone say calcium reactor?)
The final question, is about particular models. The Tradewinds get good word of mouth. I have also been looking at the Pacific Coast chillers and the prime modular chillers. I have about $1,000 to spend on the tank (birthday presents to myself), but I also don't feel a need to spend the entire sum on a chiller.
Any reccomendations? experiences with chillers? ....????
