What size chiller for a 150g tank?

[Lenny718]

Summer is right around the corner and I wanted to know what size chiller I would need for a 150g tank with a 50g sump? Thanks in advance.

 

[KathyC]

This might help some...
http://www.aqualogicinc.com/product...-Chiller-DeltaStar-Cyclone-Reef-Aquariums.pdf

Just some info from one of the manufacturers.
Room temp, if there is an A/C running in there already also makes a difference if what chiller size you select

 

[Lenny718]

Thank you for the link Kathy, Very helpful

 

[KathyC]

Mine run all year long...:sigh:
It's also helpful to add a fan to blow across the top of the tank as it will reduce the time ..slightly but it helps..that the chiller will be running

 

[Bob 1000]

I use a big fan and AC... Chillers just heat up the room... You probably wouldn't like a chiller Lenny...

 

[meschaefer]

Here is a calculator to size a chiller.

I just purchased a chiller today, I got a tradewind. The owner of tradewind was very helpful in selecting the right size.

I purchased from custom aquatic. If you use the code WAHOO, you can get 15% off.

 

[Lenny718]

Thanks for the replies Tobin and meshaefer, I have central air and it kicks a$$ so maybe I can get away without one. Whats the recommended temp for a reef tank just so I can keep an eye on things and make sure my tank doesn't get to hot? So far the highest it went was 83 and that was without the AC on.

 

[meschaefer]

On my old tank I was able to keep the temp in check using a fan and an Aquacontroler Jr.. I used the AC jr to turn the fan on, and turn off the pump on my skimmer, and my MHs as the temp increased.

It is not so much the high temp, as the overall change in temp. If you keep your temp at 78 and the temp goes to 86 you could have problems. On the other hand, if you keep your temp at 82 and it goes to 86 you will probably be ok. Temp readings on tropical reefs have shown an average temp of about 82 degrees, with fluctuations going much higher.

Some people, keep there tanks at 82 in the summer to avoid a large swing.

I choose to go with a chiller on my new tank for a number of reasons. I don't want to increase the humidity any further in my Fish room, so fans are out, and I don't have an AC in that part of the house. The room is also situated, so that it is very easy for me to vent the heat from the chiller outside.

 

[Lenny718]

Thanks for the info.