1/15hp Current Chiller in Aquapod 24

[mathewbeall]

Hello All!

I am very new to this hobby, and have just 3 soft corals in my tank right now, with my cleaning crew (snails, crabs). The tank was getting very hot (up to 85 at one point), as I have the Aquapod 24 HQI.

I purchased the Current-USA chiller (1/15hp), and hooked it all up. I replaced the stock pump in the tank with a Rio 1100 (at the recommendation of my LFS). I have the stand that came with the Aquapod24, so that puts it up off the ground about 4-5 feet. The Chiller is on the ground. I have about 4 feet of tubing down to the chiller, and 4 back up.

I was reading on the box (btw - could there be a worse manual? I assume that inlet/outlet don't matter? I have my inlet on the left hand side (looking at the chiller) and my outlet on the right hand side), and I noticed that it talks about a minimum flow GPM of 5. After looking at the Rio1100 box, I don't think I am getting that flow (maybe about half?). The unit seems to be running fine however, and the 1100 just barely fit in the back.

Am I going to be ok with this setup?

Thanks for any information!

Matt

 

[mathewbeall]

bump

 

[WarEagleNR88]

You could replicate the setup outdoors or in a bathtub using tap water. With the 4-5' tube attached to the Rio pump and held vertically, time how long it takes for it to put out a gallon of water (measure 1 gallon of water, pour into 5G bucket, mark level of water on bucket with sharpie). Then put that time under 60, divide and BAM you've got GPM.

Under 5GPM or not even close (like 3)? Lower the tube to 2-3' and see how it does then. Repeat experiment until you can get above 5GPM. It may help to have someone timing while you point the tube in the bucket.

If you do this, report back and I think you'll have your answer.