1000 Gallon Build- Here we go- Lots of Pictures
- Thread starter Socaltoaz
- Start date
So the Arizona heat has won. Despite my fish room being insulated and air-conditioned - and I keep the room at about 62 degrees, my water temp is hovering in the 82-83 range and corals are not thriving.
I need a chiller.
I saw the JBJ chiller on bulk reef supply. Any feedback on that? Another option is to run some water through a fridge but I don't want to monkey around with this anymore- I want a permanent and good solution.
Would appreciate any feedback on chillers.
I need a chiller.
I saw the JBJ chiller on bulk reef supply. Any feedback on that? Another option is to run some water through a fridge but I don't want to monkey around with this anymore- I want a permanent and good solution.
Would appreciate any feedback on chillers.
sixpackgarage
reef mechanic
I would put some fans blowing air on your sump controlled by your apex. I.E trigger a fan to come on at let's say 78.5 degrees and shut off at 78 or whatever your heater set point is to keep the two from fighting each other
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steallife904
New member
JBJs are good, do they make one big enough for your tank though??? you might be looking into needing more than 1. I do think in your case a chiller is the way to go.
scott11
New member
I don't think a chiller is more predicable, it just avoids excessive evaporation, the extra power to run the chiller, and the heat from the chiller.
I have used fans only on my tanks in AZ for 12 years, and often get temp drops of several degrees. I use controllers and keep temps with .4 degrees of target. You only need to drop a few degrees, so this is doable.
Nothing wrong with a chiller, if thats what you prefer, but fans can likely do the job very well. You may want to use both in conjuction as a fail safe, or to reduce the load on the chiller
I have used fans only on my tanks in AZ for 12 years, and often get temp drops of several degrees. I use controllers and keep temps with .4 degrees of target. You only need to drop a few degrees, so this is doable.
Nothing wrong with a chiller, if thats what you prefer, but fans can likely do the job very well. You may want to use both in conjuction as a fail safe, or to reduce the load on the chiller
I tried to go the inexpensive and simple route but even with the super cold fish room, temp is too high. Chilled will just work better for my situation.
Usernam Invalid
New member
As a temporary fix if haven't done it already you could turn off the UV sterilizer.
slief
RC Sponsor
I don't think your issue with your corals is the temp. Mine regularly gets to 82* in the summer months and my corals grow like weed. This includes my SPS, LPS and soft corals. What people fail to realize is that many of the world reefs where our corals come from regularly get up to the mid 80's. 85* on the reefs in not uncommon and 82* is certainly not too high. The biggest issue with those temps is dissolved o2 (with the fish) and if you have sufficient surface agitation, that should never been an issue.
I use a pair of 8" clip on fans above my tank to prevent my temps from exceeding 82*. With your size display, four 8" clip on fans above the tank bellowing across the surface of the water or even a bigger fan will do the trick. This assuming you have a means of controlling it via the Apex. I have a 1/2hp JBJ Arctica chiller that is essentially brand new plumbed into my tank and I haven't even had it turn on yet since changing my temp threshold and adding the fans. The interesting thing is that my corals seem to grow every bit as good in the summer months as they do in the winter months when my tank is 76-78*.
FWIW, we have the same pumps. I don't use my AC much. My house is generally pretty warm. 82+ when I'm not home and 78 at the lowest on the hot days when I'm home during the summer. Take it for what it's worth. I'd try the fans before adding a chiller that will pull at minimum 11 + amps. That's what my 1/2HP chiller pulls and for your size tank, I'd suggest at least a 3/4 HP which will draw substantially more and cost a small fortune to keep your tank cool.
ADVRESOURCE
New member
I have a jbj and it's excellent. I keep my office at 72. Tank is 76. I only have a 240
What does that run you in electricity every month?
Ricardo18
New member
I live in Florida. My Equipment room (sump, back of tank) is kept at 76.
The front of the tank, in my office is 77.
My tank runs at 77.
I don't see where you can be getting the heat from.
-is your return pump in the sump?
-Is your sump in the cool equipment room or in the garage?(no AC?)
The front of the tank, in my office is 77.
My tank runs at 77.
I don't see where you can be getting the heat from.
-is your return pump in the sump?
-Is your sump in the cool equipment room or in the garage?(no AC?)
steallife904
New member
you might want to also double check the temp. maybe the temp probe on your apex (if that's what your using) is off??? I am also surprised with you keeping the AC down its getting that hot.
ADVRESOURCE
New member
Negligible power consumption. Mine is only a 1/3 HP. It doesn't run very often. Maybe a few times a day. Temperature is rock solid.
I do have a mini fan on my quarantine tank. Both tanks have LED lights. The fan works great for a few degree change.
I was able to get my Apex functional for additives and water changes. I use 5 gal canisters of fresh water to change out at 2.5gal/day running 12 hours.
I live in Tucson. I posted my progress on RC > Large Reef Tanks > Tucson reef tank
ADVRESOURCE
New member
I agree. Does your water feel warm to the touch? Maybe you have a submersible pump that's overheating and going bad. Check your heaters too to make sure they're off.
This what I thought would happen to me as well. Fish room is cool. House is cool. I just checked my Alex (yes- it's finally installed) and the temp is 83.6
The sump is in the cool equipment room - that temp is 68. The return pumps are In the sump. Hmmm- that might be the problem. I should move them out of the sump and put them outside. That ought to be good for a degree or two.
If I can get the temp to 80 (about 3 degrees) That would be better.
It's been calibrated but I will double check for sure.
Water doesn't feel warm. I think I'll try pulling the return pumps out of the sump first and see if that makes a difference. I'll keep track of the water temp and keep you guys updated.
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