Chiller and Top off questions

[kita_katan]

So of course coming from Ohio I never had any need for a chiller......well I have been cycling my tank for a week and a half now and the temp has gone from 80.2 to 83.0 its just dependent on how warm it is outside. So I need a chiller and was wondering for opinions. Oh and the tank is a 60 gallon with a 29 gallon sump.

I also need some advise on an auto top off for the sump, I was thinking about the Auto Top Off Controller from Dr. Fosters but I am also open for suggestions on this too.

Thank you!

 

[AZBigJohn]

Try getting a clip-on fan and placing it blowing on either your sump, or over your aquarium. I keep my 29 gallon around 78 with a single fan blowing across it. I use three of the 4" clip-on fans over my 165, and my Apex regular turns them off when my tank gets down to 76.

As for auto top off systems, there are a million possibilities. If you have an Apex, a couple float switches is all you need, and it will do the rest. I personally use the Auto Top of from Autotopoff.com, I have used on on each tank, and they have always done wonderfully. I had one work great for almost 4 years (until I dropped it into the top off water). I quickly ordered a replacement, and both are functioning well.

 

[DgenR8]

I believe these chillers to be the best available, but they are not cheap.
I made a DIY ATO, but on your size tank, I don't think it would work well. I set up my RO/DI to come on by way of a float switch in my sump. When water level drops, my RO/DI comes on (float switch) and runs through a Kalkwasser reactor until the sump is full. My sump is rather large and takes over 3 gallons to fill when the switch turns on. At start up, you're not getting the best out of an RO/DI. I don't think you would use enough water each time to overcome the "dirty" water at start up.

 

[swishb]

I use the Smart ATO no float switches to stick and comes with a DC pump works great for a small (less than 100 gal) system !
www.coralvue.com