chiller/flow question

[shaneh]

I'm using my 1/2 HP chiller on my 55 gallon that is about a 100 gallon system. The chiller says the flow should be between 700-1200 GPD. My return pump and flow through the chiller is estimated 600 GPH. This last weekend when it was very hot it took the chiller a long time to chill the tank.

I was thinking it is one of two things or maybe both.

1- The flow through the chiller is to slow and taking along time to chill the tank.

2-the chiller is about 5 feet from the tank and 6 inches from the wall where it vents. The chiller was warming the room faster than it could cool the tank. If you get what I am saying, the heat from the chiller was making it warmer in the room making the chiller have to work more to keep the water cool. I put a fan near the back of the chiller to blow away the heat but it was still unsuccessful.

So what can I do? I can't increase the flow in the chiller because i use it for my return and the overflow can only handle 600GPH.

I could have a separate pump for the chiller that kicks on when the temp gets hot and returns the water to the sump. What is the best solution? I do not have AC so it was a hard weekend on me but the fish stayed at a cool 78. I wanted to swim with them...maybe in my bigger tank.

 

[Reef Bass]

Hey Shane. I was hoping someone with more chiller experience would chime in. Here's my two cents, FWIW.

I am surprised that a 1/2hp chiller is having a hard time cooling 100gs. Low flow rate through the chiller is probably the culprit, although I've also heard that they need a full foot in front and back of the unit for proper function.

As you suggest, a separate pump which flows in the range of 700-1200gph (gph, not gpd, right?!), like an Eheim 1262 or Mag 9.5 perhaps, and returns to the sump would probably be your best move.

 

[shaneh]

Thanks, I'll switch it this weekend.

 

[northbay-reefer]

What size pipe do you have on your overflow? and are you using a hang on over flow? I think solving your over flow rate would be better and more energy efficient.

 

[shaneh]

1" oveflow and yes a hang on, I'll have to switch it up.

 

[Reef Bass]

My HOB 1" overflow claims to do 900gph.

 

[northbay-reefer]

Its pretty easy to add more flow either by adding another hang on box or increase the size of the pipe plus more u-tube ect. Once you improved the turn over rate (in this case) and increase gph through your chiller then your tank will improve over all.