Chiller flow

[camp]

I have a chiller I am setting up,and my chiller has three differant hose sizes. It is a JLB 1\4 hp. I am running it of my main return pump. Will one size be better for cooling? I can use any size because I have a manifold to come from. Flow is not a problem I have a big pump. Just thinking big-slow flow or small -fast.

 

[Orcrone]

I have a JBJ 1/4 hp chiller (I assume you meant JBJ). It's rated for a large range of flow; 480 - 1920 gph if I'm not mistaken. I think you'll be fine anywhere in that range. I'm on the low side of the range and it works very well.

 

[Dyraxe]

Stay within range of the manufactures recommendation for flow (this is true for any chiller). Too little of flow can cause damage to the chiller and too high of flow will not create enough contact time. I like using a flow right in the middle of what is required. Hose size is not as important as the flow going in the chiller.

 

[Dyraxe]

If you can not guess your flow rate:

Use the manifold hose to fill up a 5 gallon bucket with salt water.

If it takes 30 seconds to fill the 5 gallon bucket your flow is = 600 gallons per hour.
If it takes 1 minute to fill the 5 gallon bucket your flow is = 300 gph

You can get a rough idea of your flow rate like this. After your done just dump the water back into your tank.

 

[Dyraxe]

15 seconds is = 1200 gallons

 

[Dyraxe]

10 Seconds is = 1800 gallons per hour ... lol yes i am having fun =)

 

[camp]

Thanks I do mean JBJ. Is it better to have it cycle on for a longer time or to have shorter time at once? Will hose and flow effect that? It will go to my sump. My tank has 3mh 250w. It is a 220gal it does ok now but with the heat comming I just trying to get the best porformance out of it. May be a little to small. Thinking on adding a fan.

 

[stevereef]

Agreed stick with the manufacture's recommendation. I have a JBJ 1/5, it has the same flow rates as the 1/4hp. I'm using a mag 5 to pump water from one section of the sump and returning to the return pump area in the sump. I've read on JBJ, it is better to run flow on the lower end of the acceptable flow rates to achieve greater efficiency?

good luck