Chiller Help????

[wardworld]

I'm installing my Aqua Logic (Delta Star) 1/5hp chiller, but I'm running into some issues:
1. When the unit it hooked up to the Ranco controller it comes on AND cools (so far so good), however, when it reaches the temperature it shuts off the compressor (makes sense) AND
the pump that pushes water through it . That means (as I understand it) that once the correct temperature is reached my tank (90 gal) would have NO circulation - that's BAAADDD! . . . any ideas???

2. Will my Reefkeeper II be able to control this device or do I HAVE to use the external controller???

Thanks in advance...

 

[dugg]

The water pump should never be shut off. The chiller needs to have water flowing through it constantly to run right. The pump should be plugged direct instead of through the controller.

 

[wardworld]

Thanks Dugg....I just wondered why/how the controller is set up to work that way???

 

[skinnyjoe1976]

on a second note if you are using the pump as the main return you should use another pump. the chiller has gph requirments and they should be followed or your chiller could run more than it needs to. the slower the water runs through the better it works. all depends on your needs for the tank. also you can return to the sump instead of the tank. imo it works just as good if not better. i may take longer to lower the temp but once it's lowered it can maintain it better. plus you won't have lower temp water return to the corals. the main pump will return it after it mixes with the sump water. btw the min gph is 360gph and max is 720 gph

 

[wardworld]

Interesting....I thought that you were SUPPOSED to use the return pump as the chiller pump (says so in the manual)....I'll consider this, though...

 

[dugg]

I run my return pump through the chiller. That is the way the chiller's manual said to run it. You just need to run the power to the pump off of a different source that doesn't turn off with the controller. The chiller needs the water running through it even when it's not actually cooling. To me, running the chiller on a seperate pump is just adding another heat source for the chiller to have to cool.

 

[skinnyjoe1976]

QUOTE]Delta Star inline chillers require a pump to move water thru the heat exchanger and Cyclone drop in chillers require water passing by the coil at all times. Correct water flow rates are critical for chillers to operate properly. Refer to the chiller flow rate and pump selection chart to select the best pump for your chiller. Always use an external pump as submersible pumps add heat to the water[/QUOTE]

from the website.

another from the instruction manual

Your Aqua Logic flow-through chiller requires an external water pump (not supplied) for proper operation.

The chiller should be the last piece of equipment in the plumbing before the water is returned to the tank or sump (after pump and filters.

i would not understand why a company would tell you to use the return pump for filtration as everybodys is dirrerent. i flow only 250 gph of return so i could damage the chiller and i've run as much as 1500gph and that chiller would not work very well.

just trying to inform.

 

[lifesworksataol]

i agree with joe - way i have done all my chillers. glad everything is good with it though. you can use your rk2 to run it. you dont need the ranco at all really.

 

[sailfin3]

the reason you use a seperate pump is because if your return pump pushes 1000 gph it would flow thru the chiller too fast and not cool down the water. I have a mag 5 on mine and it is a current 1/4 horse on a 90 gal. It turns on for about 10 - 15 minutes 5 - 6 times a day.good luck with it

 

[smpolyp]

Just a note to add. Pumps vary on water flow with head pressure, plumbing design and chiller design. If you are using a return pump on the chiller it can be easy to calculate your true flow. First shut all pumps on your sump returning to your tank off. Mark the sump(water level) after the water drains. Start a stop watch at the same time you plug the pump in. Once the water starts to overflow into the sump stop the timer and mark the sump water level again. Measure the inside of the sump length, width, and the distance from mark to mark. All must be in inches. Multipli the LxW (of the sump)xH (of the marks) and devide it into 231. This will give the amount of gals moving through the chiller and tank. You will be shocked how low it is and how much most people over rate what they think is water flow.