Chiller leaking into tank?

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HarrisonMG

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I've got a secondhand chiller and I noticed a little ball of red stuff hardened at the end of the chiller part that goes inside the tank. I looked closer and there is a small amount of air coming out in a continuous steam. The chiller is off.

Could this be an issue for either the chiller or the tank?
 

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HarrisonMG said:
attachment.php


I've got a secondhand chiller and I noticed a little ball of red stuff hardened at the end of the chiller part that goes inside the tank. I looked closer and there is a small amount of air coming out in a continuous steam. The chiller is off.

Could this be an issue for either the chiller or the tank?
Click to expand...

That wouldn’t be air. That would be Freon or some other sort of refrigerant and yes that is a problem for both the chiller and the system. That looks like a submersible cooling element and if so, it’s likely titanium. I would get in contact with a refrigeration company. They may be able to remove any remaining refrigerant from it so you can get it welded. Then have it refilled.
 
I took them out and put them in a bucket of water from my display tank, but I don't know what to do next. I mean if it was a gas that was leaking, it rose out of the chiller piece and through the water and out into the room, right? I mean it was a rising stream of bubbles.

Should I trash all the water I have and start new with water from my display tank?

Also, no clue what brand the chiller is it was issued by the state to the school where a friend works at.


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HarrisonMG said:
I took them out and put them in a bucket of water from my display tank, but I don't know what to do next. I mean if it was a gas that was leaking, it rose out of the chiller piece and through the water and out into the room, right? I mean it was a rising stream of bubbles.

Should I trash all the water I have and start new with water from my display tank?

Also, no clue what brand the chiller is it was issued by the state to the school where a friend works at.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I'd start doing water changes. Make sure you match the temp of the new water. Maybe 30% at a time.

Might be an aqualogic. They make chillers with submersible cooling elements.

https://www.marinedepot.com/Aqua_Lo..._Chillers-Aqua_Logic-AL1215K-FICHDICQ-vi.html
 
I think I see an SA-213 label on that tubing which is stainless steel. If so, it is not really suitable for saltwater. Contains chromium, nickel, molybdenum and other heavy metals and the balance iron. That is probably a bigger issue than the refrigerant which is not very soluble in water. Repair is not practical. Agree with removing it and water changes.
 
Wow, I'm amazed you spotted that!
It definitely say that on there.

Well, being that I don't have another chiller and would ratherv move the tank to my unfinished basement than buy a new one, do you think I could take a large trash bag and cover the cooling element with it? I could fill it with tap water too if that would help cool the water better.


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HarrisonMG said:
Wow, I'm amazed you spotted that!
It definitely say that on there.

do you think I could take a large trash bag and cover the cooling element with it? I could fill it with tap water too if that would help cool the water better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

No.. If it's leaking, it will only get worse. Try getting a couple small clip on fans. The 8" ones from Walmart work great and use those on a thermostat.
 
Break the hunk off and look for a leak or crack. If the system has a leak, then it is long out of refrigerant - does the chiller work?

The bubbles could just be the hunk of who-knows-what.
 
The red piece came right off as I removed the cooling element for the tank...it had a rusty color and consistency, like reddish powder on my hands.

but yes there is a very steady stream of little bubbles coming out.

And does it work? without a doubt. It encases itself in a layer of ice when exposed to air within seconds. Cant even tap it quickly without feeling the pain. Very cold. Very effective.

Im gonna try some silicone, followed by some tight silicone tape.
I could try to weld it back, but that seems like too much hassle.

Also, it is steel so I will throw a trash bag filled with tap water over it from now on to protect from hopefully anything.

Thanks for advice!
 
slief said:
No.. If it's leaking, it will only get worse. Try getting a couple small clip on fans. The 8" ones from Walmart work great and use those on a thermostat.
Click to expand...

Fans won't work. Gets above 90º up there. Also, have a wrasse and a firefish...they like to jump
 
HarrisonMG said:
Fans won't work. Gets above 90º up there. Also, have a wrasse and a firefish...they like to jump
Click to expand...

Never seen a filefish jump. At least never seen mine or anybody else’s that I know of have one jump. Wrasses are a different story though. The fans can be used to blow across the sump but at 90 ambient, evaporative cooling would be tough. Sounds like you need to invest in an appropriate chiller.
 
Take it to a metal shop and have that end braised or sealed again.

What kind is it? I suppose that it could be stainless, but most are titanium that are made for marine use.
 
FWIW - fans can work well into the low 100s. They are not as effective, but they will still evap some water and cool a tank better than nothing.
 
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