Chiller Plumbing Question

[RoachF4]

Happy Friday

OK, so I want to plumb my chiller into my new tank which has dual drains/overflows. On my current tank I have a Quiet One 4000HH return that goes straight to the chiller and back to the display tank. On the new tank I was thinking of running a Eheim 1262 in the sump (which I still need to acquire...might go custom, so that could play into this).

My first idea is to put a Y adapter on the return with valves on each line, run one line straight back to the display and the other through the chiller and back to the display.

Or

Run a separate pump in the sump through the chiller and then back to the sump. I just wanted to see what the general consensus was out there, pros/cons and such. I'd appreciate any ideas or suggestions. Thanks.

Matt

 

[pmrossetti]

I like the seperate pump way. Easier in the long run. if you have enough flow the first is fine to. saves watts.

 

[RoachF4]

The seperate pump method seem easier to maintain, but how much water will I be recirculating through the chiller before the display actually gets cooled? It might no be a big deal, but since I have the opportunity to design it from scratch I want to do it right.

 

[Gold Stripe]

In my experience, you want the chiller returned to the display. Much less efficient if you are just cooling the sump and then letting it cool the display.

Also, if a separate chiller pump goes out you will freeze up your chiller and may not notice that the pump is out for some time. If your return goes out you will more than likely notice it sooner and take action to prevent damage.

That being said, I have my chiller on a closed loop but I have the pump remotely positioned where I pass it several times every day and will notice if its not running.