Chiller Rating Question?

[jeffberg]

Does anybody know the criteria for rating a chiller? I have a 1/3 hp inline chiller that is rated for a 300 gallon tank on my 150 say 200 max with fuge. This chiller has always struggled to pull down the temp 2 degrees from 81 to 79. Ambient air in my house 77 degrees chiller has no cover and mounted outside of the tank stand with good air movement.It runs for over an hour to pull it down the 2 degrees. The chiller manufacturer says in a perfect world the chiller should run 45 minutes to pull the 2 degrees. I don't want to mention the name of manufacturer as they have been helpful and I am just trying to figure this out. Do they rate them at ambient air temp with no pumps and no lights? thanks Jeff

 

[DarG]

This is the best chiller calculator:

http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod_chiller_size.asp

Doesnt sound like anything is necessarily wrong with your chiller despite the manufacturer stating that 45 minutes cycle time would be perfect. You have 200 gallons of water and with all the things that add heat to the tank (lights, pumps, powerheads) I wouldnt say that your chikller is struggling.

I have a 90, with 20 gallon sump so 110 gallons. Also have a 1/3 HP chiller, Current Usa Prime modular. With the lights on during the day (halides + T5), 2 external pumps, 4 circulation pumps, house temp of 78 and ambient temp of 85 in the fish room wher ethe chiller is located, my 1/3 hp runs for about 45-50 minutes during the day. About 38 - 40 minutes at night or early morning when lights are off. Thats with controller set at 77 degress and also with about a 2 degree swing).

I have an old Universal Marine 1/5th that would easily run for over 2 hours to chill this same tank.

Just keep an eye on it, 1 hour is nothing. If it starts taking longer and longer to cool the tank with all else staying the same, then you have something to worry about.

 

[DarG]

BTW, it's probably better to keep the cover on the chiller. They usually help
the fan direct the cool air over the fins.

 

[jeffberg]

Thanks for the info.