I am looking at buying a chiller for my 34 gallon RedSeaMax nano tank. I was looking at the JBJ Mini Arctica Chiller 1/10 HP for $340 but they also have the Current Prime 1/15 HP on sale for $255 at http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2004+113768. The thing is the Current is smaller but works up to 50 gallon, the JBJ Mini Artica is good for up to 40 gallons. I definantly like the idea of the smaller one being able to work more water. Can someone help a noob and give some input and also let me know of maybe another vendor to purchase a chiller from for cheaper? Also, does anyone have a coupon code for drsfostersmith?
Chiller recommendations for a noob!
- Thread starter shramj
- Start date
Henry Bowman
Reefing since '87
Take the ratings with a grain of salt. You are better off to go with a chiller that is rated for about 10-15% larger water volume than you have. I have heard and read good things about the JBJ products (chillers) and that's the one I'd go with.
FWIW
FWIW
Stinkyfish1
New member
Don't get the Current 1/15, I just replaced it about 2 months ago with the JBJ 1/10 chiller. The Current is highly over rated. I wouldn't use that chiller on anything over 30G. The JBJ has been great so far, i can get a 15 degree pull down on a 45g system with out much effort.
I was looking at the Pacific Coast CL-280, 1/10 HP Chiller but it needs 500 gph to 800 gph, it costs around $350.00. It says it runs quiet but I am concerned about the pump I would need to run it. I want to get a pump that I can put in the back lid of my RedSeaMax. I know the Rio 1400 will fit but it cannot do the GPH the Pacific Coast needs. I am now thinking of going back to the JBJ. Is the JBJ quiet or does it run loud? As, does your unit put off alot of heat?
Stinkyfish1
New member
The JBJ is fairly quite for size of the thing. It's about the size of a PC mid tower case but actually makes less noise than my old 1/15 Current chiller. I have it pretty close to my bed and am not bothered by it.
As for heat expelled out the back its not realy an issue. You know its working when the air coming out the back is warm. With the old Current, waist of $$, the air coming out the back was hardly warm which showed it wasn't very effective.
As for heat expelled out the back its not realy an issue. You know its working when the air coming out the back is warm. With the old Current, waist of $$, the air coming out the back was hardly warm which showed it wasn't very effective.
Dwarf Seahorses
New member
On a side note, pacific coast imports 1/10 HP goes for about $330 and it is the best for the money. It may not look pretty like Teco Seachill's but some people are using it on tanks up to 180 gallons.
It's a beast with great raw pull down power without all the extras.
It's a beast with great raw pull down power without all the extras.
I like my JBJ. Its bigger than the one you have but is still very quiet, it sits outside the stand in my living room and I dont notice it.
Another good point, when I did have an issue with the chiller, JBJ shipped me a replacement and gave me a return authorization for the malfunctioning one. Its nice to know that they stand behind their warranty and even go beyond it.
Another good point, when I did have an issue with the chiller, JBJ shipped me a replacement and gave me a return authorization for the malfunctioning one. Its nice to know that they stand behind their warranty and even go beyond it.
bgiles11
New member
From what I have heard "from reputable" specialist, they say that the size chiller that is required is all based on the conditions in which they are to be ran. I.E. if you are only trying to bring down the temp 2 degrees, you would not need the same size chiller that would reduce it 6 degrees. I am by far no expert on chillers. However, I am thinking about changing over from VHO's to MH's so i have been doing some research.
