Chiller recommendations?

[tallkooljp]

I have a 125gal tank with 2 400 MH lights hanging about 15" above the water. Theres a wet/dry sump below the tank as well. I can't run my a/c all the time so I think I need to finally break down and buy a chiller. I tried taking the lids off and I have decent flow but the thing is just getting way to hot, like 85 degrees. I am just starting the tank back up so its not a major issue yet, but I want to get it down to like 78. I was going to get a 1/4hp chiller but now I think that may not be enough and should do 1/3 hp. Any recommendations on size or brand? I was thinking the Prime in-line tower chiller. I am trying to keep it under $600 if possible. Thanks for any help or feedback.

Jim

 

[polypman]

I have a 120g w/ 2-400w MH's. I run the 1/3 hp JBJ Artica chiller distributed by JBJ Lighting. It has a built in temp controller but the biggest reason I bought it is because it's quiet. (My tank is in the family room.) They cost around $800 http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod_chiller.html
I am in Florida so it's hot most of the time. I had the 1/3hp for 2 yrs and a 1/10hp on a smaller tank for about 3 yrs. No problems of either one.

 

[erc111]

I have a Pacific Coast Imports 1/4 hp chiller (I paid $535 including shipping) on my 120G tank that is in the garage (another story) here near Orlando.
It also has a built in temp controller, seems to be pretty accurate.
But is not so quiet. The fan is kinda loud.

I keep the tank at 78F.

It works great, but I just got this months electric bill and it is $635!!!
Last year this month without the chiller it was about $500.

I have a large house and the electric rates have gone up about 20% this year due to fuel costs, so I don't know the actual costs of running the chiller.

 

[theatrus]

The JBJs are very quiet. Not the most BTUs though (Current USA Prime tends to claim more BTUs per HP of chiller)