Chiller Suggestions Needed

[CCTVReef]

Looks like I need to put a chiller on the tank. Temps been running 82-85. Can anyone give me some advice on which way to go? 100 gallon integrated Uniquarium tank that has the sump built in the back. I plan to put it directly behind the tank on the other side of the wall in the garage. Good or bad brands? Size? 1/5 HP big enough? Any first hand experience or suggestions? Anybody got a used one for sale?

 

[mpcart]

Have you already tried running a fan?

-Mike

 

[bmrescort]

Several things need to be addressed here. I thought about doing the same thing that you have done and then I figured that with the extreme heat and cold in st. louis that the garage was the last place that I wanted my tank.(Unless its heated and A/c'd. You will need a pretty big chiller for the heat and a nice heater for the winter. The best thing to do is build a room around the tank and add an a/c unit to it for the summer. I know that your garage is going to be well over 100 degrees this summer if its not air conditioned and that is not going to play well with an unchilled fish tank. I bet your tank will be over 85 today.

 

[geoxman]

I think he meant putting the chiller in the garage not the tank.

I really like the JBJ arctica chillers they are very quiet and efficient. JMHO

I concur with Mike on the fan as well.

I had a uniquarium years ago and I was able to put a float switch in the rear by the return pump so I did not have to worry about top off when the fan was running.

 

[sbeason]

I agree with geoxman, JBJ chillers are very nice and quiet. I have one myself on my 72 gallon and it does a great job. I am sure other chillers can/will do just as well. -Steve

 

[CCTVReef]

I have a fan pulling air across the top of the water & it works very well. It makes 2 degrees difference on the water temp. I have placed another fan blowing across the top of the sump since moving. It helps also. Still not enough though. The JBJ's look nice as do some of the less expensive imports. Is 1/10HP enough?

Jerry, would it really make a difference where the chiller itself goes? After all, air conditioner units are outside. The tank is actually in the house. It backs up to the garage wall-the garage is insulated but not climate controlled.

What is the best way to regulate waterflow? Just use a ball valve & test the water flow? I have read significantly different water flow requirements on the specs of different units.

I have seen some drop in coil units. I have not heard or read any positive feedback on these. It would save some plumbing but I am not sure about the performance & reliability

 

[sbeason]

I have seen many 90 gallon systems use the 1/10HP chiller(I have this same one) and it works out well. If you want it to cool down quicker, you may want to go with the 1/5 or 1/4HP. I run my from my drain side of my sump through my chiller and back into my return pump side of my sump. I have mine set to come on at 80 degrees and off at 79. I would say that it runs 15 to 30 minutes at a time when my dual 250 MH are on. -Steve

 

[geoxman]

I had a 120ish tank with a sump on the 1/10 JBJ. It can and will handle your system unless your ambient air is 90. I use an MJ1200 on mine. JBJ 1/10...good luck

 

[bmrescort]

ok. ok, boy did I ever misread that one,lol.

 

[miguel242]

I was also in the market for a chiller but ended up buying a stanley blower deal thing from walmart and I have been able to keep my temperature at 80. It's hardcore so that may be of help unless, as was mentioned earlier the ambient temperature is 90.

 

[spooda420]

http://picasaweb.google.com/chris.pollmann/LobsterChillerForSale200

I have this one that I bought a short time ago, never hooked it up. This would be great for a DIY project.

I'd like to et $200 for it, but the wife wants it out of the basement. Make offer.

 

[DrBDC]

That's what's in the bottom of my frag/lobster tank and it works great even up to 400 gallons of system. Toss that in a stock tank sump and you're set to go.

 

[CCTVReef]

Thanks for all the tips! I thought I had it under control earlier this spring with fans but the temp continued to climb slowly. I did a water change this weekend & noticed the one fan had some dust on the edges of the fan blades & cage around it. I took it to the basement & blew it all off with an air compressor. Put it back on the tank & now it runs three degrees cooler! Maybe fans will do it after all. I couldn't believe that a little dirt could make that much difference!

If I end up with a chiller it looks like a 1/10 HP JBJ will be the way to go. The fans buy me a little more time to research & save my tank money!