Chiller suggestions
- Thread starter jeffberg
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steve the plumb
In Memoriam
I am probably going to get this model my system is similar to yours except my sump is larger http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=40_43_223&products_id=1148
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
On the page it can do 525 gal pull down to 9 degrees its rated for a 400 gal system. I was also looking at the sea line 1/2 HP chiller witch can do 400 gal 10 degree pull down is that not enough?
Based on advice of another reefer, I have been looking at the Deltec Eco Chillers. Expensive to purchase, but after that, they are only a couple dollars per month to operate instead of several hundred in electrical bills p/month like most other chillers. It supposedly pays for itself in two hot summer months. The Deltec Eco chillers are basically an evaporation fan driven tower units, not a refrigrant condensor unit. Apparently very popular in europe and only more recently picking-up attention here. Here is a description:
It works on the principle of cooling tower, with system water being cooled through evaporation. System water is sprayed via a spray bar that rotates over open plastic netting and while the water travels down through the media and back into the sump, fans push air the opposite way up the media tower increasing water/air contact. Some water evaporates and exits the top of the tower as humid air, whilst the water going back into the sump has been slightly cooled. This makes it much cheaper to run - just 88 watts whilst an equivalent refrigerant chiller could use 750 watts or more.
-- Cooling - 1800 watts
-- Power - 88 watts
-- Recommended flow - 1,500-2,000lph
Downsides are two: need to vent it outside (no problem if equipment is outside like me); and increases evaporation and therefore requires good rodi top-off system.
It works on the principle of cooling tower, with system water being cooled through evaporation. System water is sprayed via a spray bar that rotates over open plastic netting and while the water travels down through the media and back into the sump, fans push air the opposite way up the media tower increasing water/air contact. Some water evaporates and exits the top of the tower as humid air, whilst the water going back into the sump has been slightly cooled. This makes it much cheaper to run - just 88 watts whilst an equivalent refrigerant chiller could use 750 watts or more.
-- Cooling - 1800 watts
-- Power - 88 watts
-- Recommended flow - 1,500-2,000lph
Downsides are two: need to vent it outside (no problem if equipment is outside like me); and increases evaporation and therefore requires good rodi top-off system.
I'm curious what the draw down is on that ECO chiller?? Will it draw 20 degrees off a 500 as a 1HP will? You would be evaporating a lot of water to cool a large system. What's the largest system they sell for??
Might take a unit the size of a refrigerator.
Also spray bar rotating over plastic netting. sound a lot like Bio balls, nitrate factory??
I know Deltec makes some high end equipment. But this seems a little over the top...
Might take a unit the size of a refrigerator.
Also spray bar rotating over plastic netting. sound a lot like Bio balls, nitrate factory??
I know Deltec makes some high end equipment. But this seems a little over the top...
yaktop
New member
its basically a up to date swamp chiller. best idea, lots of evaporation though and only good in mild to hot climates. not good for cooler more temperate climates so it would have to be literally disconnected and put away for the season. anyone of experience with these? not sure how much involved but like the idea also.
Here is a link and pic of an image of the Eco Chiller (I think an older model) posted by a reefer describing his own sweet set-up.
The guy with the set-up shown above has his old Teco chiller set-up as a back-up. I also have a Teco 680, so i'd do the same.
Here is a link to the US distributor's page listing the chillers - images are a bit different than the above pic, so I think the model has been updated: http://www.deltecusa.us/ecocoolers/index.php
I understand from what I've read that the inside plastic netting does have to be cleaned about once a month. If water runs through it via your overflow, than cleaning more often might be needed - don't know yet by any first hand experience. Some people have posted that they have not only the chiller but the pump running it both on a temp controller. This way water only flows through it when chilling, so the rest of the time, the plastic dries out and prevents it from becoming a bio issue.
At only 44 watts to run it, I'm very interested, especially with my S.Cal electrical rates. A regular chiller on my new 225gl - 450+gl system could cost hundreds a month.
The guy with the set-up shown above has his old Teco chiller set-up as a back-up. I also have a Teco 680, so i'd do the same.
Here is a link to the US distributor's page listing the chillers - images are a bit different than the above pic, so I think the model has been updated: http://www.deltecusa.us/ecocoolers/index.php
I understand from what I've read that the inside plastic netting does have to be cleaned about once a month. If water runs through it via your overflow, than cleaning more often might be needed - don't know yet by any first hand experience. Some people have posted that they have not only the chiller but the pump running it both on a temp controller. This way water only flows through it when chilling, so the rest of the time, the plastic dries out and prevents it from becoming a bio issue.
At only 44 watts to run it, I'm very interested, especially with my S.Cal electrical rates. A regular chiller on my new 225gl - 450+gl system could cost hundreds a month.
I have all deltec equipment available except for the eco cooler because i have heard that it is inneffective in warm climates (i live in texas) and produces so much humidity if plumbed in inside it creates issues. Also- not sure about the nitrates but have heard problems with that if it is not cleaned every two weeks...
Concur with both Yaktop and GMFett, but with clarification. This chiller is more effective in warm climates and dry climates (like Cal, AZ, etc) but, because it works on evaporation, might be less effective in humid climates (like Florida) where the air is already so humid that the evaporation rate would likely be greatly reduced.
When the plastic dries out doesn't everything bio related die. Then it gets flushed back into the system, when it re-starts??
I don't think you would get much drawdown. Putting fan on your sump and tank might work about the same..
All this and the price is around 1,700.00 for the large model??
Just my .2 cents
I don't think you would get much drawdown. Putting fan on your sump and tank might work about the same..
All this and the price is around 1,700.00 for the large model??
Just my .2 cents
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