Chillers

[Tsteak]

I've never run a chiller, and been able to maintain a temp of 80* using compacts only (hamilton hood). I want to upgrade lighting, and figure I should first get a chiller and my temp down a few degrees. I'm starting somewhat fresh after a crash (lost most of my livestock).

What are some good chillers with value and simplicity in mind?

I'm dealing with approx. 140gal total water volume.

I'm planning on eventually getting 2x250w light hood from coralife, tank is 24" deep.

 

[steelersfan]

I really like the JBJ Arctica chillers. Currently, I am using the 1/4 HP JBJ on my Elos 120XL (approximately 127 gallons). The chiller is very quiet and works really well.

 

[cmm1970]

A Tunze would manage your tank easily.

 

[daveonbass]

+1 to the JBJ Arctica chillers...I have the 1/5hp on my 60 gallon system. Since my system ALWAYS runs hot...all it does is kick on at the upper level...then turn off when it's at the lower level (+1/-1 degree of the set temp.) I set mine at 78 right now, used to be 77 but I'm trying to conserve electricity right now and lower my electric bill.

Bare in mind that the chiller will only work if the temp of the room is cooler than the desired temp of the tank...you can't cool a tank in a hot room.

Either way...these are super easy to set up...you need tubing (probably got some laying around) and an extra pump...that's it.

They are easy to read and easy to use (and adjust). And to make it sweeter...they are super quite.

 

[HighlandReef]

i have heard good things about the tunze ato setup
try the halides, you never know you might not need a chiller, my 210 dont run one and i have 3 250 halides w/t5's

 

[Tsteak]

Thanks all, I'll check them out. CGRANT, I'm with you there; why add the extra expense, except that the purpose of the lighting upgrade is to get into sps coral and clams as opposed to the softies I mainly had under my compacts. Is 80-82* not too hot for these guys? I've never kept stonies...

 

[frank40]

you should be fine at those temps, i keep mine at 81 in the summertime and my tank spikes at 83.5 before the chiller kicks on and never had an issue with sps or clams.

 

[Tsteak]

Sounds like I just saved $700, thanks!

 

[jmoney]

I use a current usa 1/10hp on my 75 gallon and it hardly runs for more than a minute 4 or 5 times a day, plus I like that it can control my heaters at well, we keep the a/c on all night

 

[Kreator]

you could get away with a few fans on your tank, along with turning your lights on around 7am and off at 3pm.

This will conserve energy and your tank will not even hit 80 degrees...

Just an idea!

 

[James77]

Halides do not always mean a chiller is needed- Ive never used one. Use fans to cool the fixtures, and fans especially across the water surface to evaporate. I keep my tank at 80* minimum. On the hottest days, it has creeped up to 85 ish with no ill effects.

 

[Tsteak]

Thanks, all great advice. I'm going to purchase a retrofit coralife light kit and finally build a canopy; I built the stand and was expecting to upgrade the lighting a couple years ago, but it fell off the priority list.

Suggestions on canopy design? Or if I'm lucky any pics?

To support the retrofit lighting, it will need a top, so I was thinking I would leave the back open (tank is freestanding against a wall) and put an intake fan on one end and outlet fan on the other... I'm still pondering the best way to have it open; I've been thinking maybe the front flips while the whole top hinges from the back...

 

[ruggirello2]

What kind of Chiller do you recommend for a Elos 160xl? My tank is 200 gallon and 17 gallon for the sump

 

[amore169]

Trade Wind would be my choice.

 

[alrha]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15502787#post15502787 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by amore169
Trade Wind would be my choice.

+TradeWind: my 1/2HP TradeWind drop-in arrives today...