CL-280 Chiller

[dcoufal]

I'm thinking about purchasing 2 of the CL-280 1/10hp chillers.

One will be for a 125gal FW tank that has been sitting at 88 degrees for some time and the other for a new 40gal Reef tank that I'm setting up -- it's sitting at 85 degress with 4 small power heads and the lights are off. The house temp is set at 78 degrees.

Anyway, I'm quite picky when it comes to noise.... How much noise does this chiller make when it's running? Any guess on the average time it will run within a 24 hour period to maintain 82 degrees in each tank? (After the initial time to drop the temps, of course...) My math shows the elec. cost would be about $3.00/month for each unit for 4 hours/day.... seems quite reasonable.

Also, any chance there's a discount if I purchase 2? Or, even better, do you have any discounted units?

Thanks for the help.

Dwain

 

[jasonfrey]

Hi Dwain,

These are very quiet for a chiller. They do make some refrigeration type sound when they come on, but it's the most quiet chiller we have used so far. I don't think you'll notice the noise over your regular tank noise. Your 40 gallon, i imagine it will only run for short time each hour. The 125 would run more though, but i would just be guessing on how long. They are pretty powerful for there size, so shouldn't be too bad.

We have these at a lower price then normal right now, so can't discount them, but we do get scratch and dent from time to time. We actually just sold 2 last week that were S&D. It might be a few weeks before we get more S&D's though.

thanks

 

[dcoufal]

Ever heard of any problems with them as far as leakage goes - since the in/out lines are on top of the unit?

Dwain

 

[jasonfrey]

Hi,

Can't recall any leaking problems and we have sold a lot of units. We have had a few fans go out, that is the only warranty issues i can remember with them. Pacific Coast is really easy to deal with too if you do run into a problem. From the amount we have sold and amount of problems, i would say percentage of defects is less then 1%, really low. So far it's been a really solid unit.

thanks

 

[dcoufal]

Thanks!

 

[Tomzpc]

Jason...can these chillers be controlled with an external temp. controller? I have an aqualogic dual-stage controller for my heater and chiller. I am looking to replace a Via Aqua chiller that went south for my 90 gallon reef. I had to mod the Via Aqua chiller by shorting it's built in controller with a small piece of wire since the Via Aqua doesn't hold temp. settings when power is shut off to it.

Second question: I've read mixed reviews here on RC as to whether or not this chiller is too small for my setup (90 with 20 sump). The worst-case pulldown that I need is from 87-88 to 81-82. Obviously a chiller shouldn't be running constantly so I'm concerned about the unit being able to handle this without overburdening it. What do you think?

Thanks...Tom

 

[jasonfrey]

Hi Tom,

Yes, you can use a separate controller on these by turning them way down and then let the other controller kick it on and off.

If you can put the chiller in a place where it's exhaust will not raise the tank temp any and has enough air around it to keep cool, then it should keep up very well. So just depends on how efficient it is installed. There is a new model coming out, the CL-450 which is 1/6HP, would easily handle your tank, but i do think the 280 would do the job.

thanks

 

[bill-e]

I have one and though quiet, mine does have a rattle in it. If it wasn't in my basement I'd find and fix that. They are as loud as a dehumidifier.

It is working great on my 65 in my unairconditioned house and the built in controller keeps my tank at 80 +2/-0

I emailed Pacific Coast and asked about using an external controller and they recommended against that...not sure why it would make any difference..

The one thing I did do to get more flow was contact Pacific Coast and get larger fittings. I could not get enough flow through it with the included fittings...just too much resistance I think for my isntallation. having it set right by your tank might be a different story.

I'm very happy with mine.

 

[PorkPie5000]

Can you guys recommend a pump for this chiller? I'm looking for something that I can drop in my Precision Marine R24 refugium. I know the chiller says min 300 gph/max 600 gph. What is the danger of going a little under the 300? Just not eficient or is it going to freeze up?

Thanks for any info you can supply.

 

[jasonfrey]

Hi,

I would recommend the Mag500 if right next to the tank, if farther out, up, or fancy plumbing i would look at the Mag700 or higher.

I would stick with 300 gph or more. I imagine it could freeze the coil or something if you go too low.

thanks