MrDemonicAngel
New member
I'm running a Red Sea Max Nano (20g) tank with Prime HD lights. I picked up the CSXC-1 Hydroponic Chiller made by Chill Solutions. I like to keep my tank at around 78 degrees. Without the chiller the highest it has reached outside of summer season was 82 degrees.
https://www.chillsolutions.com/collections/all/products/csxc-1-aquarium-chiller
Pros:
- built in temp sensor and controller
- easy to setup
- quiet
- it works (to a certain degree as advertised)
Cons:
- a bit larger than I expected. It has to be left in a ventilated area so its clearly visible.
- the power brick get extremely hot. Was using 3M mounting velcro strips but the heat melted the adhesive off.
- it can't cool the tank to desired temp if ambient temp is too high. Recently we had a 90+ degree weather when I was out. Therefore no AC was on in the house. Although the chiller was on, it could not bring the tank temp below 81 degrees.
Verdict: After using the chiller for 2 weeks now for my size tank I'm satisfied. I need to plan better for 90+ degree weather by making sure my AC turns on.
On a side note:
I did buy the installation kit without the pump. I connected the chiller to my return pump. I did have to buy hose adapters. Chiller uses 1/2" ID but my return pump is 3/4" ID. The plastic clamps that came with the installation kit didn't seem reliable therefore I used zipties. The U-bend and the vinyl tubing was worth the purchase of the installation kit. I did not buy the wall mount. Currently I mounted the chiller using the 3M velcro strip (strongest one).
https://www.chillsolutions.com/collections/all/products/csxc-1-aquarium-chiller
Pros:
- built in temp sensor and controller
- easy to setup
- quiet
- it works (to a certain degree as advertised)
Cons:
- a bit larger than I expected. It has to be left in a ventilated area so its clearly visible.
- the power brick get extremely hot. Was using 3M mounting velcro strips but the heat melted the adhesive off.
- it can't cool the tank to desired temp if ambient temp is too high. Recently we had a 90+ degree weather when I was out. Therefore no AC was on in the house. Although the chiller was on, it could not bring the tank temp below 81 degrees.
Verdict: After using the chiller for 2 weeks now for my size tank I'm satisfied. I need to plan better for 90+ degree weather by making sure my AC turns on.
On a side note:
I did buy the installation kit without the pump. I connected the chiller to my return pump. I did have to buy hose adapters. Chiller uses 1/2" ID but my return pump is 3/4" ID. The plastic clamps that came with the installation kit didn't seem reliable therefore I used zipties. The U-bend and the vinyl tubing was worth the purchase of the installation kit. I did not buy the wall mount. Currently I mounted the chiller using the 3M velcro strip (strongest one).
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