DIY chiller?

[digidana]

ok...i've got some MAD corals. i went from probably running the lights too long to having to cut way back cause its heating up so much.

richard doesn't like my idea of just adding a constant supply of RODI ice cubes (kills 2 birds...keeps it cool and combats evaporation?)

so, i found this: http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/dyiprojects/l/bldiydonchiller.htm

what do you think? think it could keep up with my system? i already have two fridges that i could use. one is cube size like is shown, and another is about waist high made to fit under a counter.

if it won't work...any ideas on mods that would make it work?

just thought i'd throw it out there.

 

[modifyd]

If that doesn't work I have a split system chiller from a lobster tank that can cool even very large tanks.

 

[GPhiAce]

I am a little skeptical (did I speel that right?) that it will be able to keep up with a tank your size and the amount of water that you have. I think that if you feed it to your sump, it may warm up by the time it hits your display, but I am not sure about the insulation of your pipes nor how long they are. if you make it, make sure you have a bunch of coils. Overall, i think it may be worth a shot-- after all, you already have the parts and can recycle them if it does not work to your liking. But this is all from someone with no experience in this type of DIY. I thought I saw a design that may work for you using the coils which are used in chillers/freezers instead of the refrigerator itself. I hope someone else chimes in.

 

[mattjfishman]

I too think it might be a better idea if it went through a freezer.

 

[tommy patton]

the only problem i see with running it through a freezer is when the tank is cool enough and it quits pumping water through the hose it will freeze inside the hose

 

[digidana]

it says that you're supposed to remove the freezer "box" but keep the thermostat so it cools the whole fridge to freezer temps if need be...and you're supposed to keep enough flow through it to keep it from freezing. i'm guessing the temp would have to be set maybe just over freezing?

mod...hmmm! whacha askin for it?? i've gotta do something.

 

[helix149]

Give me a call fri if you have my number if not shoot me a email in the morn and I will call ya at a good time. there are several ways to make it work fairly easily. Flow verse freeze would be an issue but not that much depending on how warm the tank is getting and the set up and it can be set up on a valve for adjustments and shutoff when not needed. If I have it in my head correctly it could actually be done as a gravity setup with your current configuration as I saw it fairly easily using one fridge to start off and some copper and plastic tubing then changed to 2 if necessary . I would also be happy to help you design and set things up and get it running as I am so close anyway and I love the diy stuff and have that kind of background. some tools avail too if you need any that I have you are welcome to borrow them.

 

[helix149]

oh yeah duh copper deadly for tank :mad2: k so you use plastic hmmm horrible for heat transfer hmm lets me think on that one there has to be a better way still though idno ill mull it over and chat with you fri

 

[TriMax]

I have thought about this alot. I am not the HVAC expert, but many people on several forums that sounded like they were, said that a refrig is not efficient enough and does not have the necessary capacity to do what reefers need a chiller to do. Look on several equipment forums before you invest $$$$$. Also if you get a chiller, get one that is bigger than you think you need.

 

[macclellan]

It sounds to me like you'd be ruining a fridge by drilling it, and would end up paying more in electrical bills in the long run... DIY projects are fun, but seldom function as well or efficiently as the real deal, and oftentimes cost about as much due to unexpected parts, gas $, etc.

I'd sell the freezers and get a used chiller off the forums.

Have you thought about fans, lower watt/more efficient pumps/powerheads that put out less heat, running your lights at night when it's cooler, etc?

 

[EvilMel]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15140287#post15140287 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by macclellan
It sounds to me like you'd be ruining a fridge by drilling it, and would end up paying more in electrical bills in the long run... DIY projects are fun, but seldom function as well or efficiently as the real deal, and oftentimes cost about as much due to unexpected parts, gas $, etc.

I'd sell the freezers and get a used chiller off the forums.

+1

 

[Runner]

The heat exchange on that plastic tubing would be horrendous. I thought you typically used a titanium tube coil inside these DIY referigerators?

I have found that DIY = lots of headaches unless you have the right application (like my auto-top-off or retrofit lights). Add cubes for a while and save for a chiller.

 

[goreefer]

I seriously doubt that this size of a chiller will make much of a difference with your system.
From what I have researched on RC most say that the DIY chillers are not worth the effort.
As others have said you really need titanium coils as plastic will not transfer the heat efficiently. I know from my profession that polyethylene(ie. ice maker tube) does not like to heat up or cool down. The transfer of the energy is very slow. This does not make a efficient chiller.
You would be better off just biting the bullet and purchasing a used chiller from either RC or another reefer.
And you never know, Matt, Abby or Mel may make you a good deal at the Coral Reef.