How often does your chiller run?

[Spar]

I just setup my 1HP chiller but not sure what the benchmark is for how often these things typically run.

I just setup MH lighting on my tank as well (replacing a LED setup prior), so am getting more heat. My chiller seems to run for about 20-30 minutes on, 30-40 minutes off per hour during the lighting period. Then infrequent when the lights are off. This is to maintain ~79F temp.

Is this similar to others chillers in running time/frequency?

 

[sirreal63]

That's about right for time but I would let the temp rise more, 79 is a little cool for a set point. A warmer temp will not run as often and can help with growth. Unless you have creatures that require a cooler temp, it is ok to let it be warmer.

 

[Playa-1]

That seems like a lot to me but there are lots of variables to a question like that. I run open canopy, MH lighting, fan across sump. The ambient temp of the room is usually reasonable and my chiller is out in the garage collecting dust. My temp range for the tank is 77 to 85 depending on the time of the year, and at 85 the controller will kill the primary lights. That is on a lightly stocked mixed reef. The controller only kills the lights a few times per year on the hottest of days. Things like ambient temp of the room, fans and canopy's can dramatically affect the temp of the tank. A little temp swing is ok too, there's no need to try and keep it controlled tightly at 79F.

 

[Spar]

Thanks both. I will up the temp a bit more. I don't have a fan over my sump yet as haven't needed that before MH. Obviously that will help quite a bit.

My chiller has a built in heater also is my main issue. Only allows a 1 degree swing. I need to read more on it to see if I can set the margin greater. Or even disable the heater in the chiller.

 

[autodave]

Thanks both. I will up the temp a bit more. I don't have a fan over my sump yet as haven't needed that before MH. Obviously that will help quite a bit.

My chiller has a built in heater also is my main issue. Only allows a 1 degree swing. I need to read more on it to see if I can set the margin greater. Or even disable the heater in the chiller.

I had to readjust my chiller temp differential to let it swing a little. I don't think it needs to be so tight

 

[Ron Reefman]

Cliff,

We have pretty similar conditions. My system is a bit smaller, only 350g, and I have 1320w of MH over it. I keep the temp between 78-80 degrees. No fan over the sump or DT. I'm in SW Florida so similar to your weather and we let our home get pretty warm (80-84 degrees). My chiller is behind the house on a north wall in the shade and in a plastic storage cabinet that is well vented.

OK, all that said, my 1hp chiller runs just about exactly the same as yours. At night it kicks on for about 1-2 minutes every 30 minutes or so. In the daytime it's like yours, on for 15 or so and off for 30-45. I run about 800-1000gph to the chiller from the sump and return to the DT.

 

[Buzz1329]

I have a much smaller system but, FWIW, my light fixture fan turns on whenever metal halides (2 x 250) turn on, fans over sump/DT come on at 80, and chiller kicks in at 81. In my neck of the woods, and given our liberal use of C/A, that means the chiller is on for a few hours a week at most.

 

[MaLi]

... for what is worth; check the chiller air filter and see if is not dirty. Air restriction will increase considerably the running time.

hope it helps,
MaLi

 

[dan-in-gr]

Hi, a few days ago when it was in the 90 degree area, my chiller would kick on for 25 to 30 minutes then maybe start again an hour later, this is during the late afternoon when temps peak. I run MH, but have a fan blowing across tank. I will be changing fan and setting up two with them plugged into MH circuit so they run when MH is on.

You should change your temp. Yours is kinda of the low side. Mine is set to kick on at 81 degrees and pull down to 80 degrees. Also, I start my light cycle much earlier than most. My actinics/blues turn of at 8 am an off at 6 pm, and the metal halides are on at 8:30 am and off at 2:45. So main lights are off when the temps are hitting the hottest part of day, keeps my chiller use much lower. Then again, I am retired and home so this light cycle is excellent for me. If you work and get home after 5 pm, you will want an end of day light cycle, and your chiller will run more.

Things that will help: 1) fans over tank 2) raise temp higher for chiller and 3) earlier light cycle if possible. There may be other ways, that I have not tried.