Ice Probe or Chiller???

[Bemmer]

Hey guys,
I have a 40g tall tank with a 20 gallon sump that I am planning...have been planning for a while now...to set up as a seahorse tank. I was thinking about the ice probe but I don't think it is big enough for this size tank. Would a 1/10 hp chiller be big enough or do I have to go larger? Optimum temperature would be 76-78F. My temp is currently around 80F. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Quatro]

Have to go chiller.

I've got an ice probe on a 20 gallon, and I don't think it could lower the temp more than a degree on good day, so I had to get a 1/10 chiller too. Especially with a sump, there's going to be a lot of heat from pumps, etc. Go for a nice chiller. Tecos look very nice, I've got an Aqua-Euro that's very loud. I'd go for a quiet one, because the tank is going to be noisy enough with overflows, skimmers, pumps, etc.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/8/review3

 

[Jeremy B.]

I agree with hceiv, the ice probe just wouldn't cut it. A 1/10 would be more than sufficient on that size tank, and could pull down even more if you wanted it to. If you want something quiet look into the Pacific Coast or JBJ.

 

[Bemmer]

Guys,
Thanks for your input. Jeremy, great to hear from you. I guess I need to give you a call about a new chiller for my seahorse tank. I decided to put a chiller on just the seahorse tank instead of the entire 450g system. Generally, the main tank gets no warmer than 82F. Every once in a while in the summer it may spike to 84F but I have the aquacontroller set to have the MH turn off at 82F.

So, thank you both for your advice on the 1/10 PC chiller. BTW, this chiller will be placed in the fish room. Do you think I should get a portable A/C unit as well to keep the room from getting too warm?

Also, does the chiller have a pump to pull the water out of the sump or do I have to have a pump put into the sump to run the water through the chiller?

Thanks