My Chiller Setup **Lots of pictures**
- Thread starter ReefRelated
- Start date
hello rgibson. funny how this thread keeps popping up from time to time. I don't actually need a chiller on my system but I can only assume that since I have never had a call back they are all running still. I just finished a job on about a 500 gallon system a few weeks ago. I tried it a little different using leak lock on the flares and threads instead of soldering. those fittings are a real pain to get to seal so I am hoping the leak lock will work out. if your not familiar it is that blue pipe dope. I think that major store used to sell it but since they stop selling everything that works I won't say their name here to help with advertising. every a/c supply house I have ever been to has leak lock. probably plumbing houses also.
take care,
robert
take care,
robert
5000btu works best up to about a 120 or 150. 6000 up to about 250 or so. 8000 up to about 400 or so. these are just numbers that I have built that have worked out very well. I have put a 10,000 btu unit on a 1/2 hp barrel and it worked awesome. I have also never been called back to it and that has been maybe 3 years? the wilson evaporators are made for lobster tanks and have alot more surface area than say a chiller made for reef aquariums. use water flow adjustment when charging the system. more water raises the pressures and of course less water lowers the pressures. make sure the suction line starts to sweat or stays at max 65 degrees F . 50-55 is more what you prefer.
dgasmd
New member
Just a word of caution and maybe robthorn can correct me here. The cost of copper tubing has gone up tremendously in the last few months, so if you ahve a significant distance to travel it may increase the cost of your set up considerably compared to a year ago. I was told this by a friend of mine that does set up AC units for a living as we were planning on a jumbo unit for myself. Maybe Rob can be more accurate in price increases than me since he also does AC for a living.
you are right the cost of copper has gone up 3 to 4 times what it was this time last year. your probably around $100-125 for both rolls of copper at 50 ft each. if you have an a/c guy help you it's possible that if you don't need that much he may have enough on hand and save you some money. that is what I have done in the past. I buy wholesale though so retail prices will of course be higher.
BeanAnimal
Premium Member
Yeah the price of copper is way up (it has acutally come down a little). Wire and pipe are easily 400% mor expensive than they were 2 years ago.
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