My Chiller Setup **Lots of pictures**

[ReefRelated]

This setup is really isn't for saving money even though I did. I have friend who does AC work so of course I wasn't charged labor or some parts. I personally saved at least $500.00. This would be comparing mine to the cost of a large chiller.

I also save lots of money every year in electricity. I save because this system runs so efficiently. It cools very fast. It turns on a minimal amount of times per day and runs for no more than 15 minutes each time. The other way you save money is by having the heat from your chiller outside this way your home AC doesn't have to work harder to keep the inside of your house cool. Chillers put out a lot of heat and it just doesn't make sense to release it inside. If your standard chiller is outside say in your garage and you pump your water out to it, then it also works harder to cool the coil becuase the temperature outside is hot. The best possible way is to have the coil inside where it's cool and leave the heat outside.

Even if I had to pay double for this system I have now I would. It's kind of like switching to cable modem or DSL, once you swith you'll never go back. After using this type of chiller for 7-8 months, I would never consider using a standard chiller ever again.

Even if it costs you more, your still gonna save money in the long run as far as electricity goes and your gonna have the best chiller in town.

 

[Lilgrasshopper]

Now you've got me thinking...damn and I was almost satisfied with my setup...but I love DIY projects...so now I've got to find a new buddy...heheeheehe.

 

[Lilgrasshopper]

What's the recommended flow through it?

 

[ReefRelated]

What's the recommended flow through it?

Yeh an AC friend is a good friend to have especially living in Florida. Well the recomended flow really can vary. The best way to determine this is...yes of course, your AC friend. Refrigerant pressures vary depending on the amount of heat exchange. I perosnally am running about 1000gph through my coil. These type of things you need to leave to the experts. Fortunately my friend is an AC/Reefer. With his expertise in cooling we both started designing our chiller setups about 1 year ago. We tried making our own coils to save even more money but what a hassle. After months of searching I finally found this place that makes titanium coils for lobster tanks. This size coil is overkill but nothing wrong with that, it just makes it cool faster. Some other home made titanium coils I have seen are actually just one loop and they still work fine. The coil here is the cream of the crop. I was drooling the first time I saw it. I had to have it so I ordered it the very next day.

 

[jorge]

Ok, so you listed the parts, how do you put it together?


Jorge

 

[RandomChaos]

cool concept, and the unit is outside so you dont have the noise.

I had a friend whose tank sits on the outside wall of his house in the back yard. This would be perfect for him since he is always complaining about how loud his chiller is.

I guess he too could just keep his chiller and plumb it in from the outside like you have. Of course he would have to build some sort of protection for it being outside and all.

 

[ReefRelated]

cool concept, and the unit is outside so you dont have the noise.

I had a friend whose tank sits on the outside wall of his house in the back yard. This would be perfect for him since he is always complaining about how loud his chiller is.

I guess he too could just keep his chiller and plumb it in from the outside like you have. Of course he would have to build some sort of protection for it being outside and all.

You can keep your chiller outside but then it has to work harder to cool the water.

 

[LOTUS50GOD]

you must be an engineer.

 

[mrmeola]

tagging

 

[moga]

5. A good friend who knows AC = $$ Priceless $$

love your line...!!!

 

[AcroSteve]

Excellent!!!


Did you re-use the expantion valve from the window unit?

Should I be a little concerned to put such a large system on a smallish tank? 90 gallons.

With a chiller this size, if soemthing causes it to stick on, it could cool down pretty fast right?

Could it be downsized and still maintain efficiency?

Can a small refrigerator compressor system be used instead?

Again, how was the expantion valve incorporated and is there a dryer on the system?

What about flex lines? Did you use automotive hoses?

 

[newkie]

That is one sweet setup! I have never seen anything like this before. Good job!

 

[ReefSalt]

sweet setup,i was looking at a small unit made by Aqua Medic there mini cooler anyone heard about it.

Robin

 

[ri]

Nice setup. Got pics of your tank? Any plans to put together a web site?

ri

 

[SWW1268]

Cool!

Cool!

I don't know anything about refrigeration. How do you connect the coil to the AC? I guess all the freon would leak out and then you would have to put some back in, right? Definitely beyond my skill level or expertise, but I'm interested.

 

[AcroSteve]

Hey Tonytooth.

Hey Tonytooth.

Really intersting project. Can you answer any of the questions?

Thanks.

 

[ReefRelated]

Excellent!!!


Did you re-use the expantion valve from the window unit?

Should I be a little concerned to put such a large system on a smallish tank? 90 gallons.

With a chiller this size, if soemthing causes it to stick on, it could cool down pretty fast right?

Could it be downsized and still maintain efficiency?

Can a small refrigerator compressor system be used instead?

Again, how was the expantion valve incorporated and is there a dryer on the system?

What about flex lines? Did you use automotive hoses?

First I will let you know I do not do AC so I am not professional. I do know some from building these. Anyway...

Yes we did...I can take a picture of how we did it later. My camera batteries are charging.

I would recomend you get the smaller coil and smaller window unit (5000 BTU)

Your 90g would cool fast. Just hope it never sticks or think of a safety.

Yes...the smaller system will still be extremely efficient.

Possibly....Why bother with a refrigerator compressor when you can get everything you need in a window unit for less than $100.

I will take a picture for you tomorrow. Yes we put a dryer on it.

Flex lines for what/where?

 

[customfx]

...

...

nice ......very nice...make me one please,.....

 

[isom]

that's killer.......:smokin:

 

[AcroSteve]

Thanks for the response.

Thanks for the response.

Upon re-review of the pictures, I see that you used copper tube all the way.

I was thinking that the flexable hose might allow some freedom of movement for any other problems that may occur with other components.

I already have a small refrigerator that I am not using and was just considering it. The window unit would be more compact and "cleaner" to use.

Thanks again.