Need Chiller Now
- Thread starter Gieser
- Start date
Mako Shark II
Fish are Friends not Food
I’ve got a 1/3HP Current USA Chiller on my 120, and it performs fabulously. It comes with an internal (temperature) controller, which also controls a 120v outlet for a remote heater. Thus, that little feature (and about 6 timers) has kept me from buying an Aqua Controller so far.
Mine maintains temperature at 78 degrees (within 2-degrees when the lights are full up) and it’s operated for nearly a year now, with zero issues. I have a remote sump in a separate room, so noise isn’t an issue, although others have stated that when their chillers are in the vicinity of the Display tank, it can be noisy.
Recommendations:
Put it on it’s own circuit if possible. The power spike when it kicks on, is visible in the MH lights I operate, but that’s trivial.
Buy only what you need â€"œ There is a HUGE difference between a 1/3HP (Tower) and a 1/2HP (refrigerator!) but a 1/3HP, will only give you (on a 300 gallon tank), a 10 degree drop in temp. It’s all about flow, temperature drop required, ambient room temperatures, ventilation, fans, etc.
The 1/3HP ($650 List, roughly)
1/3HP Current Chiller Tower
Once you surpass the demand of a 1/3HP chiller, you’re getting into Commercial ranges. Of course, with a 310, you knew that going in.
The 1/2HP ($950. List)
1/2HP Commercial Chiller
Do your research then work your best deal with our LFS's. They can get you a deal (New Old Stock, that sort of thing) better than you can buy on-line. That’s what I did.
Be cool.
Mine maintains temperature at 78 degrees (within 2-degrees when the lights are full up) and it’s operated for nearly a year now, with zero issues. I have a remote sump in a separate room, so noise isn’t an issue, although others have stated that when their chillers are in the vicinity of the Display tank, it can be noisy.
Recommendations:
Put it on it’s own circuit if possible. The power spike when it kicks on, is visible in the MH lights I operate, but that’s trivial.
Buy only what you need â€"œ There is a HUGE difference between a 1/3HP (Tower) and a 1/2HP (refrigerator!) but a 1/3HP, will only give you (on a 300 gallon tank), a 10 degree drop in temp. It’s all about flow, temperature drop required, ambient room temperatures, ventilation, fans, etc.
The 1/3HP ($650 List, roughly)
1/3HP Current Chiller Tower
Once you surpass the demand of a 1/3HP chiller, you’re getting into Commercial ranges. Of course, with a 310, you knew that going in.
The 1/2HP ($950. List)
1/2HP Commercial Chiller
Do your research then work your best deal with our LFS's. They can get you a deal (New Old Stock, that sort of thing) better than you can buy on-line. That’s what I did.
Be cool.
ihavtats29
New member
kermits reef and memfish both carry chillers, they will be able to help you with the correct size chiller you need
Gieser
Member
I ended up going with a Trade Winds 1/2 HP Super. I called Hal there today to discuss my application and that I wanted to place the unit outside. This was the only manufacture that I talked to that makes their units okay to place outdoors. They can handle most outdoor climates, so I don't have to worry about trying to find an outdoor box or building a shelter. They have a 2 year warrantee, and for $90, it extends to 5 years. Even if this unit is used in the outside elements, the warranty still stands. That was great news, and they are made here in the USA. I should have it here late next week.
