rich130981
New member
I need to buy a chiller for my tank. The tank is 110 total gallons of water. What size chiller do i need? Also is there a specific brand that i should buy?
Need help sizing chiller
- Thread starter rich130981
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Edward Smith
Active member
Just want to confirm: When you note "total gallons" then the 110 includes the sump?
If so, I would go with 1/4 HP chiller. Although you always want to over-compensate, rather than under-compensate, when it comes to chillers, but for 110g, that should do it. No particular recommendations when it comes to brands, but do believe in "you get what you pay for."
If so, I would go with 1/4 HP chiller. Although you always want to over-compensate, rather than under-compensate, when it comes to chillers, but for 110g, that should do it. No particular recommendations when it comes to brands, but do believe in "you get what you pay for."
DopeCantWin
Active member
Are you sure you need a chiller? They're expensive and you could accomplish quite a lot with just a simple fan. Not to mention reef creatures can flourish in 84 degree temperature.
rich130981
New member
Tank has always been in my basement without any issues. I had a flood and had to move the tank to the middle floor. My wife hates ac and only wants to run it if it is 90 or higher out. Not a big deal in the past because the basement stayed cool. My temp has been 85-84 for two days. I thought temps that high were bad. If those temps are ok then I guess no I might not need one.
rich130981
New member
Yes 110 with sump. Maybe 120
DopeCantWin
Active member
My tank is at 84.7 right now. Everyone is out and looking for food. SPS polyps are fully extended. I wouldn't recommend playing it that high though. If there was a fan, it would get it down. Right now my house is at 84, I haven't turned the AC on yet. I have around 270 gallons total.
Edward Smith
Active member
Consider trying a fan first? Although, be ready for the increase in evap. I only use a chiller because I'm already evaping 3g a day and am a control freak 
I have a 1/3 on my 400g and it does just fine. It's also in the basement(inwall)and even the hottest days it will keep it at 80. A 1/4 will be just fine even if you don't have ac on. It will just run a bit more. The fan blowing across the top of the sump or tank will get you a degree or 2 best. See if you can't find a used one, seems to be plenty of tanks coming down.
Some people see a chiller as expensive, others would call them cheap insurance. If you're already seeing temps of 84-85 in early May, it's not reasonable to expect that to be where you'll max out. Fans can be remarkably effective, but they have limitations.
FWIW, I see 84* as the beginning of the danger zone, I like my tank 79-80.
FWIW, I see 84* as the beginning of the danger zone, I like my tank 79-80.
