Oversized chiller

[jt_redmist]

Hi There,
Is there anything wrong with getting an oversized chiller? Any downside to it besides cost and power consumption?

JT

 

[jmccalip]

Well, it won't be good for it to only turn on for a few minutes lots of times a day compared to coming on at say 30 minute cycles.

 

[jt_redmist]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't it be more energy efficient to have a chiller run for a short period of time, instead of long sessions?

Here's how I see it.
Big chiller - > runs less -> cools faster -> less energy consumption
Small chiller -> runs more -> cools slower -> more energy consumption.

Anyone agree with this or am I missing the point about chillers?

JT

 

[21ducks]

I understand the concept, but from what I have been told, turning something on like a light switch over and over again many times throughout the day is more costly than just leaving them on for longer periods of time.

With a chiller, I would get just above what you would need so that it isn't on all the time, but isn't frantically going on and off frequently.

 

[21ducks]

Which chiller are you thinking about getting? I am thinking about getting one for the summer, hence the reason for asking.

 

[jt_redmist]

I see your point, 21ducks. I'm no expert when it comes to equipment power consumption, but I hear ya.

I have done some research and have narrowed my choice to the JBJ Artica 1/3hp. Alot of people seem to like theirs and it's not overly priced. I've seen some run at the fish stores and they don't seem loud and are fairly compact. I've talked to JBJ and used their website to calculate which size chiller I need. According to their website and all the lights, powerhead, and pumps I'm using, they recommend their 1/3hp model. The JBJ rep however recommended I get their 1/2hp due to the three halides I'm running. Go figure. I guess if I go with the 1/3hp it won't be oversized afterall. My halides are about 9" above the water, and I have fans runnings in the canopy and sump, so that will help take off some load of the chiller.

JT

 

[21ducks]

I think that is wise, and a great choice. You will be extremely happy once summer comes and it is hot.

 

[Ruu]

I had a 1/3HP JBJ on my 54 corner (less than 100 gallons total), which would probably be considered oversize. Water really doesn't heat up that fast - even at 85-90 degree ambient temperatures, it would take at least ah hour, if not two to raise the temperature up for the chiller to kick off again - it certainly wasn't cycling badly. It did only run for a few minutes to cool the temperature down, but it didn't appear to be shocking any corals in doing so (it ran for an entire summer without any negative impact to growth).

Dave