Small Chiller Recommendations

[EvilMel]

Ok...I've got the heat issues, unsurprisingly.

Specs: stock 34g RSM nanoish tank.

What I would like: looking at a 1/10 HP chiller because I've always believed in getting a bigger one than you need and because the room the tank is in is blazing hot.

Brands I can find so far:
JBJ Artica ~ $530 for the 1/10 HP, $360 for the 1/15 HP
Current USA ~$430 for the 1/10 HP, $300 for the 1/15 HP.

Recommendations anyone???

Other brands to check out???

I used to have an Aqualogic In-Line chiller and loved the daylights out of it. I am looking for an In-Line chiller again but I wouldn't say I'm emotionally tied to the idea of having an in-line one.

I could just kick myself for letting Chase beat me out of buying that 1/10 HP one a few months ago! Rootin' tootin'.

 

[ct_vol]

You could check out Oceanic chillers too...

 

[EvilMel]

Yeah...thanks a lot Randy.

I guess what I'm asking is this...is it overkill to get the 1/10 HP chiller or should I go ahead and bite the bullet on one of them, plus what's a good brand? I have no idea about them except about Aqua Logic and they don't make a 1/10 HP one.

Marine Depot is having a free shipping promo on them right now...so I'm in a bit of a hurry here.

 

[ct_vol]

I've heard about the same reviews for both brands...

 

[EvilMel]

There's also this one:
Pacific Coast CL-280 1/10 HP Inline Chiller - dual controller
It's on sale at Premium Aquatics for $335 and it includes a dual stage controller.

 

[fishdoc11]

I had the Pacific Coast chiller on my old 90 for about a year and it did realy well for a 1/10 HP.

 

[Sir Knight]

Mel,

Before a recommendation lets talk about how many degrees you need to pull down. I have a 65 gallon tank running two 250 watt HQI bulbs, no fans and I am using a 1/10 HP JBJ chiller. The chiller runs for about an hour and keeps my tank between 77 and 79. The chiller is quite compared to some that I have had. You may be OK with a smaller chiller like a 1/15 HP. Keep in mind you don;t want to short cycle the Chiller.


Joe

 

[EvilMel]

JOE!!! Thanks! What's short cycling?

I have a 34g tank (not sure of how many gallons actual volume) that I want to drop about 6-8 degrees.

Still think I could get away with a 1/15 HP?

 

[Sir Knight]

Short cycling is when a chiller runs for a very short amount of time and shuts off say 15 to 20 minutes (too large for the Tank). It is like having a central home AC unit that is too big for the house; keeps going on and off.

Based on what you want to do or need I would go with the 1/10. The 1/15 may be a little to small. They are rated for I think 40 gallons max. I think you will be right on the border with the 1/15, so the 1/10 would be a better choice just use the smaller lines 1/2. I talk to JBJ and found out that they work best at higher water flow but use told not to exceed 900 GPH on the 1/10. You may want to go with the Minimum GPH

Just my opinion

Joe

 

[GPhiAce]

link to a for sale chiller forum

Not an expert, but thought of your voyage when I saw this

 

[EvilMel]

Thanks guys.

Joe, I was looking at the tank last night...it was 86.5 degrees and the temperature in the room doesn't show any signs of getting lower. So I think I'm gonna go with the 1/10 HP. I can just keep the tank a bit cooler than most people anyways. My jawfish is from a bit cooler waters and won't mind at all, so I think I'm golden. Heck, if I drop it 10 degrees, that's still only 76, so yeah...1/10 HP should be fine, right?