What size chiller for a 500gl Total

[pennyguy23]

I am looking in to chillers now that I have just about everything I need. I live in michigan, so winters really won't be a problem but summer are another story. I will have 4 400W MH with 8 54w T5's. I know its going to get pretty hot. What would any of you suggest. I don't want to spend a TON. but I want something that will last more then a year. Thanks
Steve

 

[jnfallon]

I am researching the same thing. I am leaning towards a 1hp unit, although I remember seeing a 3/4 hp commercial unit somewhere that I was really impressed with.

I think dgasmd was commenting on it if I remember right, dgas, care to comment?

 

[ricks]

I have a 1HP Pacific Coast on my 500gal. approx. 700gal. system water. Running (6) 400watt halides (4) 160 watt atnics and (4) 96 watt pc. With (2) Iwaki 100 (2) 70's and (3) 55's. Closed loop with hammerhead. total at pumps of 14,800 gal per hour. Figure at least 2,000 gal per hour pump for 1HP chiller and 220 -volt circuit. Let figure price of pump @ 300.00 chiller at 1,500.00 and wiring at 400.00-500.00. Unless you do your own wiring. Somewhere around 2,200.00- 2,500.00 should do it... Have fun, I sure love this hobby...

Rick

 

[KenT]

I have a Pacific Coast 1/2 hp on my 575 system. Works fine and does not work too hard. I T'd my return pump to supply it.

 

[pennyguy23]

No kinding. Very expensive. But worth it. My 360gl so fair going to cost me about 20,000$ Set up. But I also am building my house to fit its needs.

 

[jnfallon]

ricks, you're a buzzkill.

 

[ricks]

I don't know about the 1/2 hp Pacific Coast. But the 1 HP has real tight flow requirements. If you go under 1250 gal an hour of flow the chiller will cycle on and off. Also don't forget about power costs. I live in Portland, OR. In the winter with gas heat my electric bill runs about 350.00 for the house in the summer with air conditioner running about 500.00 - 550.00 a month. Also a thought about large tanks/ chillers. You should really have a back up unit. I know I do, and have heard some real horror stories about tank meltdowns due to chiller malfunctions... After you think of all the money and time you spend building your reef. Only to have a single chiller quit working....

Food for thought, Rick

 

[PalmTree]

how about the jbj commercial series? i think they'd be worth checking out.

 

[jnfallon]

any thoughts on running two 1/2 hp vs a single 1 hp? I havent given this much thought so maybe in practice its stupid, but I do the same with heaters to minimize potential issues.

Pricewise, I think 2 1/2's are about the same as a 1hp, no?

 

[Dizzyswimmer]

Pacific Coast Will have a Chiller / Heater combo out next month ,that you set the temp and it will switch from chiller to heater automatically. Their current one you have to switch over manually.

 

[jnfallon]

lol, set the heater to 77, and the chiller to 76. Let them fight it out.

My utility company would LOVE that, as they already bilk me for $800/mo (long Island, the worst)

 

[pennyguy23]

WOW thats a BILL

 

[PalmTree]

$800???? I'd check to make sure your neighbor doesn't have a really long extension cord pluged into your garage!

 

[ricks]

WOW!!! 800.00 a month. You just gave me back the buzz, I took earlier from you jnfallon.... You guys talk about heaters??? I don't even have a heater on my system. The only way my temp would get below 78. Would be if the power went out, and then the heater wouldn't do much good anyway. You could run (2) 1/2 HP chillers and seperate 20 amp circuts. With each controller set one dergree apart. I use a 1/2 HP drop in for backup with alarm on my system. That way I dont have plumbing and pump just soaking in saltwater waiting for the time to turn on. I figure it will buy my about 8-10 hours. Before it's clam chowder time....

Happy Fishing, Rick

 

[jnfallon]

hah. I just switched from 6 smaller tanks to one 375g. I am curious what my bill will be like this month. Less pumps, but 4 x 400 mh now. My guess is $1000.

 

[ricks]

Yeah, just think of the money you'll save on tanning beds. I use my (6) 400 watts to keep a nice tropical look...

White smile, tan face... Rick