What size chiller?

[Airborne]

Need to get a chiller for a 120gal.
What size?

Thanks

 

[rezaktp]

I would go with a 1/3, thats what I have on my 90, it is a little oversized but it does not cost that much for than a 1/4hp. You can go to the aquaLogic site and do the sizing math.

http://www.aqualogicinc.com/product...-Chiller-DeltaStar-Cyclone-Reef-Aquariums.pdf

 

[tcinaustin]

Definitely go bigger than recommended. I had to replace my 1/4 with a 1/3 because I went with the bottom of the vendor's range trying to save $ and all it did was cost me extra $ than if I had done right the first time.

 

[DarG]

I would probably go with a 1/3 as well. Not all chillers are the same so be careful. Just because it is rated at a certian HP doesnt necessarily mean that it truly is. There is no standard ambient temp. in which aquarium chiller manufactuers stated their BTU rating so the BTU rating doesnt always tell the real story. Regardless, compare the BTU ratings and energy consumption (wattage and amperage) specs of the different manufacturers chillers in the HP you are interested in to make sure that you are buying a chiller that is atleast rated to be the HP size that you need.

Ive owned several chillers over the past 20 years. Personally, I would go with a Tradewind, or Aqualogic. Universal Marine makes great chillers as well and has for a long time but they are outrageously priced these days. Unless you need a chiller that is going to be visible and aesthetics are important that is. None of the above have fancy housings or control panels. The money is in the guts.