Chillers

Jasdave · 08/18/2014, 05:33 AM

I am looking to get a chiller for my 70Gal reef tank. I've noticed some wide needs based on manufacturers recommendations (from 1/10HP to 1/4HP), and some crazy prices in so far as price per unit. Any opinions on which manufacturer builds the quietest most reliable system? I was looking at JBJ, Coralife, and Aqua Euro.....

jda · 08/18/2014, 09:14 AM

Look for high quality used. You can oftentimes find a bigger unit that you would otherwise buy for 1/4 to 1/3 the price of new. Craigs list can be your friend.

If you can get 1/4 or 1/3, then it will not run as long and do a better job.

calbert0 · 08/18/2014, 12:10 PM

TradeWinds

ken6217 · 08/18/2014, 01:12 PM

I have used Aqua Logic in the past. They are very good.
Ken

Green Chromis · 08/18/2014, 02:27 PM

Tradewinds or Aqua-Logic, both are top of the line and preform as rated.

tkeracer619 · 08/18/2014, 03:11 PM

I like my JBJ 1/4hp. Quiet.

Mark Bianco · 08/18/2014, 04:43 PM

I have a 1/3 on my 210 JBJ and for 2 years it has done what it need to.

Jasdave · 08/19/2014, 06:53 AM

I see a number of people are suggesting used. How can you tell if it is a good unit? I have Thousands of dollars in my tank, a very nice office, and a very nice system. For a few hundred dollars, is it worth used?

ca1ore · 08/19/2014, 07:02 AM

Although I no longer need a chiller on my tank, when I did, I found it to not be the longest lived piece of equipment. I did keep mine outside (though protected) in the summer, so perhaps that limits useful life, but I personally would not buy a used one unless I was quite sure of actual age and knew the prior owner.

Bhuamani32 · 08/19/2014, 08:16 AM

My jbj also works very well

ca1ore · 08/19/2014, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasdave

I see a number of people are suggesting used. How can you tell if it is a good unit? I have Thousands of dollars in my tank, a very nice office, and a very nice system. For a few hundred dollars, is it worth used?

It ends up being how you expend your cash really. I'd personally prefer to buy a new one and spend, say $800 today and have it last 8 years; versus paying $200 today for a used unit that lasts 2 years (just an illustration).

jda · 08/19/2014, 09:11 AM

I have Aqualogic chillers that are 10+ years old and they work like they are brand new. I don't think that a high quality used chiller is much of a risk. If you want new, then that is cool too - sorry about the pun.

FWIW - chillers need to be cleaned. About once a year, I run muratic bath through mine (in both directions) and all kinds of junk comes out. I also gently blow compressed air over the condenser fins.

sean2sean · 08/19/2014, 01:06 PM

i have been using jbj artica chillers for the past 15 years. they work pretty well. as long as you keep them clean they should last a long time. and if you live in Los Angeles you can take your jbj to their main office to get it serviced or repaired.

atreis · 08/19/2014, 03:42 PM

JBJ 1/10 works great to cool my 100 gallon tank. I don't air condition my house.

Baldguy · 08/19/2014, 06:51 PM

Teco is another big name you might consider. I did get a used one and it works fine. I wouldn't want it in my bedroom but it's reasonably quiet for the living room.

Jasdave · 08/20/2014, 05:34 AM

Well, I went with a JBJ Arctica Titanium. Went with the 1/5HP, which is one size too big for the tank. Got it for $600. Not a great price, but good. Matched it with a Danner Mag-Drive Supreme 7, 700GPH. I am going to have it into the sump. I got it all through Marine Depot.

I am curious about maintenance.

I saw your comment about a muratic bath. Can you give me more information on that, and upkeep, rather than just cleaning out the air filter?

ken6217 · 08/20/2014, 05:55 AM

Maybe it's just me, but I have owned a few chillers over the years and the next time I clean mine, will be the first time.

d2mini · 08/20/2014, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken6217

Maybe it's just me, but I have owned a few chillers over the years and the next time I clean mine, will be the first time.

I sent some vinegar cycling through my JBJ chiller the other day. I have had it running for over a year and I had gotten it used so I don't know if the previous owner did any maintenance, but when I looked down at the vinegar/water solution in the bucket it looked like my skimmer cup.

ken6217 · 08/20/2014, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

I sent some vinegar cycling through my JBJ chiller the other day. I have had it running for over a year and I had gotten it used so I don't know if the previous owner did any maintenance, but when I looked down at the vinegar/water solution in the bucket it looked like my skimmer cup.

I never thought about it. I guess it's a good idea. On the flip side, now you know the source of your cyno problem.

DSMpunk · 08/20/2014, 01:22 PM

Whatever you go with, don't go too small. I have a 1/3 tradewinds, works really well on my 125 with 400w MH.

wcharon · 08/20/2014, 06:17 PM

How much time does your 1/3 Tradewinds cycles on to lower 2 degrees in your 125 tank???

Thinking to update my JBL.

Thanks in advance...

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSMpunk

Whatever you go with, don't go too small. I have a 1/3 tradewinds, works really well on my 125 with 400w MH.

RobertK · 08/20/2014, 07:47 PM

What about inline vs. drop-in? What do you guys recommend?

Jasdave · 08/20/2014, 07:57 PM

I was specifically told that it does not matter, as long as the water recycle goes directly into the sump. I am going to take the water from the return to tank side with a drop in pump, and then have it return to the inflow side from the tank. Unless anyone has any other ideas. I got a 700GPH pump.

OceanRevive · 08/21/2014, 07:04 AM

I used JBJ when I had smaller tanks and they are very good. Quality build and very quiet. I now have 2 big Aqua Euro chillers and they work very well. But mine are big (1hp) and not super quiet, I bet smaller ones would be. I put mine outside to keep the heat out of the house. Then I switched to led lights from MH 2 years ago and now the chillers hardly ever run and I'm in SW Florida!

atreis · 08/21/2014, 03:29 PM

Inline vs. drop-in: I used a drop-in (AquaLogic - way oversized, but got it at a good price used) for my old tank. It worked. My current JBJ is inline. That works too.

Drop-In: The part that goes into the sump can be fairly large (mine was a coil around 16 inches long and 3 inches in diameter). The hose is not very flexible, so you can't just snake it around wherever you want. Drop-in chillers are somewhat less efficient (but having to use a pump for in-line chillers makes up for this). However, there's no plumbing, and no risk of a water leak.

In-line: Smaller in-sump presence, and more flexibility in terms of chiller placement. You do have to plumb and (probably) use a pump (unless your drain is at the proper rate) so there is some risk that a leak could cause you to lose a lot of water.

Overall, I think I prefer in-line for the greater flexibility. (Not to mention my JBJ is MUCH quieter than the AquaLogic was.)

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08/18/2014, 05:33 AM	#1
Jasdave Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Holly SPrings Posts: 6	Chillers I am looking to get a chiller for my 70Gal reef tank. I've noticed some wide needs based on manufacturers recommendations (from 1/10HP to 1/4HP), and some crazy prices in so far as price per unit. Any opinions on which manufacturer builds the quietest most reliable system? I was looking at JBJ, Coralife, and Aqua Euro.....

08/18/2014, 02:27 PM	#5
Green Chromis Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: miami,florida Posts: 640	Tradewinds or Aqua-Logic, both are top of the line and preform as rated. __________________ Natural Reefer Current Tank Info: 600 gallon Carribean Reef System, ETSS Protein Skimmer, 1.5HP Tradewinds Chiller, Reef Breeders Photon V2+ LED Lighting For The Refugium, Mitra LX7206 LED Lights For Display Tank

08/18/2014, 03:11 PM	#6
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I like my JBJ 1/4hp. Quiet. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

08/19/2014, 06:53 AM	#8
Jasdave Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Holly SPrings Posts: 6	How do you know high quality? I see a number of people are suggesting used. How can you tell if it is a good unit? I have Thousands of dollars in my tank, a very nice office, and a very nice system. For a few hundred dollars, is it worth used?

08/18/2014, 09:14 AM	#2
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	Look for high quality used. You can oftentimes find a bigger unit that you would otherwise buy for 1/4 to 1/3 the price of new. Craigs list can be your friend. If you can get 1/4 or 1/3, then it will not run as long and do a better job.

08/18/2014, 12:10 PM	#3
calbert0 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: City of Chicago Posts: 198	TradeWinds

08/18/2014, 01:12 PM	#4
ken6217 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 2,179	I have used Aqua Logic in the past. They are very good. Ken

08/18/2014, 04:43 PM	#7
Mark Bianco In Memoriam Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Infinity and Beyond Posts: 2,445	I have a 1/3 on my 210 JBJ and for 2 years it has done what it need to.

08/19/2014, 07:02 AM	#9
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Although I no longer need a chiller on my tank, when I did, I found it to not be the longest lived piece of equipment. I did keep mine outside (though protected) in the summer, so perhaps that limits useful life, but I personally would not buy a used one unless I was quite sure of actual age and knew the prior owner. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

08/19/2014, 08:16 AM	#10
Bhuamani32 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 52	My jbj also works very well

08/19/2014, 09:11 AM	#12
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	I have Aqualogic chillers that are 10+ years old and they work like they are brand new. I don't think that a high quality used chiller is much of a risk. If you want new, then that is cool too - sorry about the pun. FWIW - chillers need to be cleaned. About once a year, I run muratic bath through mine (in both directions) and all kinds of junk comes out. I also gently blow compressed air over the condenser fins.

08/19/2014, 01:06 PM	#13
sean2sean Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: El Monte, CA Posts: 722	i have been using jbj artica chillers for the past 15 years. they work pretty well. as long as you keep them clean they should last a long time. and if you live in Los Angeles you can take your jbj to their main office to get it serviced or repaired.

08/19/2014, 03:42 PM	#14
atreis Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Yellow Springs, OH Posts: 942	JBJ 1/10 works great to cool my 100 gallon tank. I don't air condition my house. __________________ reef tank up since 8/2009. Previous tank up since 4/2004, taken down in 2007. Current Tank Info: custom 100g reef, custom sump

08/19/2014, 06:51 PM	#15
Baldguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ft Worth Posts: 296	Teco is another big name you might consider. I did get a used one and it works fine. I wouldn't want it in my bedroom but it's reasonably quiet for the living room.

08/20/2014, 05:34 AM	#16
Jasdave Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Holly SPrings Posts: 6	Decision time Well, I went with a JBJ Arctica Titanium. Went with the 1/5HP, which is one size too big for the tank. Got it for $600. Not a great price, but good. Matched it with a Danner Mag-Drive Supreme 7, 700GPH. I am going to have it into the sump. I got it all through Marine Depot. I am curious about maintenance. I saw your comment about a muratic bath. Can you give me more information on that, and upkeep, rather than just cleaning out the air filter?

08/20/2014, 05:55 AM	#17
ken6217 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 2,179	Maybe it's just me, but I have owned a few chillers over the years and the next time I clean mine, will be the first time.

08/20/2014, 01:22 PM	#20
DSMpunk Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Des Moines IA Posts: 1,064	Whatever you go with, don't go too small. I have a 1/3 tradewinds, works really well on my 125 with 400w MH. __________________ -Sean Current Tank Info: SPS Dominated 150

08/20/2014, 07:47 PM	#22
RobertK Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Monterey Bay, CA Posts: 869	What about inline vs. drop-in? What do you guys recommend?

08/20/2014, 07:57 PM	#23
Jasdave Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Holly SPrings Posts: 6	In line or drop in. I was specifically told that it does not matter, as long as the water recycle goes directly into the sump. I am going to take the water from the return to tank side with a drop in pump, and then have it return to the inflow side from the tank. Unless anyone has any other ideas. I got a 700GPH pump.

08/21/2014, 07:04 AM	#24
OceanRevive registered member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 105	I used JBJ when I had smaller tanks and they are very good. Quality build and very quiet. I now have 2 big Aqua Euro chillers and they work very well. But mine are big (1hp) and not super quiet, I bet smaller ones would be. I put mine outside to keep the heat out of the house. Then I switched to led lights from MH 2 years ago and now the chillers hardly ever run and I'm in SW Florida!

08/21/2014, 03:29 PM	#25
atreis Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Yellow Springs, OH Posts: 942	Inline vs. drop-in: I used a drop-in (AquaLogic - way oversized, but got it at a good price used) for my old tank. It worked. My current JBJ is inline. That works too. Drop-In: The part that goes into the sump can be fairly large (mine was a coil around 16 inches long and 3 inches in diameter). The hose is not very flexible, so you can't just snake it around wherever you want. Drop-in chillers are somewhat less efficient (but having to use a pump for in-line chillers makes up for this). However, there's no plumbing, and no risk of a water leak. In-line: Smaller in-sump presence, and more flexibility in terms of chiller placement. You do have to plumb and (probably) use a pump (unless your drain is at the proper rate) so there is some risk that a leak could cause you to lose a lot of water. Overall, I think I prefer in-line for the greater flexibility. (Not to mention my JBJ is MUCH quieter than the AquaLogic was.) __________________ reef tank up since 8/2009. Previous tank up since 4/2004, taken down in 2007. Current Tank Info: custom 100g reef, custom sump