Chiller for a 180g tank--any recommendations?

flameangel88 · 04/28/2008, 12:04 PM

I've resisted using a chiller the last couple of years but with the current setup with deep water fishes I'm afraid to take any chances. We are still in April but the last couple weeks of warmer weather the temp is approaching 80 (but I do have glass tops now and will use eggcrate soon) and I want to be able to maintain it bet 76-78.

My heat issue is more related to flow and filtration equipments as I normally don't turn the lights on till I get home around 7pm but it is next to a window on the main floor.
I run 6 powerheads, 1 Aquaclear 110, 2 Canister filter with only LR rubbles, internal skimmer.

I'm new to chillers so please let me know how much HP do I need, any particular brand or models would be helpful and any place having specials is even better.

TIA!

kenargo · 04/28/2008, 01:41 PM

I purchased (upgraded) to a TECO TR20 Chiller (1/3 HP) and the unit is great; it is VERY quiet.

When you size a chiller you want to look at room temp and not gallon ratings. Chillers have a rating of the ability to drop 'n' gallons 'y' degrees below ambient room temp. There is a good chart at the bottom of this page that you should be able to review to size your chiller:

http://www.aquatictech.com/chillers.html

I suspect 1/3 will handle your needs unless your home gets really how (over 110 inside).

04/28/2008, 12:04 PM	#1
flameangel88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 3,998	Chiller for a 180g tank--any recommendations? I've resisted using a chiller the last couple of years but with the current setup with deep water fishes I'm afraid to take any chances. We are still in April but the last couple weeks of warmer weather the temp is approaching 80 (but I do have glass tops now and will use eggcrate soon) and I want to be able to maintain it bet 76-78. My heat issue is more related to flow and filtration equipments as I normally don't turn the lights on till I get home around 7pm but it is next to a window on the main floor. I run 6 powerheads, 1 Aquaclear 110, 2 Canister filter with only LR rubbles, internal skimmer. I'm new to chillers so please let me know how much HP do I need, any particular brand or models would be helpful and any place having specials is even better. TIA!

04/28/2008, 01:41 PM	#2
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,151	I purchased (upgraded) to a TECO TR20 Chiller (1/3 HP) and the unit is great; it is VERY quiet. When you size a chiller you want to look at room temp and not gallon ratings. Chillers have a rating of the ability to drop 'n' gallons 'y' degrees below ambient room temp. There is a good chart at the bottom of this page that you should be able to review to size your chiller: http://www.aquatictech.com/chillers.html I suspect 1/3 will handle your needs unless your home gets really how (over 110 inside). __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.