Chiller Recommendation

ncsaltwater · 01/15/2008, 04:28 PM

I'm looking to upgraded my TECO Seachill TR20 1/3 HP Chiller to a Pacific Coast 1/2 HP Chiller.

Does anyone out there have any experiance with Pacific Coast Chillers that would be willing post your comments or suggestions in making sure Pacific Coast is a well built, reliable chiller for the money?

jsf668 · 01/15/2008, 04:52 PM

I have a Pacific Coast CL650 and have had no problems with it at all. Overall I am very happy with it. In the past I have contacted Pacific Coast with questions and they even send me some fuses at no cost..They were very helpful and I would recommend them.

gcarroll · 01/15/2008, 05:03 PM

Wow, you don't like your Teco?

DarG · 01/15/2008, 05:44 PM

Teco Seachill chillers ... never figured how they rated a 2600 BTU/h chiller a 1/3 HP. 1/3 HP chillers are usually in the 4000 BYU/H range and close to 7 amps. The seachill is rated at just over 4 amps.

I dont know anything about the about the Pacific coast chillers other than most people report the small units as one of the quietest. I have a Current USA 1/3 HP modular. Not quiet but it has worked great for me for the past year. I wouldnt touch the Current USA towers though.

Maybe you dont need a 1/2 hp. Maybe just a 1/3 that is actually 4000 BTU?

Lucky-rc · 01/15/2008, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by julief20
I have a Pacific Coast CL650 and have had no problems with it at all. Overall I am very happy with it. In the past I have contacted Pacific Coast with questions and they even send me some fuses at no cost..They were very helpful and I would recommend them.

I have considerd a chiller also. I run two fans all year round to keep my temp down. still at 83-85 (85 being the days end) Would a 1/2 horse P.C. chill me down to 75-80 and allow me "room to grow" or would I be pushing it to its max?
I have thought this route not just for peace of mind but maybe this would be more energy efficient as well. One more question, would this choice be too loud of a chiller to set in the living room
(out of sight) I was told it would make the same amount of noise as the fans do now?
Lucky

DarG · 01/15/2008, 06:47 PM

I dont know if 1/2 hp would be enough for a 310. Check the chiller calculator, it's really pretty accurate for real world sizing ...

http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod_chiller_size.asp

The larger the unit the larger the compressor and the noisier the chiller. It may or may not be louder than your fans, that would depend on the fans but it's a different noise. There is a fan in the unit but it's the compressor that makes the most noise. It sounds like a refrigerator except the larger ones are generally louder because they have a larger compresor and the compressor is more out in the open.

I wouldnt count on any larger chiller being quiet. They may be quiet relative to another brand of the same rating but not quiet as in silent. My 1/3 hp Current USA modular makes itself know when it comes on but we dont even pay attention to it any longer. It woould bother those who are every noise sensitive. We arent the types that need to try and slience our tanks.

Lucky-rc · 01/15/2008, 07:07 PM

ok I'll check out the calculator.
I understand what your saying about the noise. we're not too picky either but my tank is in the middle of the living room and if it gets too loud then "she" has a fit cause she can't here the t.v...lol
But thanks for the "real" answer to the question.
Lucky

ncsaltwater · 01/15/2008, 07:18 PM

Here is a little more details on my setup. I have a 180G display tank plumbed to a 40G frag tank. The sump holds approx. 15G of water. The system return pump is a Sequence Baracuda that is split to feed the tank return, chiller, Co2 Reactor and frag tank. The system has a Closed Loop running a OM 4way feed by a Sequence Hammer Head. Lighting consist of 3-400W Radium MH and 3-65w PC. The system is an in the wall setup (Tank and all equip. is actually located in my Garage in a fish room). I live in Charlotte NC so my summer are HOT. So needless to say this has a big factor on my chilling problem.

So, as far as the Seachill goes I sent weeks on the phone with them this summer and they came to the conclusion that the 1/3 Seachill was not big enough for my configuration and they suggested I add a 2nd one (not) so that is why I'm upgrading.

Here are some pictures of my setup - Once the website loads ckick on the link on the left to see the Tank Room.

http://www.freewebs.com/troysaddiction

DarG · 01/15/2008, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ncsaltwater
Here is a little more details on my setup. I have a 180G display tank plumbed to a 40G frag tank. The sump holds approx. 15G of water. The system return pump is a Sequence Baracuda that is split to feed the tank return, chiller, Co2 Reactor and frag tank. The system has a Closed Loop running a OM 4way feed by a Sequence Hammer Head. Lighting consist of 3-400W Radium MH and 3-65w PC. The system is an in the wall setup (Tank and all equip. is actually located in my Garage in a fish room). I live in Charlotte NC so my summer are HOT. So needless to say this has a big factor on my chilling problem.

So, as far as the Seachill goes I sent weeks on the phone with them this summer and they came to the conclusion that the 1/3 Seachill was not big enough for my configuration and they suggested I add a 2nd one (not) so that is why I'm upgrading.

Here are some pictures of my setup - Once the website loads ckick on the link on the left to see the Tank Room.

http://www.freewebs.com/troysaddiction

I was trying to be kind but I think you basically have a 1/5 hp chiller on a 180. I wouldnt expect it to work in your situation. I mean, unless TECO has some magical method of making 2600 BTU at 4 amps, basically the ratings of a 1/5 hp unit, cool like 4000 BTU, then I think that they overrate their chillers, big time.

I know that I would go with atleast a 1/2 hp if I had a 180. I use a 1/3 on a 90 ... my tank wants to run in the upper 80's. I know that I would need atleast a 1/2 hp if I had a 180 in the same situation as my 90. I would rather size a chiller up rather than go with one that will handle the tank but run for an hour or more each cycle. But I would use that calculator I linked to and I wouldnt buy a second TECO, just go with a single, properly sized chiller. Watch the BTU rating.

jsf668 · 01/15/2008, 09:32 PM

The Pacific Coast Chiller is louder than fans but like DargG stated its a different kind of noise. I run mine in the living room but I also run small 6'' fans. One thing I will say is that on hot days when I am not running the AC, the chiller will add more heat into the room. I like having a chiller because it gives me piece of mind that my tank wont over heat on hot days and if I have a heater malfunction in the winter, the chiller will kick on. Its a wise investment..

Lucky-rc · 01/16/2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by julief20
The Pacific Coast Chiller is louder than fans but like DargG stated its a different kind of noise. I run mine in the living room but I also run small 6'' fans. One thing I will say is that on hot days when I am not running the AC, the chiller will add more heat into the room. I like having a chiller because it gives me piece of mind that my tank wont over heat on hot days and if I have a heater malfunction in the winter, the chiller will kick on. Its a wise investment..

Our kichen is just off the living room. It all open with an island that defines the line between the two rooms. That being said I'm useing my imagination here but If it is as loud or just sounds like the refridg. This would be just fine. Would this be a fair comparison, in your opinion?
I think the thing I worried about is investing in something like this to find out it sounds like a central air unit.

Lucky

jsf668 · 01/16/2008, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lucky-rc
Our kichen is just off the living room. It all open with an island that defines the line between the two rooms. That being said I'm useing my imagination here but If it is as loud or just sounds like the refridg. This would be just fine. Would this be a fair comparison, in your opinion?
I think the thing I worried about is investing in something like this to find out it sounds like a central air unit.
Lucky

I am not really sure how to descibe the sound. It is louder than a frig maybe more comparible to running a dehumidfier. My kitchen is right off the living room too and the chiller sits right there. The only thing I can say is that when the chiller runs I dont have adjust the volume on the tv to hear it. The sound isnt that noticeable.

DarG · 01/16/2008, 11:52 AM

Yeah, it's louder than the fridge, definitely. Again, some are louder than others and bigger is louder than smaller. My chiller is definitely the loudest component of the aquarium. You know when it kicks on but as the other poster said, I dont have to turn the TV volume up to hear TV when we are watching normally.

If you are sensitive to the aquariums noise or are the type to try and quiet things because you must have a quiet tank, you will probably be bothered by the chiller. If you are the type that doesnt mind the sound of the tanks equipment and just adapt to the sound of the pumps and skimmer or whatever else, kinda care free about it then the chiller will probably just be somethig you get used to. After a little while It probably wont bother you and you wont even think about it when it kicks on.

This is really one of those things where it isnt an issue of whether it is quiet or not, the larger ones especially arent going to be quiet. Its more an issue of whether the tanks noises bother you in general and whether you just roll with them and adapt to them or they drive you nuts and you do all you can to quiet them.

01/15/2008, 04:28 PM	#1
ncsaltwater Moved On Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 106	Chiller Recommendation I'm looking to upgraded my TECO Seachill TR20 1/3 HP Chiller to a Pacific Coast 1/2 HP Chiller. Does anyone out there have any experiance with Pacific Coast Chillers that would be willing post your comments or suggestions in making sure Pacific Coast is a well built, reliable chiller for the money?

01/15/2008, 04:52 PM	#2
jsf668 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurnee, IL Posts: 401	I have a Pacific Coast CL650 and have had no problems with it at all. Overall I am very happy with it. In the past I have contacted Pacific Coast with questions and they even send me some fuses at no cost..They were very helpful and I would recommend them. __________________ All the great lessons of life are learned the hard way... Current Tank Info: 210g-50g Sump/Refugium, SWX Extreme 250 Skimmer, Geo Kalk and Calcium Reactor, 3 Vortech MPw40's

01/15/2008, 05:03 PM	#3
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	Wow, you don't like your Teco? __________________ Greg Carroll I will be at REEF-A-PALOOZA! SPS = Stability Promotes Success Be wary of advice coming from those who will not show you the fruits of their success! Current Tank Info: building: 250g AGE Euro tank, Abyzz A200, Vertex Supra-G filtration, Ecotech Radion Pro LEDs, ...

01/15/2008, 07:07 PM	#7
Lucky-rc Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: central Ohio Posts: 450	ok I'll check out the calculator. I understand what your saying about the noise. we're not too picky either but my tank is in the middle of the living room and if it gets too loud then "she" has a fit cause she can't here the t.v...lol But thanks for the "real" answer to the question. Lucky __________________ Fast women... Expensive hobbies... Whats left? Current Tank Info: 310 gal. mix-reef

01/15/2008, 05:44 PM	#4
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	Teco Seachill chillers ... never figured how they rated a 2600 BTU/h chiller a 1/3 HP. 1/3 HP chillers are usually in the 4000 BYU/H range and close to 7 amps. The seachill is rated at just over 4 amps. I dont know anything about the about the Pacific coast chillers other than most people report the small units as one of the quietest. I have a Current USA 1/3 HP modular. Not quiet but it has worked great for me for the past year. I wouldnt touch the Current USA towers though. Maybe you dont need a 1/2 hp. Maybe just a 1/3 that is actually 4000 BTU?

01/15/2008, 06:47 PM	#6
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	I dont know if 1/2 hp would be enough for a 310. Check the chiller calculator, it's really pretty accurate for real world sizing ... http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod_chiller_size.asp The larger the unit the larger the compressor and the noisier the chiller. It may or may not be louder than your fans, that would depend on the fans but it's a different noise. There is a fan in the unit but it's the compressor that makes the most noise. It sounds like a refrigerator except the larger ones are generally louder because they have a larger compresor and the compressor is more out in the open. I wouldnt count on any larger chiller being quiet. They may be quiet relative to another brand of the same rating but not quiet as in silent. My 1/3 hp Current USA modular makes itself know when it comes on but we dont even pay attention to it any longer. It woould bother those who are every noise sensitive. We arent the types that need to try and slience our tanks.

01/15/2008, 07:18 PM	#8
ncsaltwater Moved On Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 106	Here is a little more details on my setup. I have a 180G display tank plumbed to a 40G frag tank. The sump holds approx. 15G of water. The system return pump is a Sequence Baracuda that is split to feed the tank return, chiller, Co2 Reactor and frag tank. The system has a Closed Loop running a OM 4way feed by a Sequence Hammer Head. Lighting consist of 3-400W Radium MH and 3-65w PC. The system is an in the wall setup (Tank and all equip. is actually located in my Garage in a fish room). I live in Charlotte NC so my summer are HOT. So needless to say this has a big factor on my chilling problem. So, as far as the Seachill goes I sent weeks on the phone with them this summer and they came to the conclusion that the 1/3 Seachill was not big enough for my configuration and they suggested I add a 2nd one (not) so that is why I'm upgrading. Here are some pictures of my setup - Once the website loads ckick on the link on the left to see the Tank Room. http://www.freewebs.com/troysaddiction

01/15/2008, 09:32 PM	#10
jsf668 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurnee, IL Posts: 401	The Pacific Coast Chiller is louder than fans but like DargG stated its a different kind of noise. I run mine in the living room but I also run small 6'' fans. One thing I will say is that on hot days when I am not running the AC, the chiller will add more heat into the room. I like having a chiller because it gives me piece of mind that my tank wont over heat on hot days and if I have a heater malfunction in the winter, the chiller will kick on. Its a wise investment..

01/16/2008, 11:52 AM	#13
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	Yeah, it's louder than the fridge, definitely. Again, some are louder than others and bigger is louder than smaller. My chiller is definitely the loudest component of the aquarium. You know when it kicks on but as the other poster said, I dont have to turn the TV volume up to hear TV when we are watching normally. If you are sensitive to the aquariums noise or are the type to try and quiet things because you must have a quiet tank, you will probably be bothered by the chiller. If you are the type that doesnt mind the sound of the tanks equipment and just adapt to the sound of the pumps and skimmer or whatever else, kinda care free about it then the chiller will probably just be somethig you get used to. After a little while It probably wont bother you and you wont even think about it when it kicks on. This is really one of those things where it isnt an issue of whether it is quiet or not, the larger ones especially arent going to be quiet. Its more an issue of whether the tanks noises bother you in general and whether you just roll with them and adapt to them or they drive you nuts and you do all you can to quiet them.