Chiller size question

maroun.c · 05/11/2009, 09:39 AM

What chiller should I go with for a 150 Current tank (add to that 70 G sump and refugium and frag tank) with possibility of upgrade to a 260-280 G tank with a 80-90 G sump refugium and maybe a connected frag tank.
Can get a good price on a 1 HP chiller but wondering if it'll be overkill even for the upgrade? would a 3/4 HP be enough even after upgrade?

suasponte2/75 · 05/11/2009, 01:35 PM

I have a 1/4 on my 180G and it takes about 30-45 minutes to cool down a few degrees most days but longer on really hot days (of course). I got a great deal on this one too but if I was forced to buy one full retail, I probably would've gone bigger. I think it's kinda the same thinking as a skimmer (buy the biggest you can afford). It'll take less time to draw the tank temp down and your chiller won't have to work as hard (less time on and I think electricity as well - don't quote me on it

). They put out quite a bit of heat too so you're probably better served if it's on less. If it's all the same price/type, I'd go for the larger chiller IMO.

05/11/2009, 09:39 AM	#1
maroun.c Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Lebanon Posts: 6,111	Chiller size question What chiller should I go with for a 150 Current tank (add to that 70 G sump and refugium and frag tank) with possibility of upgrade to a 260-280 G tank with a 80-90 G sump refugium and maybe a connected frag tank. Can get a good price on a 1 HP chiller but wondering if it'll be overkill even for the upgrade? would a 3/4 HP be enough even after upgrade? __________________ 390 G mixed reef build Current Tank Info: 390G mixed reef

05/11/2009, 01:35 PM	#2
suasponte2/75 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Bay Area (Fremont, CA) Posts: 514	I have a 1/4 on my 180G and it takes about 30-45 minutes to cool down a few degrees most days but longer on really hot days (of course). I got a great deal on this one too but if I was forced to buy one full retail, I probably would've gone bigger. I think it's kinda the same thinking as a skimmer (buy the biggest you can afford). It'll take less time to draw the tank temp down and your chiller won't have to work as hard (less time on and I think electricity as well - don't quote me on it ). They put out quite a bit of heat too so you're probably better served if it's on less. If it's all the same price/type, I'd go for the larger chiller IMO.