What chiller for someone on budget?

pdkinsel · 09/27/2006, 08:35 PM

I have a 55 gal reef and I need a chiller that will cool by at least 5-8 degrees.

What kinds of chillers should I be looking at? Which name brands have a good performance rating? If I opt for a used chiller, how old is too old?-meaning what is the life of a chiller? If I get a 1/10 hp will it run harder than if I got a 1/5 hp or 1/4? Will a 1/10 hp be plenty for a 5-8 degree temp reduction?

Any answers will be appreciated or suggestions for links to customer reviews. Thank you.

joeycadre · 09/27/2006, 09:36 PM

i have a pacific coast imports cl-300 1/10 on my 45 gal and it works great. it comes on every half hour or so. it keeps the temp at 79. before the chiller i was up around 84. but it's rated up to 110 gal for 10 degrees.

theatrus · 09/27/2006, 11:07 PM

I use a JBJ Artica 1/5HP on my 55g. Lots of heat sources in the tank, and hot room. The JBJ chillers are probably the quietest on the market, and don't look half bad as no chiller should be kept in a closed stand.

saltycreefer · 09/27/2006, 11:22 PM

box fan

09/27/2006, 08:35 PM	#1
pdkinsel Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: St. Cloud, FL Posts: 471	What chiller for someone on budget? I have a 55 gal reef and I need a chiller that will cool by at least 5-8 degrees. What kinds of chillers should I be looking at? Which name brands have a good performance rating? If I opt for a used chiller, how old is too old?-meaning what is the life of a chiller? If I get a 1/10 hp will it run harder than if I got a 1/5 hp or 1/4? Will a 1/10 hp be plenty for a 5-8 degree temp reduction? Any answers will be appreciated or suggestions for links to customer reviews. Thank you.

09/27/2006, 09:36 PM	#2
joeycadre Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: jackson Posts: 1,371	i have a pacific coast imports cl-300 1/10 on my 45 gal and it works great. it comes on every half hour or so. it keeps the temp at 79. before the chiller i was up around 84. but it's rated up to 110 gal for 10 degrees. __________________ "it's not the heat, it's the humility" Current Tank Info: 90 gal. sps mostly. bubble master 200. pci cl-300 chiller

09/27/2006, 11:07 PM	#3
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	I use a JBJ Artica 1/5HP on my 55g. Lots of heat sources in the tank, and hot room. The JBJ chillers are probably the quietest on the market, and don't look half bad as no chiller should be kept in a closed stand. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

09/27/2006, 11:22 PM	#4
saltycreefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fairfield,CT Posts: 1,696	box fan __________________ I love being a turtle!!! Current Tank Info: Got out of tanks for a little while.