Chiller?

I have been running my setup for a while now without a chiller and the temp has always been around 81. I am going to be getting a chiller soon and was wondering if anyone knew of good deals/brands. My system is 210 gal. total and am trying to find one at a good price (obviously)... Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

i love my jbj artica chiller.....however if you are keeping your tank around 81 I dont know if I would invest in one....will be probably 700, I would try a clip on fan to the top of your tank or your sump!

 

I'm actually trying to lower the temp. because I think 80 - 85 is too hot... Or do you think that temp is fine, it is at 83 right now. What do you think is optimal temp. for reef keeping?

 

i keep mine at about 76 to 79 and that is a little too high for my inhabitants. Go to liveaquaria.com and search your coral or fish up and it will give you a temperture for that specimin. IMO

 

Have you tried using a couple fans, one on the DT and one on the sump? I bet that will bring it down to where you need it for a little less money than a chiller!

 

I have a Current 1/3 HP in line unit with a Medusa controller. it was used when I got it, maybe 2-3 yrs old. the Condenser fanmotor went out, but hte part was readily available at the local mom and pop appliance store, so I replaced it. Had to recharge the refrigerant (134a thankfully) and it is good as new. I keep in and my 150 gallon sump in the garage. There is no tank attached at this time. it keeps it at a nice 79 degrees, and comes on for maybe 10 minutes or less. the Medusa controller cuts it on at 0.8 degrees above the set point and off at 0.4 degrees below the set point. I really like the setup and it was very easy to install. If I were to buy one tomorrow, I would make sure of a few things:

1. r134a refrigerant because if you need to recharge it, it is readily available everywhere!
2. it has both a low and high service ports so you can hook up HVAC gauges to it to measure the pressure in the event of a problem. also an applicance repair company can diagnose it.
3. Get a seperate temp controller that is DUAL STAGE. this way it will control your heaters as well. the chiller I have is the 2606. it has chambers for adding a UV and up to 500 watt heater. this chiller does not have a thermostat and requires the use of either one from Current or another company. I like that as if it goes bad, you can replace and its not part of the unit itself. with mine, if its plugged into the wall, it will run and run...

btw, it is easily 90 degrees in my garage all day long.