hello,
I am finally considering the purchase of an hydroponic chiller for my res. Temperatures rarely exceed 70, but I have to be sure....Algae is my arch nemesis. Does anyone have a favorite brand or type? Yes I know polar bear chillers work really good...they also cost twice the amount of others and appear to have a monopoly in the hydro market.
Are aquarium chillers any different? I am looking at Coralife chillers, Jbj and sealine. Any thoughts? I plan to go for about a 1/10th hp size to save on electricity while providing a 20 degree temp drop.
ok, now to answer my own questions so that others may take advantage of my weeks of chiller research.
I went with the 1/10th HP current USA prime chiller. I chose this unit for several reasons.
-made in USA (easy warranty service. and not supporting outsourcing)
-I believe the 1/15th HP models may not be adequate for reservoirs over 25 gallons despite claims that say otherwise. (from the company)
-If you are running a smaller reservoir like most smart people 10-30 gallons I would highly recommend the 1/15th HP models. Note that 1/15th HP current USA models provide twice the amount of power to the heat exchanger than some comparable models.
-ALMOST ALL chillers do NOT come with a pump.
-I would NOT recommend the hydrofarm 1/10th hp models as they appear to be VERY inefficient and comparatively cheap lately....sketchy.
-Cora life models appear to be of higher quality than most chillers I have seen on ebay, but can anyone find their website? Do these guys still exist? I sure as hell couldn't find them...which makes warranty and or servicing an impossibility.
-ALMOST ALL CHILLERS are capable of running hydroponics and aquarium settings. Hey...we both tend to build up a lot of salt right? whats the difference? Important to note that you may not want to get a used chiller on ebay that could have been used in a very dirty salt water reef tank. If you get a used unit...be prepared for some serious cleaning...and try to get a unit with a removable screen.
-newho ill get back to this thread in a week to let you know if my unit has an adequate temperature pull down.
if your looking for a chiller and don't know what to get basically just follow this quick guide:
1) good manufacturers - JBJ, polar bear, cora life, Current,
2) what size res. r you trying to cool?
less than 30gal - consider 1/15 HP
30 gal-45gal. -consider 1/10 HP
more than 50 gal. -consider some 1/10th HP models, but really need to think big at this point....possibly 1/6th-1/4 HP.
*ALL DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH UR TRYING TO COOL THAT RES. *
if your only trying to cool 5 degrees in your 40 gallon you may be able to work with a 1/15 HP!
3) $$$$$$, I find that the hydrofarm units really give you the best bang for your buck...that is if they live up to all the pep talk the company gives itself. You can get a 1/10 HP hydrofarm chiller for $250-300 some places. Similar 1/10 units will cost you $100-300 more. Cora life apparently has a lot of history in the aquarium sector. People really like them and the price shows it. If you can find one cheap, get it...same with JBJ.
HOPE THIS HELPS! Feel free to correct me on any of this stuff...I will make an edits. IF you are realllly having trouble deciding you should send me a PM. C'mon im bored neways give me a holar.
