Chiller Info

[Barry N.]

Never had a chiller before but am considering one but know nothing about them.

How effective are they with a open top system and a room that may get up to lower to mid 90s? Didn't know if the open or closed top made that much difference or not. Also going to have to take into consideration the wattage and amps and not know anything about electric, do I look more at amps or watts?

Am thinking about cooling 2-3 tanks with a total volume of 500-700 gallon of water so I know I will have to run one in line rather than a drop me. Any thoughts or ideas??

THANKS!

[Ninong]

The only thing I can tell you is that you will probably need at least a 1 hp chiller for 700 gallons in a warm environment.


Good luck!

[golfish]

Barry,
Their not very efficient if you run them in the same room as the tanks are in. Best bet for you would be to plumb it outside. You live in a cool area so outside would be best. I'm sure Sherry wont mind you drilling a couple holes in the wall Do not buy one of those POS Aqua Medic chillers. I know they cost a little less but it will not work.

FWIW, My Aqua Logics chiller has done real well and their located down your way.

[Barry N.]

Thanks for the replied.

[kevinpo]

Hi Barry,
I would also recommend the Aqua Logic in line chiller. As Mark stated it really needs to be run outside the room as the btu's removed from the water will be sent into the air surrounding the chiller. Also chillers are not very efficient if the abient air temp. is above 85F. If you locate it outside be sure that the sun does not shine directly on it. Also make sure there is plenty of ventilation space around it (placing it in a box will not work)

HTH,
Kevin
PS: AMPS will be very important in determining the size wire and breaker you will need for the circuit. I would get a 220V one as it will draw less AMPS (= smaller breaker) and you can use smaller dia. wire.

[Barry N.]

Thanks guys. Don't know at this time how I will be able to run it out side, this is going to be in a commercial warehouse, about 1500 SF to start with and the ceiling are tall. It has it own electrical box and I counted 10x 20 amp breakers and several 15 amps. This building does have a large roll up door and I am going to put some large fans at that point to help move some air. The good part is that the hot sun is behind the other side of the building and goes down on our side.

We are going to have 3 race way tanks and 3 x 60 gallon ( 48x15x16) tanks to start with and was thinking about plumbing the 3 raceway togeather and run them through a rubbermate sumps. If my calulations are correct that would be 360 gallon of water without the sump. Any thoughts. ;)

96" x 24 "x 12" = 27648 / by 231 = 119.6 gallons each

[golfish]

Barry,
You might be better off cooling the building. Your place should be a lot cooler then where Jeff's place is, right? Just do what Jeff does...Open the doors and run some big fans.

[Barry N.]

Mark, that is what I was thinking but not sure how cool it will be. Just seeing what my options are. This place does have a large roll up door and some cool air coming in so the BIG fan deal might work ok.

[golfish]

Mark, that is what I was thinking but not sure how cool it will be. Just seeing what my options are. This place does have a large roll up door and some cool air coming in so the BIG fan deal might work ok.

Barry, Your warehouse is closer to the cost then Jeff's place, right? I think you'll be fine with fans. Plus the tanks will be open top, that's a HUGE, HUGE plus. My new tank is open top. I'd never use a canopy again.

So when are you going to move in? If I'm welcome I'd like to come down and check out the new place.

I see Sherry finally put her foot down and told you to get those tanks out of the house ;) then again, knowing how much she loves the hobbie maybe you told her to get em out of the house

[Barry N.]

Well we are inland about 12 miles from the coast and this past week we had 90 degree weather. With than large roll up door there is a nice breeze and placing some large fans should work well. All tanks are open top and like you, I will never have a canopy again.

You are always welcome and might even put you to work while you are down here.