Chiller Sizing

[GaryP]

Does anyone have a calculator for properly sizing a chiller?

I'm looking for something that you can plug in number of gallons and number of degrees of temp trop.

I need about 5 degrees F temp. drop for a 125 gal. tank. If no one has a claculator, does anyone have a suggestion as to the required HP I would need for this application?

Gary

[NaCl_H2O]

FWIW - I have a 125g + 48g + ~20g of sump = ~200g

I am using a Pacific Coast 1/4HP chiller and maintain a 5 deg pull down with the chiller runing maye 6-8 times during the day for 20-30 mins.

Note: Only running PCs currently, no MHs. But lots of submerged pumps!

[brewercm]

I would think a 1/4 would work on that tank also, if you want to make sure you can go 1/3 but that may be a little overkill. The funny thing is if you look at one companies 1/4 HP unit they say a 10 degree drop on 150 gallons, and another company will say 5 degree on 150.

NaCl H2)
If you include the rock and sand displacement in that 125 (which is hard to calculate reall well) you may only have 125 to 150 depending on amount of both. Just a thought.

[GaryP]

Thanks, that was pretty much along the lines I was thinking.

I may go with the 1/3 HP just so that I am oversized when I step up to my next tank. Of course there is over sizing, then there is over sizing. Are you reading this Blake?

Gary

[brewercm]

I think Blake is working on cooling down the Gulf, his very own hurricane repellant tool.

[GaryP]

That thing should be hooked up to a swimming pool.

But then, on the other hand, he didn't pay that much more for it than a commercial 1/2 hp. chiller. My only problem is that I don't have a fish room and if something like Blake's chiller appeared in my living room, I would end up being Larry's roommate.

Gary