in the market for a chiller

[cwjrn]

I'm looking to buy a chiller. I've surfed for pacifc coast chiller and via aqua on ebay. Who has what and would recomend based on price, noise and function of the chiller I'm looking for a chiller that will work on a 80gallon bow front with two 250 metal halides, two t5, my temp went up 4 degrees after the new light setup. I wouldlike a quiet, inexpensive, low amp draw chiller that will get the job done without running all the time. my house is central a/c set at 73 degrees. Thanks in advance, Carl

[JeffCo]

From my experience, I would recommend something in the 1/4 hp range. I used a Aqualogic Delta star 1/4 hp on my previous 75 gallon with 30 gallon sump with similar lighting you are using. It kept my tank very stable at 80 without running very often.

[GaryP]

Have you considered upgrading your cooling fans before spending the money on a chiller? Cooling fans should be able to handle 250 watt MH and they are a lot cheaper to buy and, maintain, and power costs are a lot lower than a chiller.

I have 4 X 100 cfm fans on my 125. I actually have to keep my fans on a timer because it can get a little to cool at night. My temp stays around 80-82 max with 2 fans running 24/7 and 2 running about 8 hrs. a day.

[Tim Marvin]

I run fans and heater on a dual controller and it works fine even in the garage. Temp stay between 79-82. By the way there are 8/T-5s, 2/250w halides, and one 400w halide on the system.

[MikeyBoy]

I am running (4) Double ended 400w and two 72" VHO with fans only and temp stays between 78-80......
Never even sees 81 degrees. 350 gallons total water.....

I do have some HUGE fans though!!!

[fishypets]

Two fans keep my 125 at 80-81. I have 2x400 w in a closed canopy.

[NaCl_H2O]

I do have some HUGE fans though!!!

Uh yea :o You need to wear a wind breaker in Mike's fish room :P

I had a Pacific Coast 1/3hp and now have a PC 1hp, I have been very pleased with their operation. Remember, a chiller will generate a huge amount of heat so the need to vent it to the outside is somethng that should be considered.

Fans are great & cheap if you can accomodate the noise level and humididty due to extra evaporation. Chiler's are expensive (to buy & operate) but can be a nice convenience. For me, large evaporation and the chiller were both a necessity.

[AlexKilpatrick]

I've been really happy with mine. I just plugged it in and forget it, and my tank stays at +/- 1 degree without a lot of evaporation. The fans just weren't doing it for me at all.

Also, I calculated the cost of operating my chiller at less than $20 a month.