buying advice - chiller recommendations?

[los.tejanos83]

Hello All

I'm a saltwater newbie with a 120g tank that hovers at 89 degrees. Just recently opened the hood doors and my stand doors to lower the temp. Also placed a fan directly in front of sump...it lowered the temp a few degrees but i need to buy a chiller.

Looking for recommendations on chillers to consider (and why), and chillers to avoid (due to quality, poor drop down temp, etc).

I've been searching eBay for a good deal.

Thanks,

Angelo
tank established 8 wks ago

[Kristy]

Welcome to MAAST. :)

What type of lights are you using? Is it near any windows, maybe getting direct sunlight? What temp do you keep your house A/C on? You might get some small clip on fans and have them blow across the surface of the water to help it cool. You will get more evaporation, but it might help with the temp issues.

[Bill S]

I USED to recommend Tradewind Chillers - as I've had great luck with mine, and the price is impossible to beat. But, Mike, aka texreefer, had nothing but problems with his.

[los.tejanos83]

I have 4x440 VHO lights...the tank is within 2 ft of west facing windows. My house thermo set at 78-80. I believe the main problem is the heat from exterior brick and the tank against the wall. Definitely getting more evaporation at this time.

[CoryDude]

Most chiller performance issues are related to their installation and size. Just make sure you get a large enough chiller to handle your tank size to ensure a good temp pull down.

Most brands out there are the same basic design and are imported anyways. So, the only difference is the packaging. If space is an issue, look for one of the slim-line designs to save room.

Current Prime chillers are a good entry level chiller. Dr. Fosters & Smith had a 1/3hp unit for $599.

[los.tejanos83]

Thanks for the info...i've heard from others regarding Current...i'll check Dr F&S.

[Texreefer]

I would say that some of my problem was a very high heat load,, I think for the money tradewinds are probably still good chillers,, not close to the construction quality of the chiller i currently have from Victor refridgeration off ebay

[los.tejanos83]

I've also heard about Tradewinds...there's one on eBay but has high starting bid.

[DrMark]

I have two current prime chillers, a 1/10 (34gal) and a 1/4hp (115gal). Been happy with both. I also have a 1/2hp (214gal) aqualogic delta star that has been great too.
mark

[princer7]

I've had good luck with the Current chillers so far. I've got a 1/3HP that does a great job of removing the heat.