Chiller

[Scales]

I am going to get a chiller...any comments on the Pacifc Coast line...compared with UMI or otherwise...

Thanks.

[Aquattro]

I bought the PC chiller last week. It is a very compact unit compared to others. I haven't hooked it up yet, but I've heard good things from others people running them. Price is also reasonable...

[robert]

Brad, what model did you get? Did you buy it from J&L?
Thanks.

[Aquattro]

I got the 1/4hp model from J&L for $799. I'm really happy with the small footprint of the unit. It's even close to being "wife friendly". If this thing keeps my tnak cool, I'll be even happier :razz:

[robert]

Brad do you know how loud this things are? Is it somewhat similar to regular fridge? Does it make permanent noise or only when it kicks-in, kind of like fridge? Also what pump are you planning on using with your chiller?

Sorry for too many questions.

[Aquattro]

Sorry Robert, it's still in the box. When I asked someone, they claimed it was very quiet. I'll be using a MAG 7 to run it, just because I have one lying around.

[LostMind]

It's not that quiet. Unless its not running :P

Mine only turns on once or twice an hour tho, and my temp is very stable now.

[Andy]

I've had the 1/4 hp Pacific Coast chiller and now have the 1/2 hp chiller. The 1/4 hp chiller was working overtime trying to keep my 280 gallon reef cool. I have the 1/2 hp chiller in a separate room where noise and heat is not an issue. I would not want either in the same room as my tank for these reasons. Overall, I like the chiller design. The temperature tolerance could be more sensitive. I run a Mag 950 on mine.

HTH

Andy

[Aquattro]

The temperature tolerance could be more sensitive.
Andy

Andy, do you have the older 4 degree controller or the new model with the 2 degree set point?

[Jason McK]

just ran across this thread and though even though the prices are US it still sound like a good value
http://www.3reef.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=General;action=display;num=108708749 7;start=2#2

Can't find the chiller on coralvue.com yet

Jason

[LostMind]

I have the newer model, its two degrees tolerance it says, but that is two degrees up or down, meaning 4 degree variance I spose.

ie: I set it to 77 and it actually keeps the tank at 79-80 (it sits at 79, slowly rises to 80, chiller kicks in, knocks the temp down to 79 and shuts down. Temp slowly rises back to 80. Pretty silly, as I *thought* the chiller would try to keep the tank at 77.... but whatever!)

[Aquattro]

hmm, I thought the setpoint was 2 degrees total. That means you set it for 80, it comes on at 79 and shuts off at 81. As long as it keeps the tank below 81, I'm ok.

[LostMind]

Hmmm, well, its a dual stage controller. So I have the heater plugged into the chiller.

If the tank gets to 75, it'll kick the heater on, to keep the tank at 77. but overnight the tank stays around 78, so I dont think the heater ever comes on.

But, from sitting in front of the tank, with the chiller set to hold the tank at 77, it kicks on when the tank gets warmer then 79... but doesnt cool the tank all the way down to 77. Which is what I thought it would do. I originally set it to 79, hoping to keep the tank stable at 79 (it would get to 82ish during the day with MH's on), but the chiller wouldnt kick on till the tank was reaching 81... and so I wasnt really getting any temp reduction with it at 79. At 77, I keep it pretty stable at 79-80, like I wanted originally... so I am really not dissatisfied with the unit.

I just recently purchased and setup the unit (2 weeks?), and I have never had a chiller before. So I am not sure if this is how it is supposed to work or not, but this is how mine does.

Now I am gonna go read the instructions again... just in case I have done something wrong :)

[roverT]

Hey Brad when you get that thing going would it be ok if I came over to see/hear it, I have been looking at that same model for a little while now?
Thanx
Trevor

[Aquattro]

Trevor, not a problem.

[Andy]

Hi Brad

I have the newer 2 degree setpoint. My chiller runs for about 5 minutes every 20 minutes during the metal halide lighting period. It kicks out a ton of heat. I have fans blowing the heat out from the crawl space where the chiller is situated. I find the chiller to be about as loud as a dehumidifier. I wouldn't want it in my rec room. Just too loud.

[Aquattro]

Well, mine is going in the living room with the tank, so hopefully I stay married for a while longer :razz:

[kari]

Well, mine is going in the living room with the tank, so hopefully I stay married for a while longer :razz:

Brad, you might have to sell the chiller to pay the lawyer. As Andy noted they are similar to the noise of a de-humidifier and throw out a lot of heat. Running it in living space won't be fun.

Maybe you could plumb it to a more remote location. Currently I have been planning to add an exhaust fan in my fishroom where the 1/4hp PC chiller runs in the hot summer months. Its been handling my 195gal tank just fine but the ambient temp climbs quickly when it kicks in. The fan, in theory, should reduce my power bill, keep me cooler and my wife calmer.. I meant cooler.

[robert]

Andy/Kari/Brad - is the chiller constantly noise or only when it kicks in? I am thinking about getting 1/4hp one for my 90gal setup. At this size it would be a bit of overkill for my size of the tank so it shouldn’t kick in that often and not for too long I guess? Or am I all wrong? :frown: Yes mine would need to be in living area as well since I live in condo.

[zulu_principle]

I planned on plumbing mine in my home into the crawl space, didnt work as I found a used one that was a drop in.

Its on and off even on the hottest days, its one of the best "investments" you can make for your reef.

JMHO


Wendell

[Aquattro]

I think it will be fine, considering the fans and skimmer noise now. My family is pretty tolerant. Hopefully I can get this hooked up soon as my temp hit 87 today.

[StirCrazy]

my temp hit 87 today.

I hit 83, with only two of my 3 fans.. got to get the other one hooked up befor I go away again.

Steve

[Jack]

The Pacific Coast chillers are not bad at all if you've heard other brands.

Luckly, in my basment suite I stay at 79-80° even with two 400w HQI. Whew!

[Aquattro]

even with two 400w HQI. Whew!

So you got them then?

[LostMind]

Robert - when it isnt running, it makes no noise... well, when it is on but not chilling the tank, it makes no noise. :)

[robert]

Robert - when it isnt running, it makes no noise... well, when it is on but not chilling the tank, it makes no noise. :)

Thank you very much for the answer. Do you think that oversizing will prolong off/on intervals and shorten the running time?

Thanks.

[Jack]

even with two 400w HQI. Whew!

So you got them then?

Yeah, I love them.

[Aquattro]

Do you think that oversizing will prolong off/on intervals and shorten the running time?

Thanks.

I think that would be the case.

[Jack]

But, is that harder on the Chiller?

[robert]

But, is that harder on the Chiller?

Jack - what do you mean :question: :question: :question:

[Aquattro]

I think it would be easier on the unit, as it wouldn't have to work as hard or as often. Or possibly I don't have any idea!! :rolleyes:

[LostMind]

I'm with Brad. I'd think it'd be easier, but dunno for sure as I am not a chiller engineer or somesuch :)

[StirCrazy]

But, is that harder on the Chiller?

no, easyer actualy as you are runnign a shorter duity cycle on the motor.

Steve