Chiller help needed

rong666 · 03-13-2006, 08:05 PM

I have a via-aqua chiller (cc-25) that I got for free about 9 months ago. For the last 9 months it has worked very well at keeping my tank nice and cool. Last month it stopped working on me. When hooked up, it turns on and as the temp in the tank rises the thermastat kicks on the compressor, but it no longer cools down the tank. While runing, the chiller does not sound as loud as it used to. This leads me to believe the compressor needs replaced. I checked the via-aqua web site for a trouble shooting guide and only got a blank screen. Crap, i dunno.Any thoughts??....Oh and where is a good place to get a chiller serviced as well as what should I expect for a ball-park range?? Warranty has expired..Any input is appreciated.
Thanx,
Ron
Ps: I have not upgraded lights or pumps or any other such device that would put off excess heat.

Illusion · 03-13-2006, 09:28 PM

I would assume the Freon is gone... If you open it up you can find out on the compressor if it takes r-12 or r-134 If its 134 then you can go to the autostore and pick up some... If its the other than you will have to get a hold of a AC guy.. Its basically just an AC.. I would assume about 40.00 plus the price of the Freon..

HTH,
James

rong666 · 03-13-2006, 10:03 PM

Thanx for the reply James. Yes it is r-134a. Ill pop her open and see if it is indeed empty. I thought a chiller would only run out of refridgerant if there was a leak in the system. I have not noticed one.
-Ron

Illusion · 03-13-2006, 10:07 PM

Usually they should only run out if they have a hole somewhere in the system... As for the leak you would never be able to tell without Dye leak tester... If you do Fill It make sure you add no more than the Max amount that the Compressor states... Might be a good Idea to grab a leak tester pen and check it for leaks as well... Most chillers should last many years without a refil unless there is a leak... The compressor detects the amount of Refridgerant within the unit and will only kick in if there is enough pressure which is probably why it sounds quieter now...

If there is a leak it shouldnt cost much to fix it depending on where the leak is..

HTH<
James

rong666 · 03-13-2006, 11:33 PM

YAY!!!!
This thing is a real piece o' Sh@t!!! It cant be refilled...Viaaqua=garbage, just another example. meanwhile my tank is overheating and my sps are going rtn. bummed
-Ron

Twitterbait · 03-14-2006, 01:18 PM

time to put a fan on the sump and open the hood. how much light do you have on the tank?

theron · 03-14-2006, 01:56 PM

I am surprised that the designed the chiller without the ability to refill it. Sounds like you might have a leak in it anyway. Have you tried to see if an AC guy can repair it? Maybe in the process they could make it possible to refill.

Theron

rong666 · 03-14-2006, 08:03 PM

I have dual 250 watt halides for light.......Box fan is in place, and it is keeping the tank @ about 79.9.....
As for getting this thing serviced.....It was free to me, I hate viaaqua for past shady buisness practices that I have experienced with them and would rather just hold out a month or so and purchase a reliable chiller for my system. I was thinking a PCI........
any imput on a brand of chiller that will not break the bank??
thanx
-Ron