| Reefing Equipment Discuss Lighting / skimmers / pumps, pretty much anything that helps us run our tanks |
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04-17-2006, 12:37 PM
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#1
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NFMAS
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Saint Augustine
Posts: 2,447
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Another Chiller question
I have an 180g tank with two 250 mh and one 400 mh all on tar style ballasts (PFO) I have 3 seios two of them are 1500's and the other is an 1100. My return is a mag 36 and I use a mag7 for my skimmer. The chiller that I am looking at buying is a 1/4 hp. Right now it keeps the tank at 78-79 degrees with the AC on and 2 canopy fans and my canopy is open on top. w/o the chiller it gets up to 83 degrees. I know a 1/4 hp chiller isnt the best for a 180 but it seems to be working and its also very quiet. I have it on a timer to turn on and off every 30 min. Is that bad for the compressor to turn on/off so often? Also I am getting rid of my 250's and replacing them with 400's in a few weeks. What should I Do?
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04-17-2006, 07:42 PM
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#2
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Shark
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: waukesha, Wisconsin
Posts: 1,294
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I do not have a chiller. But I would think you would want to run it 24/7. If you are getting rid of your 250 for 400 I would think that you might need to run the chiller 24/7.
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04-17-2006, 08:06 PM
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#3
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NFMAS
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Saint Augustine
Posts: 2,447
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running it full time won't burn out the compressor?
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04-17-2006, 09:12 PM
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#4
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It can be rebuilt.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 19,158
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this really is a hard question to answer without it being on a controller. with a controller you can tell how hard it is working to keep the tank at temp.
G~
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04-17-2006, 09:16 PM
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#5
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NFMAS
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Saint Augustine
Posts: 2,447
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Its on the controller now. I would think running 24/7 will be bad for it. I think the chiller is to small for my tank but it works well with the A/C on and 2 canopy fans. its a New Ocean AQ-E3-NP 1/4hp. Does anyone know where I can find info on this brand online? I know its an old chiller but it works
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04-17-2006, 09:22 PM
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#6
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Shark
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: waukesha, Wisconsin
Posts: 1,294
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Whats the name of the chiller? I see now.  |
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04-17-2006, 09:24 PM
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#7
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Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,597
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Its the cycling on and off that is hard on them not the constant running.
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04-17-2006, 09:24 PM
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#8
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NFMAS
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Saint Augustine
Posts: 2,447
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its a new ocean on a ranco controller. Its really quiet too.
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04-17-2006, 09:27 PM
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#9
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I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 24,645
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Yes it is hard on it!
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04-17-2006, 09:29 PM
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#10
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NFMAS
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Saint Augustine
Posts: 2,447
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I cant find anything online about it. The only review is the one I found here- http://saltaquarium.about.com/librar...wocchiller.htm
The only thing is that they dont say what size of a tank it was on. I have been looking at other chillers and I see some brands at 1/4hp can handle upto 225gallons and on other brands 1/4hp only can do 125 gallons. Since this chiller is an older one I bet it can only handle 125 gallons.
Hmm I could get a 125 bow front! and sell my 180 |
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04-17-2006, 09:29 PM
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#11
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Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,597
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If it runs along time it probably is to small think about upgrading to a bigger one if you can and keep the controller it rocks.
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Double your drive space. Delete Windows
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04-17-2006, 09:29 PM
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#12
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Shark
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: waukesha, Wisconsin
Posts: 1,294
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I am having a very hard time finding info on it. But go with what Casey said he's smart!
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04-17-2006, 09:34 PM
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#13
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Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,597
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by ski1297
I am having a very hard time finding info on it. But go with what Casey said he's smart!
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Double your drive space. Delete Windows
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04-17-2006, 09:46 PM
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#14
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NFMAS
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Saint Augustine
Posts: 2,447
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it just shut off at 80 degrees, so on the ranco when the LCD says 80 degrees its really 79 in the tank?
I added pipe insulation to the return line and got better results. Should I use pvc or tubing to connect the chiller? Right now its set up temporarily next to the tank so I can test it out. I plan on keeping it a little further from the tank.
Its working fine but I have to keep the A/C around 78-79. (I am one of those people who are real stingy on the A/C and will probably end up as one of those dads who knows when the kids have turned the A/C down a degree)
Anyways its too bad I have to use fans and A/C with the chiller to get proper temps. I will have to keep an eye out for an 1/3hp but for now its right for the price
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04-17-2006, 10:10 PM
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#15
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It can be rebuilt.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 19,158
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sorry, i am still confused. 
the chiller is on a controller, but the controller/chiller is not on 24/7? why? if you were to let it run for hour under controller control, how long would the chiller stay on in order to keep the temp correct?
G~
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Friends Don't Let Friends Use Refugiums!
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