Chiller Recommendations?

[Matt619]

Hey Everyone,

I've been in the hobby for about two years now and I'm tired of worrying about the temperature in my tank so I want to invest in a chiller. I've been researching but it is difficult to buy something that expensive without being able to see them in use or at least talk to people who use them. I was hoping I could get some recommendations. I know I want a 1/5 or 1/4 hp and a dual staged controller, but I don't know what brands are the quietest, most reliable, etc. I've been leaning towards the Aqua Logic Cyclone Chiller due to the convenience of not having to plumb anything. I know inline is more efficient, but I move often and the cyclone just looks a lot easier to deal with. Please let me know what you think. I'd love to hear any information or opinions you have about chillers. Thanks for all the help!


-Matt

[Eric P]

Hi Matt,
I have a 1/4 hp cyclone on my 120. It works great. I have not heard many other chillers run so I can't say if it is the quietest one out there but it ain't real loud. But if I had to do it again I would get an inline one. With the cyclone, the chiller needs to be right next to the tank. An inline could be a few feet away which in my case would help alot. Instead of puting all the heat back in the room I have a large utility closet it could have gone in or even outside.

Just my 2 cents... Eric...

[Matt619]

Thanks Eric. I probably should go with the inline version of the cyclone. It seems like most people favor inline. I just hope it isn't difficult to set up.

Do you think it is worth it to get a dual staged controller for a chiller and heater? It seems like it would be.

Does anyone have anything to say about Aqua Medic Chillers? Arctica Chillers? PowerCool? Teclima? Current USA Prime?

Thanks!

[Eric P]

Matt, It should be real easy to plumb. I ran mine on a single stage controller for a while but later upgraded to a dual stage. It's worth the extra to get a dual stage controller.

Eric...

[alkataz]

I have a delta star chiller also. But its the delta star 1/3 hp which is their inline line of chillers. I love them great quality and pretty quite as far as chillers go.