Chiller recommendations

[rbraunberger]

Hello everyone!

I have not had an issue with my tank and temps before, but the heat waves we have had this summer have already hit my corals hard! I usually just float water bottles that I have in my freezer for the hot days, but this is not even keeping up with it. I do have AC in my house and have been running it cooler than I would like. I wanted to look at a chiller for my tank, but was a bit overwhelmed with all the options/choices. I currently have my apex in the chiller area of my Reefer, but could try and move that.

Tank: RedSea Reefer 525 XL

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[clsanchez77]

I still have a Pacific Coast chiller from 15 years ago. Getting ready to hook it back up. But this time, I am moving it outside and currently and weather proofing it. Removed the case and ditching the control board. Will make a new housing and control via Apex.

I do know this chiller will need to be replaced soon so I have been paying attention to some others.

From everything I have read, stay away from JBJ. All chillers will have issues as they are mechanical devices, but JBJ does a poor job on standing behind the chillers.

I have always heard great things about Trade Wind. You can't beat built in the US, but you will pay for it.

 

[scardall]

I still have a Pacific Coast chiller from 15 years ago. Getting ready to hook it back up. But this time, I am moving it outside and currently and weather proofing it. Removed the case and ditching the control board. Will make a new housing and control via Apex.

I do know this chiller will need to be replaced soon so I have been paying attention to some others.

From everything I have read, stay away from JBJ. All chillers will have issues as they are mechanical devices, but JBJ does a poor job on standing behind the chillers.

I have always heard great things about Trade Wind. You can't beat built in the US, but you will pay for it.

I have a Trade Winds drop in type. 1/4hp on a 75g mixed reef. I run it at 77*F . 10 years and counting. I did have to replace the controller after the 1st year. Under warranty. I would recommend it. chiller on top right corner

 

[Dr. Reef]

Whatever company you go with, but a chiller designed for 1.5 x the volume of your tank volume.
I have ecoplus commercial grade 1.5hp chiller for my 300g system running perfectly for last 10 yrs. Plus I have 3 more smaller chillers for my at setup and mixing bin. (My whole setup is in garage with Oklahoma heat getting up to 120-130 inside the garage.)

 

[Reefltx]

Used a JBJ 1/15 on my old tank, ran for 6yrs no problem. Now I have a JBJ 1/10 bought it used for a steal. It's been working great on my reefer 350, keeps the temp at 79-80f and it's quiet operation.

 

[clsanchez77]

Used a JBJ 1/15 on my old tank, ran for 6yrs no problem. Now I have a JBJ 1/10 bought it used for a steal. It's been working great on my reefer 350, keeps the temp at 79-80f and it's quiet operation.

Glad to hear that is working out for you. When I research chiller brands, I have come across a lot of complaints regarding JBJ chillers. I have not be able to decipher water part is the problem as some parts can just be changed out from other brands used chillers.

 

[Dr. Reef]

someone asked for pics of my chillers and setup, here it is. i have 1.5hp chiller on the main tank. 1/10 hp on dual qt setup and 1/4 on my mixing bin.