Chiller Size

[Bracka345]

Hello fellow Reefers,

Is there an advantage or disadvantage of going with a chiller that bigger than required?

Reason I ask, I specked out a chiller on JBj website and they recommend a 1/5hp chiller for my 190 gallon system which is a 150 gallon display and 40 gallon sump, but I've found good deals on a 1/4 hp and also on a 1/3hp.

Can anyone shed some info on this please. I live in the Cayman Islands so it gets pretty hot here also.

Thanks

 

[twilliard]

It's all based on cooling capacity and temperature drop.


http://chiller.jbjlighting.com/prod_chiller_size.asp

 

[Bracka345]

It's all based on cooling capacity and temperature drop.


http://chiller.jbjlighting.com/prod_chiller_size.asp

Thank you. I used there chiller calculator and they recommend the 1/5hp. Was just curious if there would be any disadvantages going with a bigger chiller.

 

[twilliard]

Thank you. I used there chiller calculator and they recommend the 1/5hp. Was just curious if there would be any disadvantages going with a bigger chiller.

A chiller that is too large will cycle the compressor more causing early premature wear

 

[Bracka345]

A chiller that is too large will cycle the compressor more causing early premature wear

Thanks

 

[Teddyboy16]

Much of the chillers cooling capacity also relies on the tanks surrounding environment. Does the room have a steady temprature theough out the day or does it fluctuate. How is the environment during the summer months? A stable ambient room temprature with adequate ventilation goes a long way towards helping the chiller do its job. If you live in a poorly insulated home then you might want to consider getting the next size up.

 

[Bracka345]

Much of the chillers cooling capacity also relies on the tanks surrounding environment. Does the room have a steady temprature theough out the day or does it fluctuate. How is the environment during the summer months? A stable ambient room temprature with adequate ventilation goes a long way towards helping the chiller do its job. If you live in a poorly insulated home then you might want to consider getting the next size up.

Ok Thanks. I live in the Caribbean and it gets pretty hot here in the summer time. Actually it's hot here all year round lol. I run central Ac in my house. During the day the temp in my house is 80-85 since no one is at home and 78-80 in the nights.

 

[Peanut]

also check the max flow rates the chiller is rated for...

 

[Bracka345]

also check the max flow rates the chiller is rated for...

Ok

 

[Bracka345]

Also should I take in consideration that it won't be 150 gallons since there will be roughly 100lbs of rock in the tank?

 

[twilliard]

also check the max flow rates the chiller is rated for...

The max flow rate is equivalent to the cooling capacity for a drop at a specific temperature.
Sizing a chillers flow rate has not much to do with maximum drop in temperature

 

[Bracka345]

After researching a bit more I think I will go to the 1/4hp since I will be adding a 3rd light.

 

[Peanut]

The max flow rate is equivalent to the cooling capacity for a drop at a specific temperature.
Sizing a chillers flow rate has not much to do with maximum drop in temperature

yes I understand that, but I'm just referring to flow rate. Unless you're running a separate pump for it, it may have a big impact on your return rate if its not big enough for flow regardless of it being big enough for the drop in temperature you need.

 

[Bracka345]

yes I understand that, but I'm just referring to flow rate. Unless you're running a separate pump for it, it may have a big impact on your return rate if its not big enough for flow regardless of it being big enough for the drop in temperature you need.

I'm fairly new to this but I plan to use my Vectra L1 return pump to all supply water flow for the chiller.

 

[twilliard]

I'm fairly new to this but I plan to use my Vectra L1 return pump to all supply water flow for the chiller.

That pump may flow too much water so you may have to valve it down.

 

[Bracka345]

That pump may flow too much water so you may have to valve it down.

Thanks and yes I should have mentioned that too. I will be putting a valve to control the flow.