to chill or not to chill?

[abirozy]

Hello

My name is Adam Birozy and I am a relatively new hobbyist. I currently have a 28 gallon JBJ nano intermediate with about 40 lbs live rock and 30 lbs live sand. I have removed the hood and have a reef radiance 132W LED fixture hanging about 8" above my tank and have an aquamaxx HOB-1 skimmer rated at 75 gallons. I have about 4 fish and after recently a LOT of coral frags... (about 40). Mainly LPS with a few softies and a few SPS.

PROBLEM:

I live in California, and for most of the year (I assume, I have only had tank 4 months) I am fine with the temperature. But ever since I have had my tank (summer), it gets up to about 83. At least I think it does as I have a digital probe thermometer that reads that team, but I just got a cheap $2 glass thermometer and it reads closer to 80-81.

QUESTION:

1) Should I get a chiller? I would only use it for the summer.
2) If so, what HP? I am planning on upgrading already due to lack of space for corals and will most likely be getting about a 55 gallon tank and maybe a sump. I could go all the way up to a 75. A 1/10 HP is rated for up to 80 gallon, but I think it would be working hard although only for a few degrees. But a 1/6 or 1/5 hp is significantly more money.
3) Any major difference in noise or quality of brands? I have been looking either at a JBJ arctica (most expensive) or two different aquaeuro's. There is about a 60-100 difference between the two brands.

Thanks

Adam

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[akitareefer]

I say don't chill! Set up a fan over the water and your good to go. Chillers are a pain unless you can externally vent them. If fans aren't working well enough then look into a portable ac unit so that you and your tank can enjoy the cool air.