Best place to buy equipment/chiller

[Griffith DreamWalker]

@tetrakid Thanks for the information. That sounds rather confusing for me, not to mention that I don't have pals that use such equipment. I won't consider this brand then.

Anyone else have any experience with a CL85 or any opinion on it? I've not heard much about this model...

[qool]

Griffith like what tetrakid said if unsure don't try. I am doing it because I already knew what I needed, a step down transformer is needed to use Japanese electronic from Singapore 240V to 100V. You also need need to buy a transformer that produces enough watts to drive this chiller. Basically if you go Sim Lim tower Top level they can advise you easily. By the way I am using the Tetra Cr-3 chiller that's why I suggested and gotten those result I posted.

But my suggestion is that if you are not the picky type like me concern about space constraint and design of the chiller go for AL60. Since I did consider it before it has Power：200W only a difference of 45 watts with the tetra chiller 245W so chilling power difference should be still close.

Or if you worry you investing for nothing just get a real refrigerant chiller. Since TEM performance is an open ended question you do not know how low you can get till you really hook up and test.

CL85 I think not produced anymore I did research it before.

[qool]

image.jpgMy stepdown transformer setup both upper 100-100v taken up by iceprobe and tetra cr-3

[Dscheng]

What the... Is that a chiller or what? Look like water cooler drink, haha.

[qool]

Yup its a TEM chiller from tetra, cr-3. Please see page 1.

[WingCher]

I also thinking of buying a chiller and have done some reading. Personally I think it's more expensive to buy these TEM chillers with the step-down transformer. And from electrical engineering point of view, the transformers are not as efficient. In the end you might consume more electricity than just using AL30 or AL60 in the long run. Like Bro Griffith, I am looking at HC-100A and HS-28A for my 2ft tank. How I wish we have a cooler weather in Singapore!

[qool]

Yup using transformer sure will have some efficiency loss. I chose based on possible performance and design because end of the day the result is more important whether you can get the temperature you want.

[Dscheng]

I also thinking of buying a chiller and have done some reading. Personally I think it's more expensive to buy these TEM chillers with the step-down transformer. And from electrical engineering point of view, the transformers are not as efficient. In the end you might consume more electricity than just using AL30 or AL60 in the long run. Like Bro Griffith, I am looking at HC-100A and HS-28A for my 2ft tank. How I wish we have a cooler weather in Singapore!

Precisely, just hoot and buy a proper chiller. I on my chiller only on certain hour like 7am~10am, 12pm~3pm, 5pm~2am. My electric bill like $10 increase only? Most of the time, i can see my tank maintain 24~26 degree or so. No problem on my plant and shrimp. Btw, i am using HS28.

[Griffith DreamWalker]

@qool I'm not going to buy the Tetra CR3 anyways. I dislike buying online goods and as you said- don't do it if you aren't familiar with it. Thanks for all the help.

@Dscheng & WingCher The problem with buying a proper chiller is that I need a canister filter(from what I've seen). However, I plan to use a sponge filter(see Pg 1) therefore I'd like some alternatives or 'what to do'.

[tetrakid]

@Griffith
You will need a small pump head to circulate the water through the cooler. A sponge filter cannot do that. If a canister is fitted, then the pump inside the canister acts as the pump head. So if there' no canister, you will need to buy the pump head. Other types of filter will not be able to pump the water through the cooler.

[WingCher]

Use a water pump is not recommended unless you have a sump or filtration before the inlet, else you'd have to clean out your chiller frequently/ live with the dropping efficiency of cooling due to dirt particles trapped inside. And if you planning to keep shrimps in the same tank, they will become shrimp paste when they got sucked into the inlet of the pump.

Sponge filters can be attached to the canister filter input and act as a prefilter, then pump the output to the proper chiller, and back to the tank.

[tetrakid]

As I understand, Griffith does not have a canister and neither does he want to use one due to space limitation.

Thus he will need to find a way to get the water to flow through the cooler somehow.

[qool]

Only solution that can be considered is a water pump internal if really no space outside at all. But Griffith if you dont have space for a cansister you have space for a Chiller? Chiller not really that small either best check the size.

[Dscheng]

First of all, ask yourself, do you want to upgrade in like 6 month time? If you foresee not within 6 month upgrade. I will suggest you to look for second hand AL30 and a mini water pump.
AL30 setup is still better than a fan, at least AL30 will not make your water evaporate so fast. For your information, AL30 In/outlet pipe size is 10mm, kinda of odd in my opinion.

[tetrakid]

If I am in Griffith's situation, I will buy the AL60 and at the same time add a small clip-on fan to blow on the tank surface to enhance the cooling by evaporation. Of course that will require topping up the water at regular intervals.

But my solution may or may not work as there can be no guarantee for different purposes. Cheers.

[kimcheng123]

I am using the AL30 on 1 feet tank.
Together with fan can get temp. to 24. fan alone 26 to 27.5.
aqua2.jpg

[WingCher]

I am using the AL30 on 1 feet tank.
Together with fan can get temp. to 24. fan alone 26 to 27.5.
aqua2.jpg

Hi Bro, did you use a canister filter with the chiller?

[tetrakid]

I am using the AL30 on 1 feet tank.
Together with fan can get temp. to 24. fan alone 26 to 27.5.
aqua2.jpg

Wow, nice growth in your tank. I think Griffith will surely salivate and drool when he sees it... lol.

[WingCher]

Problem:
1) keep sensitive fishes and plants that need cool water around 25°C,
2) gentle water flow inside tank and
3) plan to use only sponge filters,
4) has space constraint

Chiller Choices:
AL-30 for up to 30litres, dimension = 11 x 11 x 19cm, cost S$160 at EOA
AL-60 for up to 60litres, dimension = 30 x 14 x 21.5cm, cost S$225 at EOA
HC-100A for up to 100litres, dimension = 33.8 x 21.8 x 32.5cm, cost S$287 at EOA (NEED HIGH FLOW RATE for this chiller)
All options need additional water pump if no canister filter.

Good Luck Bro Griffith!

[kimcheng123]

Hi Bro, did you use a canister filter with the chiller?

Hi,
the mini chiller is connected to Boyu Cannister Filter EF-05, ANS lily pipe and stainless steel mesh filter.
aqua3.jpg