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Forget about TEM chiller, they wont decrease the temperature, it is like a fan. Go for compressor type chiller, can try seaview, they have further discount. Brand, like teco, haliea, etc..
Hey guys, recently I bought a 5.5G(25L) tank that I plan to aquascape with moss. Problem is that the temperature in my area is a constant 28°c and can rise up to 30°c on a bad day. Therefore I plan to invest in a chiller. I have a chiller in mind currently: AL-30 mini chiller (for 10L to 30L tanks) I have looked up its information and checked out reviews online and looked around in other forums and so far I've heard nothing but good things about it.
This being said, I'd still like your opinion and recommendations if you have any.
Another thing is that I'd like to know the best place to buy equipment like lighting, filters and chillers and get a good deal. Thank you.
Forget about TEM chiller, they wont decrease the temperature, it is like a fan. Go for compressor type chiller, can try seaview, they have further discount. Brand, like teco, haliea, etc..
Do you mind elaborating? Also, while Seaview has a discount their customer service sucks, plus I'm not too sure whether brands like Teco and Haliea produce chillers for nano tanks... I'm not looking for a chiller the size of my tank from what I've seen of the Haliea snd Teco ones.Originally Posted by Dscheng
@Griffith
The TEM AL30 is a cooler, not a chiller like those refrigerant-powered ones used by shrimp keepers.
I'd say if you are not keeping shrimps, go for it.
LIFE IS UNBEARABLE WITHOUT A FISH TANK!!!
Thanks for the clarification.
But I am planning to keep moss as stated above- specifically Christmas, Peacock and others that need 25°c to thrive. So is the AL30 still viable or should I get another model? I've checked out the HAILEA HC100A Chiller 1/20HP and if you all feel that the AL30 isn't that good, I will probably save more for the HAILEA brand.
You wont get 25°c on AL30 or even AL60. Unless you are in cooling environment. Better to save up for Haliea 1/10hp HS28. HS28 can easily cool up to 2 x 2FT tank.
Yesterday i saw seaview has plenty stock for Haliea HS28. The price difference for Hc100 and Hs28 is like 30-40 buck?
Get HS28 instead of HC100, it should be more quieter coz of newer design.
Hm, alright then. What's the price range for the Haliea HS28 and will thet even be able to fit my nano tank without a canister filter? I can't see much info around to judge. Also what's the size of it?
Maybe but I'm more intrested in its size, pricing, effectiveness and how to set up such a chiller as this'll be my first time with it...
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You still need a pump or canister filter to use a chiller. In your case, I would suggest you upgrade to a 2ft tank so that you can use a canister filter or a pump.
If you've learnt, teach, if you have, give.
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Mohamad Rohaizal is my name. If it's too hard, use BFG. I don't mind.
You will need a pump to get the water flow through the chiller to cool down the water. Take a look at the chiller min/max flowrate specification and choose the right pump or a canister etc. Problem with small tank is the min flowrate required may be too strong for the tank, creating a washing machine effect. Hence many will go for a min 2ft tank size.
I used to have a nano cube tank and also with AL30 setup. Yes, you need a mini pump for AL30. Ignore about 24 degree, it is because i on my aircon.
I go through the stage like you and hope nano tank can do miracle.
But seem like your nano setup more suitable for smaller TEM chiller like AL30.
End of the day, it is up to individual. Good luck!
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That's depressing to hear. D: I don't have enough space currently a for a two foot+ tank, not to mention that apparently there's going to be water rationing in the future- I don't want to run that risk with a larger tank... Plus I just don't have the time time to maintain a bigger tank due to time constraints.
That sounds logical, so I suppose I won't be going for a chiller anytime soon. Strange thing is that I have seen Y618 use a single chiller for multiple small shrimp tanks without the washing machine effect.
Mine isn't a cube tank but a typical rectangular one. Like the picture below. Also, what was the temperature when you did not switch on the air-con? So did you acheive the temperature for you cube tank in the end?
Baton courtesy.....service with a smile!
Water rationing?
If you've learnt, teach, if you have, give.
Don't walk behind me as I might not lead, don't walk in front of me as I might not follow. Walk beside me, as my friend.
Mohamad Rohaizal is my name. If it's too hard, use BFG. I don't mind.
@Griffith
Since Bro DSCheng has had first hand experience with a AL30, and have found it inadequate for his nano tank, that can be a good indication for you. But since budgetary constraints are your consideration, perhaps you should get the AL60 first and try it out before you splurge on a refrigerant chiller.
Hi griffith you were just let me when i started out finding a good TEM chiller, like you I also have a small 45cm tank.
Basically i am currently using 2 TEM chillers one ice probe the other a tetra cr-3. Both not local chiller since the design of the chillers here doesnt look nice.
To save you some heart pain look for power ratio of chillers, see the rough watts needed. Usually the product specs will tell you, select those with 200 watts and above. Anything lower than 200 watts like iceprobe similar to Al30 will only help cool to 28 unless on rainy days maybe 27.
Another easy point to look out for is check how many fans the TEM have this will roughly tell you the chilling power. Each peliter chip inside usually is install with own heat sink and own fan. Al30 should be only 1 Al60 i am not sure.
Also know your ambience temperature one person can obtain 25 doesnt mean you can get it too. Seen too many such bullshit on the web and actually believed it. Never believe such comment unless the guy tell you his ambience temperature and country. If your temperature is 28 to 30 you should be able to get 25 (26 if your light is on) on a strong chiller. Because i am getting such temperature now and my ambience is around 30 and I am staying in singapore
If you really want a good local chiller the best i saw was dolphin TEM unit with 3 fan around 250 watt. If you willingly to use transformer get a tetra cr-3 good looking and have real decent chilling power.
Last edited by qool; 20th Nov 2015 at 08:17.
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I agree with this comment whole heartedly! Look at the diy section, there are persons who know too little trying to influence others to use TEM chiller. In our country at the climate it is, TEM chiller shouldnt be use at all. Would be chiller user should really do their research before buying a TEM chiller. I do own a dolphin tem chiller in the past too, once bitten twice shy.
If you've learnt, teach, if you have, give.
Don't walk behind me as I might not lead, don't walk in front of me as I might not follow. Walk beside me, as my friend.
Mohamad Rohaizal is my name. If it's too hard, use BFG. I don't mind.
Actually TEM chiller I feel still can be using that why I am still using them, beats using fan and quite silent during operations
Buyers just need to know what they are buying and how to select one that suit them whether they intend to cool or actually chill the water.
This is the Tetra CR-3 I got from Japan. Design looks nice and performance is decent able to hit 25~24 degree constantly. Only bad point is you need step down transformer to run it.
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ambient temp during the day about 28. no aircon.
running an AL-30 on my 38L tank with a modified hang on canister, during the day 26+ degrees. at night in aircon room so its off. when i power up in the morning, the temp probe reads 24+ degrees.
i too have space constraints so won't be able to accommodate even the smallest Hailea.
tank has malayan shrimps/riccia/java moss/marimo moss balls and monte carlo. running this for two weeks and all doing okay.
@BFG Yep, apparently there may be water rationing in the future. I don't want to risk that happening whilst I own such a large tank. With so many being against the TEM chillers, I will trust and not get one... So what do I use to lower the tank's temperature anyways? Fans don't do much and are too bulky for my tank, TEM chillers/coolers suck, ice packs and bottles are not viable as they'll disrupt my tank once I add in all the plants.
@tetrakid True, don't wanna spend $100+ on something that won't work well for me. Anyone got any opinion for a Cl85? I had seen some posts on it, but didn't really think about it till today.
@qool Thanks for the information! Its a great help for me, however, using a pair of TEM chillers is too costly for me. I checked out the Tetra CR-3 just now and it seems pretty sleek, but I doubt you can find any to test out in Singapore. I dislike buying stuff online as it may not be what you expect. Do you mind explaining on the 'step down transformer'? First time I've heard about such stuff.
@mobilenerd I only want to use sponge filters as this tank is meant specifically for pipefish and Indostomus, plus heavily planted with moss and various leaf litter. Riccia, Java moss, Marimo and your Malayan shrimp are all very hardy creatures, so keeping them is rather easy. I plan to keep moss like Peacock, Weeping moss and perhaps Fissidens, therefore I need a constant temperature of 25°c for good growth(considering these moss are expensive stuff).
@Griffith
If you are using Japanese equipment mean for Japanese use, which is either 50hz or 60hz at 100volts, you need to get a suitable step down transformer to use the equipment in Sg, as the mains power here is 50hz at 230volts. The transformer will be an additional expense and requires a bit of know-how to hook up.
The amp rating of the transformer must also match the equipment's rating or higher.
But don't muck around with electrical stuff if you are not familiiar with it. Get a f knowledgeable friend to guide you.
Last edited by tetrakid; 22nd Nov 2015 at 09:24.
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