Arctica Chiller - anyone tried?

[jellydot72]

Hi folks,

Anyone tried Arctica Chiller from JbJ?

I saw one unit and its real quite.

I am interested in getting the 1/10 hp model. Will be fitting it to a 3ft x 1.5ft x 1.5ft tank (Planning).

Currently, thinking of retiring my 2ft x 1ft ADA tank. I am running a Teco 1/4 HP chiller for this. Ya.. alittle over kill.

[ranmasatome]

actually if its artica...then should be no problems... their chillers are mostly no.1 on the market.

[Barra21]

From what i heard, its good, reliable, efficient but costs a bomb. ha.

[Rupert]

I have a 1/5 hp one on a 4ft tank.

You pay a quality premium for peace of mind. I would suggest that a 1/10hp limits your future growth options and would suggest you go to the HP size up.

[Alex Ho]

And during the warranty period, the agent will come and service the chiller once every 6 months. If there's mothing wrong with your chiller, they'll at least flush it, open the case to clean inside with vacuum.

U can learn from them. Mine is a 1/5 Hp. Use for 3 years now, without problem.

[jellydot72]

Hi,

Thanks for the advise. Ya, agree a higher HP gives chances to upgrade in future. Any ideal, the recommended price for 1/5 hp model?

[Jaffar]

You can check aquamarine website.
http://www.aquamarin.com.sg/aproduct...tname=Chillers
The cost seem to be very competitive

[doubleace]

You mean the agent will come to your house and service the chiller for you? The HP of the chiller is the bigger the number suitable for bigger tank?

[valice]

Yup. Every new purchase with the warranty sent in is entitled to two free servicing by Aquanautica, the agent for Artica.

And if there is anything wrong with your chiller, there is a one-to-one replacement of the chiller, while the serviceman brings the chiller back to factory for repairs (if necessary). And the once repaired, the chiller is sent back to you and the temporary chiller is taken back. If within warranty period, this is free. Else you pay lor.

That's what you pay for.

[Jaffar]

Yes. The cost of the chiller includes service since it is under warranty for 2 years. The higher the HP, the bigger the tank it can chill.

[doubleace]

oic thanks bro.. So is it adviceable to invest in chiller for long run?

let say 1/10 and 1/15 so 1/10 is bigger?

[Jaffar]

According to lfs, he claimed that it would be good to invest in an Arctica chiller. Although the initial cost is higher, the chiller is efficient. As such, the electricity bill will be lower each month. Over time, there will be some savings. He also said Arctica chiller is quietier than other chinese brand chillers.
Not sure whether the savings in electricity bill can make up for the premium price you pay for Arctica chillers.

For your second question, the 1/10 hp chiller is bigger(more powerful) and it is able to cool bigger tanks.

[doubleace]

oic.. Thanks for the info. So for a 4ft tank 1/10HP will be enough?

[tcy81]

i think 1/10HP maybe abit underpower for 4ft tank.
Arctica chiller is worth the price.

[doubleace]

underpower? Then what HP should be much suitable for 4ft and above?

[o2bubble]

1/5 hp for 4ft. I am using it with no prob. 1/4 for 5ft.

[doubleace]

ok thanks bro

[Aquaculture]

Arctica is a good and reliable brand. Its 1/10hp is powerful enough for a 4ft. You will be able to find more reviews on chillers from players of marine whereby cool temperature is a must.

If you are to compare the specs of a 1/10hp Arctica and ...let's say a 1/10hp China made model. It seems Arctica is much more energy saving if you're to have it on 24/7.

There are also remarks that after some time, the China brands have a 'POP' sound when it kick starts. Other than which there also seems to have some thermosat issue and you would need to spend about $70 to $100 to install an external thermosal. (Without that, you will notice that your chiller kick start more often than not and resulting in higher electricity charges).

The difference in dollars and cents varies alot between an ang mo brand and a China one. If your budget is tight and is going for a China model. I would suggest Heilea as compared to Resun.... the difference in price is ratehr narrow.

If budget isn't really a problem, I would strongly advise you to get a Arctica as compared to Teco. With Arctica, you're buying a peace of mind. Whereas unless you get a 2nd hand Teco RA model, the newer models are ang mo brand, ang mo's price but manufactured in China.

Just my 1 rupee worth of thoughts...

[doubleace]

wow bro thanks for the information.

So 1/10HP is enough for 4ft tank but is it included for future upgrading?

Thanks

[illumnae]

just my opinion here....future upgrading is sometimes an overrated concern when choosing a chiller. realistically speaking, after just scaping/setting up a 4ft tank and buying a chiller for it, what are the odds of buying a new 5ft or 6ft tank in the next few years? furthermore, having anything larger than a 4x2x2 in a HDB flat will require you to get a permit from HDB, which probably won't happen unless you let them dictate where in the house the fish tank must be placed. i think for the majority of Singaporeans here, a 4 ft tank is likely the biggest we'll go due to various constraints such as space, time, cost, family etc.

only if you already have the plans to switch your 4ft for a bigger one in the near future, then definitely get an upgradeable chiller...if not, i think you'll find that you spent that extra money for nothing because an upgrade most likely won't happen.

furthermore, i've read that using a bigger chiller for a smaller tank is not that good as well as most likely your filter flow rate will be lower than the recommended flow rate for the filter, and that will cause some form of detriment (i can't remember what the exact side effect is, as i've never found a chiller necessary...it's something i remember reading that's all)