Chillers - necessary rating

[vinz]

The chiller issue again! Need some feedback from informed ppl.

Was reading the brochure for the chiller during Teo's 9ft setup. Basically the chillers were rated to bring the tank temperature from high-20s down to 4 celcius in 24hrs given an ambient temperature of 30 celcius.

Now, since we only require a temp of around 26 to 28 celcius for our planted tanks, can we get an under-rated chiller instead? My un-informed guess is that:

• Initially, it'll take longer to bring the temp down, but that's fine cause it should be gradual.
• It shouldn't run more often as the rate of temp increase is not related to it.
• But, it'll run longer each time to bring the temp down again.
• What's the impact on power consumption?
• Any diff in noise levels?
• Any diff in heat produced?

Comments?

[vinz]

The chiller issue again! Need some feedback from informed ppl.

Was reading the brochure for the chiller during Teo's 9ft setup. Basically the chillers were rated to bring the tank temperature from high-20s down to 4 celcius in 24hrs given an ambient temperature of 30 celcius.

Now, since we only require a temp of around 26 to 28 celcius for our planted tanks, can we get an under-rated chiller instead? My un-informed guess is that:

• Initially, it'll take longer to bring the temp down, but that's fine cause it should be gradual.
• It shouldn't run more often as the rate of temp increase is not related to it.
• But, it'll run longer each time to bring the temp down again.
• What's the impact on power consumption?
• Any diff in noise levels?
• Any diff in heat produced?

Comments?

[vinz]

The chiller issue again! Need some feedback from informed ppl.

Was reading the brochure for the chiller during Teo's 9ft setup. Basically the chillers were rated to bring the tank temperature from high-20s down to 4 celcius in 24hrs given an ambient temperature of 30 celcius.

Now, since we only require a temp of around 26 to 28 celcius for our planted tanks, can we get an under-rated chiller instead? My un-informed guess is that:

• Initially, it'll take longer to bring the temp down, but that's fine cause it should be gradual.
• It shouldn't run more often as the rate of temp increase is not related to it.
• But, it'll run longer each time to bring the temp down again.
• What's the impact on power consumption?
• Any diff in noise levels?
• Any diff in heat produced?

Comments?

[vinz]

The chiller issue again! Need some feedback from informed ppl.

Was reading the brochure for the chiller during Teo's 9ft setup. Basically the chillers were rated to bring the tank temperature from high-20s down to 4 celcius in 24hrs given an ambient temperature of 30 celcius.

Now, since we only require a temp of around 26 to 28 celcius for our planted tanks, can we get an under-rated chiller instead? My un-informed guess is that:

• Initially, it'll take longer to bring the temp down, but that's fine cause it should be gradual.
• It shouldn't run more often as the rate of temp increase is not related to it.
• But, it'll run longer each time to bring the temp down again.
• What's the impact on power consumption?
• Any diff in noise levels?
• Any diff in heat produced?

Comments?

[David]

vinz

my guess would be best to get a over-rated than an under-rated as not only it takes long to cool it down, you may not get the desired temp when ambient temp moves up. The compressor will be pushed to work more(due to frequent water changes) and MTBF will be very quick.

The other down side to pushing your compressor is that the element of sound comes very quickly too as the compressor has no time to rest and weara out sound proofing seals quicker as well.

[vinz]

MTBF = ?

[David]

mean time between failure......[]

[vinz]

Regarding temp diff during water changes... I've noticed my tap water is often cooler then my current tank water which is at about 30 celcius, it's probably quite close to 28.

Sudden temp change shouldn't be too big, if the water change isn't massive and precautions taken to change water when it's cooler... i.e. in the night or just simply slower.

[David]

lucky you probably your water is via ground pipe while my is from roof tanks.....yes I will agree with you that the difference may not be much..but provided if the chiller in question is the correct rating or over...but an under, a 1 degree difference may by a whole lot of work for an under-rated chiller.....

[tawauboy]

agree with David.
get an over-rated chiller.
as you know mechanical parts will last longer if there are less movement.
over-rated chiller work less so can last longer.

[vinz]

This is what I found out from the Teco Website in the products section.

What I wrote above applies to their products. It's not really under-rating, but getting the right equipment for your needs. So, if you're buying a chiller, you don't just match the chiller to your water volume. You match the chiller to the temp you want to achieve for the water volume.

Click for chart. Unfortunately, due to the heat load of planted and reef tanks, we have to select the model one up from the one indicated in the chart.

[sherchoo]

Actually it's the same priciple as air con... unsized air con would eventually breakdown faster if it have to cool a big big room or a room which always with the door left open.

[vinz]

I was mislead by the brochures I read.

I wonder how the LFS sells them...

[Phang]

IMO, Always buy one size up....

benefits,

1) you sleep well knowing that you won't face much problem
2) a higher capacity chiller would cool much more quickly therefore reducing the heat induced into the environment and also reducing the power consumption issue...

3) better error of margin... more filters...lights addition in the future...

[mv3i]

hi ,

anyone knows where i can get info for other type of chiller ... like Hailea and Eido and Resun ...

Phang , PLMk pm or email me regarding where your lobang for hailea is available ?

thanks