Your thoughts on configuration of cooling system - aircon compressor type with titani

[BFG]

My tank is too far from the window and I do not have a balcony. Even if I can place it elsewhere, the piping would look out of place so I place it next to my tank. Been looking for something to hide it from plain sight.

[Nicky]

Been thinking about this.. if my compressor is too big (horsepower) relative to the tank size, the chilling rate will be very fast. And most external temperature control unit has a cut-in/out temp difference of 1c. That means those fishes and plants in the tank will have to tolerate a quick 1c temp drop every time the chiller kicks in. Correct ? I think 1c can be a little too much to bear over a short 10-15min. What is your thoughts?

[BFG]

In my opinion, the faster the chiller cool the water, the better. Lesser time the chiller is on = lower electrical cost. BUT here in Singapore where the electricity tariff change every quarter, this in hindsight is why I chose this type of chiller over the typical aquarium chiller. Furthermore, the heat this compressor chiller gives out ( in my case ) is lower than what the CL650 gave out and it is documented at Chill Down thread over at Absolute Reef forum. That is another important factor for my case since I live at the top most level of my HDB flat.

As for the fauna in the tank, they might be accustomed to the quick drop in temperature as long as it does not go down where it gets uncomfortable for them. My reef tank is kept at 25 degree, which is still quite comfortable for the livestock but if it goes down too low, I might have a problem with the health of the livestock.

Nicky, take your time to think it over. A compressor in the house is not everyone cup of tea.

[Nicky]

My wife will kill me if I put the compressor inside the living area

It's the hacking (the never-setting dust) that bothers me as well as the patching back workmanship and how my nice smooth wall will look like after the patch up.

[tropic]

I know this is an old thread. But has there been any update on this. I think I am facing similar situation now if i plan to have my new tank in the living room with compressor. Same case as BFG. Anyone did a carpentry box over it to minimise the distraction of a compressor beside the tank?

[BFG]

I still haven't found something to cover the compressor. I had thought of doing a fake fireplace, those that are usually found in the homes of ang moh in the western part of the world but the cost was quite high and a fireplace in an HDB home would really look out of place. Me and my crazy ideas.....

[BFG]

I know this is an old thread. But has there been any update on this. I think I am facing similar situation now if i plan to have my new tank in the living room with compressor. Same case as BFG. Anyone did a carpentry box over it to minimise the distraction of a compressor beside the tank?

I have an idea in my head about concealing the compressor since you have not set up your tank yet. But it would involve you to use a longer cabinet.

[tropic]

I did consider that . But the cabinet width have to be at least 80cm as the compressor is about 30" in length.If place horizontally in the cabinet it may use up space for the sump also. So maybe the sump has to make it smaller.