Chiller-- Branded or China made???

[Viper007]

Dear all,

I would like your views on the following:

1. For a 3ft tank using a eheim 2028 which chiller hp type will be most ideal?
2. Between Teco/Artica compare to Resun/Hailea which will you choose and why?
3. Price is really 3 to 5 times more is it worth the investment?
4. Ideal Tempreture for planted tank? will you go for 24 or 25 degrees?

Thanks for your contribution in advance!

[Fuzzy]

I would avoid Resun, too many horror stories on our forums alone.

Personally I'm using Hailea, never had problems not even with the internal thermostats (touch wood.) Some models of the Aquamedic brand of chillers are supposed to be OEM Manufactured by Hailea also.

The branded chillers hold their resale value much better, but you will still be hit with serious depreciation if you buy one new.

Of course if you budget is healthy might as well buy a Teco or Arctica. But even second hand they cost more than brand new Haileas. Personally I don't feel its worth the price difference, but thats just my humble (cheapskate) opinion.

Unless you have plants with special needs, you shouldn't need to maintain anything lower than 25 - 27.

Only reasons I can think of to buy a Teco or JBJ is for the bling bling factor, or if you're seriously paranoid about your priceless marine collection. Otherwise just spend the money on other aspects of our already pricey hobby :P

[kensk]

Maybe I was unlucky. My Hailea 150A internal themostat broke down within 1-2 months. The temperature readings went haywire.
Lucky it was still within warranty, so the distributor help me to install an external themostat.
Recently after running for slightly more than 2 years, it finally died on me.
At first I don't believe people hearsay that China brand chiller has a "lifespan" of 2-3 years. Now I believe.
Replaced with a 2nd hand Artica 1/10HP. Immediately noticed the difference. Less noisy and kicks-in time is less. That means it took lesser time to bring down the temperature.
Although more expensive than brand new China sets, I feel it is still worth it.

[Viper007]

I would avoid Resun, too many horror stories on our forums alone.

Ohh didn't know Resun was that bad... as that was in my redar.

Replaced with a 2nd hand Artica 1/10HP. Immediately noticed the difference. Less noisy and kicks-in time is less. That means it took lesser time to bring down the temperature.
Although more expensive than brand new China sets, I feel it is still worth it.

Hmm bro your point is similar to eheim to other china brand filter... just that the pricing is not 3 to 4 time more. I saw some pictures of Artica is it small and compact? also are you using a 3ft tank?

[Fuzzy]

1/10 could be underpowered for a 3ft tank.

You probably need a 1/5 or 1/4 chiller to maintain to 25C - 26C efficiently.

But I am maintaining 27C in my 3ft Planted with a 1/10 Resun, haven't been using it long enough on the tank to determine how efficiently its running though.

[BFG]

Viper007, if your intention for this hobby is a short term one, get the cheap chiller. If you think that you will be occupied with this hobby for a long time to come, then get a branded one. Reliability is the difference in what you are paying for in my opinion. If budget is a restraint, no fret, just do what I did. Save up until you can get the biggest model you can afford. While saving up, do your homework about the chiller you are going to purchase. What kind of guarantee are available, what kind of service do you expect from the chiller sales person or what not. And don't forget about the maintenance part too.

[MOKHTAR]

Dear all,

I would like your views on the following:

1. For a 3ft tank using a eheim 2028 which chiller hp type will be most ideal?
2. Between Teco/Artica compare to Resun/Hailea which will you choose and why?
3. Price is really 3 to 5 times more is it worth the investment?
4. Ideal Tempreture for planted tank? will you go for 24 or 25 degrees?

Thanks for your contribution in advance!

Bro,

I have 2nd hand Resun chiller, used abt 6 month plus for my marine 3 ft tank. Since the tank broke & flooded my hall, I've decided to go into freshwater.
Currently the chiller is not being used. Intend to sell. If u interested, can view....my #9697-1190. I'm staying in Tampines St 91.

[d2sign]

I have 3 2nd hand Resun chillers and 2 of them been running in my tank for year. Actually I will say it's base on the correct usage and a little bit of luck?

[blue33]

I have 3 2nd hand Resun chillers and 2 of them been running in my tank for year. Actually I will say it's base on the correct usage and a little bit of luck?

Wah... 3 chiller, your electricity bill must be very high?

[eddy planer]

Hi folks,

I bought a 2nd hand Resun CL650 chiller from Singapore Reef Club since 2004, and still working very well on my 4ft planted tank.

To keep it well, just maintained it like vacuum, wash the filter sponge weekly and ensure the display panel is water proof ( sealed along the edge of display panel). This will help to prolong its lifespan.

Hope fully this unit will last another 1-2years time (cross finger)

[d2sign]

Wah... 3 chiller, your electricity bill must be very high?

Those tanks at JB, pay ringgit so it's ok . Got a CL450 as spare so only 2 are running.