Chiller selection

I am looking at getting a chiller for my new 150. I think that a 1/4 hp is a good size and I am looking at either JBJ or Artica. What is the experience with you guys?

 

The brands you mentioned are very good IMO

Depending on ambient temp of your location the 1/4 HP may not be ideal for a 150
I use that size on my 70 and I believe Reef Sparky has a 1/3 HP on his 90

Steve

 

That's true, Steve. I think I overthought my scenario. I figured if a 1/4 HP is good for a 90, then 1/3 would be outstanding in its all of its overkill glory. My rationale was to save electricity by having my chiller run for a minimum amount of time. If 1/4 HP would lower my tank from too hot to just right in x number of minutes, then 1/3 would get it done quicker--and boy was I right.

Boy was I wrong in my planning. My chiller came on at 80 and shut off at 78.8, lowering the tank temp in about 25 min's. After months I found that I began blowing fuses a few times a month, then once or twice a week, to daily. Yup. Blowing fuses daily. It was a mere day after receiving my pack of 50 fuses from eBay from a seller in Hong Kong that I turned over my chiller to my Apex, and broadened the range so the chiller comes on at 80.4 F, and goes off at 77.4 F. Yes I know 3 degrees is quite the spread--but I find it's the only way to not overwork my chiller. It's been about 3 months now and I've not blown a single fuse.

Moral of the story? Don't go crazy and overbuy on a chiller. If the site says to use a 1/4 HP, get a few confirmations from a great site like 3reef , then make the purchase.

To the OP, yeah, the JBJ Arctica is one very fine chiller. If you buy an appropriate size (and don't do the stupid thing I did)--your chiller will run for longer cycles, but won't be going on and off 8 times a day. This is not good for a chiller!

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the input. Chillers are like an air conditioner. If it is over sized then it will short cycle causing problems like you experienced. My ambient is at 74 in the summer. At 70 in the winter. My water is getting up to 82 under the lights. I will let you know how I make out.

 

I won my bid on Ebay yesterday for a 1/4 hp Arctica Titanium. $350 for a year old listed in good condition flushed with fresh water before putting it away. I hope that is the case when it gets here. They list for $740 new.

 

That's a steal. Hopefully it all works out. Good luck!!