Chiller Question

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by destinationluna, Apr 27, 2011.

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  1. destinationluna

    destinationluna Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Batavia, IL
    Got myself a JBJ Arctica 1/10 chiller this week trying to get ready for the summer months.

    My question is I have it set at 78 Degrees. Is that a good temp for my tank to be at? Also it has a digital readout on it with tank temp says my tank is now at 78 so this being said I also have a coralife digital thermometer on the tank it says 74.8 degree's. What one should I be trusting? Also why would one or the other be more accurate? Would the chiller be more accurate than the digital thermometer?

    Another thing is I ordered A new heater for the tank as well should I set it at 78 so they match or would it be better to set it at 79 to let the chiller work against it?

    Just figured id ask ;)
     
    destinationluna, Apr 27, 2011
    destinationluna, Apr 27, 2011
    #1

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  2. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    destination Luna

    I cant say for certain which of the 2 readouts is correct, but like you I would tend to want to trust the few hundred I spent on the chiller over the couple of bucks on the thermometer - get a 3rd opinion- buy a cheap alcohol filled device and see which of the 2 that more closely resembles - it will come in useful when making new salt water for water changes anyway

    water temp - 78 is fine
    heater - set to 77 , you dont want the 2 on at the same time really as thats wasteful the chiller will beat the heater and the heater will want to stay on more than it needs to because of this
    your chiller will probably allow water to reach 79 degrees and then chill it down to 77.9 and then switch off

    a couple of degrees of variation overnight as tank cools to 77 before heater comes on is not an issue as nature would throw a much greater variation than that in a lot of tropical climates over certain periods of the year.

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Apr 28, 2011
    steve wright, Apr 28, 2011
    #2
  3. Sacul1573

    Sacul1573 Millepora

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    I agree with Steve. I have a digital thermometer, plus a temp controller, but I also have a cheap "hard" thermometer in my sump just to give me truth. I always find the cheap digitals a little off.

    The best way... use one of those infrared ones that you scan across your forehead, if you have one. They are the most accurate. Just dont let your wife catch you doing it... ::)
     
    Sacul1573, Apr 28, 2011
    Sacul1573, Apr 28, 2011
    #3
  4. destinationluna

    destinationluna Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2010
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    253
    Location:
    Batavia, IL

    Lol crap she was sitting behind be reading it. LoL. Well cool guys thanks for the input gonna look for one of those old fashon ones and check her out.
     
    destinationluna, Apr 28, 2011
    destinationluna, Apr 28, 2011
    #4
  5. nicodim55

    nicodim55 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    chiller

    I have mine set at 78 just like you. Once the temp raises to 80 the chillers kicks on. I would say the chiller's built in digital thermometer would be more accurate than other ones you have. As far as your heater goes, it depends on what kind of lighting you have and how may internal pumps you have in the tank. I'm using 2 250mh over my tank and 5 koralias and I don't have a heater simply because of the heat that comes off the lights and the pumps heats up the tank already.
     
    nicodim55, Apr 28, 2011
    nicodim55, Apr 28, 2011
    #5