Chiller versus jug-o-ice??

I normally just use a ceiling fan in the rare instances it gets hotter than I like... I WFH, so it's not an issue being there mid day.



A chiller is way overkill for me - it so rarely gets over 79/80. but there was one time when the power was out for like 4 days due to IKE I think it was.

That time I used ice (was starting to melt in freezer, so I dumped in a baggy) and a stir stick to circulate. I would also siphon out to a bucket, cool that down with bagged ice, then dump it back in. Was hoping to help aerate... but that's the exception, not the rule.

 

Cooling fan from Wal Mart

I just got back from Wal Mart. I saw this fan and though it would work well. It is only 4" not 6" like the clip on. It is a couple of bucks cheaper. The fan will not fall if the clip slips off for some reason.

As you can see, I used cup hooks to mount it high and out of the way. I set this one to bring in air to the chiller side of the cabinet. I am going to get another one and mount it on the sump side to do the same thing.

I already have a fan blowing the length of my sump.

 

For what its worth I found the larger the fan diameter, the slower it has to rotate and the quieter it is. I have been using the 7" clip ons over my sump for almost 7 years now and on my older systems that did not have sumps for the last 12 os so years and have never had a clip fail yet. They are actually pretty robust and for the $8-$10 they cost, and even $3-$5 on clearance after Summer has passed they are well worth the money. I keep a couple spares around and replace them every 2 or 3 years just because its easier than disassembling, cleaning and oiling them at that point. Cheap insurance.

 

I am a huge fan of the budget route. So much information for a reef newbie to digest. Good thing I was addicted once I paid attention to the corals recently. Sometimes I wake up and have to jump on the computer and do more research. Reef keeping is occupying me away from smoking. 5 weeks and still have an occasional hankering!

 

chiller is over kill IMO...when my tank got hot i just blew a fan over it and a bit of ice... the quality of the water use to make the ice doesnt matter if you bag it 2-3 times....make sure your heater is on while all this is happening though

 

Knowledge is power and freedom to choose is what makes the USA great!

Congtats on the smoking issue, I quit in Desert Storm of all places. I know how tough it can be. As far as testing a chiller, insist that the seller run it for you before you lay out any cash. Does it cool the water? Make odd noises? Is it as loud as mine was? Is the savings enough to risk buying used equipment?
The decision on what equipment to use will depend on many factors, what works in one part of the country may not be the best choice in another part. Again, choices.

The original post was asking for input, I think SavetheReef got a variety of valid suggestions and now can make a informed decision on what would be best for him/her. One day soon he/she will be offering a point of view for someone else's benefit based on what was learned by asking questions and real life experiences.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

 

Thank you everyone for the successful systems you do and have use/d. The fan idea sounds great but I am sure that leads to a lot of evaporation. But with at least ro water on site, I think it may be doable.

 

If you have your own RO/DI system or just an RO system then you are on the right track as you will know from your time in the hobby. In the beginning many new keepers use tap water, I did. It works when there is nothing else available but having good water from the start helps you maintain acceptable water quality.
The fans do work well and as you stated they do increase evaporation. Try it and if it works, no need for a chiller. If it doesn't quite keep your tank where it needs to be then you can start your search for one..

Keep us posted and add some pictures to your profile for everyone to enjoy.

 

I wonder if you could make RO/DI ice cubes and use them to top off?

 

You could but it would take a boat load of them to have much cooling effect. You will spend far more on the power to freeze the water than 20 fans would cost to run 24/7.

Read up on the laws of thermodynamics and you will see what I mean. The BTU requirements are tremendous and often overlooked and misunderstood.