How to mount an IceProbe Chiller my filter?

This looks like a challenge.

I got a great deal on a IceProbe Chiller and Controller and now I am just staring at my TetraTec filter on my 15g nano wondering how the heck I am going to put on.

I have a hole saw, but where to do it?



Obvious place - The Filter Lid.

But the lid is an inch or more over the water and not exactly flat.
Instructions imply the probe should be fully submerged. Anyone know if it's ok to have say 70% submerged?

Interesting Place - Mount it in the hole where the heater goes using a rubber o-ring to make it snug and keep the suction for the pump. Problem is I don't know if I can fully submerge the probe in there.


Other Place - The side opposite the heater. (Back side is a no go, because it's against the wall.)

This side would be ideal, BUT within the filter that side has filter cartride mounts all over it. my hole saw can get through it, but then I need to clear out a couple inches radius around that so that the mounting nut can go on.

And I have to make sure the inside is nice and flat so I don't have leaks.

How the heck am I going to do that?

I was thinking I can sand some bracket edges down, but I am curious about plastic solvents. Can I use that stuff without it leaching back into my tank?

Any advise would be great.

Thanks,

Matt

PS - I know buying another HOT filter that is easier to work with would be easier but I like the surge on the TetraTec and would like to keep it.

 

Well Holey Crap it's been 3 hours and 45 minutes and no response.

Quite frankly Matt I don;t really know. What is the depth of the chiller? and the lenght/ width.
And how come we did know you were starting a 15G nano?

Are you using the filter as a filter or just as housing for the chiller?
What are the compartments like in the filter?
I would think the best place is were the water has a chance to slow down, if you know what I mean.

Could you link me to the post you made on the chiller I have forgoten the Specs

J

 

The easiest thing to do would be to modify the lid by using a flat piece of plexi glass and and other pieces to make it level. Then drill your holes for the chiller as close to the back as possible and mount the chiller.

 

Re: How to mount an IceProbe Chiller on my filter?

Probably could modify the lid with more plastic.. that's not a bad one Naut.

I think I figured this out though. The heater goes into the intake tube for the pump. The heater was optional and originally there was just a cap in it's place to control flow.

Well I dug up the cap and I think it will be pretty easy to cut the cap right above the o-ring that goes around it, then insert a rubber grommet with a 1.25" diameter hole in the middle of it.

The probe will fit snug in the grommet and easily fit where the heater used to be. It should be air tight so the suction works for the pump if I do it right.

I think it will be a nice arrangement because I can just pull it off and replace it with the heater in the winter. I post pics tomorrow when I do it.

 

Cool take a picture.... what does this chiller look like?

 

Here is a link to more info and pics on the IceProbe Chiller.

I just woke up, I'll take some pics when I get back from the hardware store today.

(J it's my hex tank. With the rock and sand it holds 15 gallons of water. I am not sure the total volume without that stuff since I bought it used.)