Is this a good deal?

Is $400 a good deal for a used (6 mos old) JBJ Arctica Titanium 1/3 HP chiller? It lists for $810 on marinedepot.com

I know it may be overkill for a 90g, but I've heard the bigger the better

thanks!
julie

 

Sounds like a good deal, but before you buy it, shop around. Look in Craigslist, Ebay and even call some LFS to get some feedback. Luna

 

Thanks Luna!

 

Keep in mind that going too big on a chiller can be bad too. If it drops the temperature too fast, your fish/coral will be shocked. Ask why the seller is selling it so cheap and make sure there are no internal leaks.
That is a great deal, almost too good. I bought a 1/5 JBJ for $450 and that was a great deal in itself.

 

Honestly juliew, I would save the money and rely on good ole evaporative cooling, BUT you live in central Florida unlike me so that isn't always the best route. You can be shocked on how steady you can keep a tank even with copious amounts of MH with the appropriate amount of properly placed fans. Granted you will lose more H2O BUT you will save MORE $$$. The nice thing about JBJ is they have a good amount of features so you should be able to use that particular chiller on your tank. Once the desired temp is dialed in, the chiller will take the water temp the the choosen temp. It won't drop the temp instantaneously so that shouldn't be too much of a concern. Also a bigger chiller will have to work less hard than a smaller chiller(if that makes sense) and a more effiecient chiller is a better chiller. It also gives you room to grow if you get a bigger tank. Heck, its a good enough deal to buy and sit on it until you upgrade(if ever)


Good luck

 

I agree, but to a point. In a smaller tank, let's say a 50G, it will drop the temp quite fast. A general fluctuation in temperature should happen over an hour or 2 period. JBJ uses a +/- 1º temperature control. If it is set for 77º, it should take about a 2 hour period for it to swing from 78º back down to 76º and vice versa, to avoid stress. If a large chiller is used, the time it takes for the water to chill will be significantly less with less water volume. If there are lots of pumps and PH in the tank, and strong lighting, the water can heat up just as quickly. This constant change can add stress to the livestock in the tank.
An important thing to keep in mind is to make sure there is enough proper turnover in the tank to make sure 100% of the water is chilled. I have a PH near the lower/middle of my tank pointed in the direction of my OF to make sure the water at the bottom of my tank makes its way into my sump.
A larger chiller will obviously mean a larger electric bill too, when it is running. For me, water consuption in CA is a bit expensive in drought areas like mine. So it's a toss up for me which is more costly. I go through about 4G every 3 days on top-off water.

 

Thanks to all for your suggestions - appreciate it! K+ to you!