Best place to connect the Chiller (1 Viewer)

[dh]

I plan to install the 1/4hp chiller to my 120 gallons. My tank will be 2 return line to the main tank. So please help me the best place to install the chiller? Another question. I will put my chiller inside the stand. I know the chiller need the cool place. But I want to hide the chiller. Please give me some advice. Thanks
Dennis

 

[R-BallJunkie]

if you place under stand, make sure you have enough room in the back to vent hot air coming from condenser(dont place chiller directly against the wall). also, watch where you place return hose. if you place return in main tank, you risk back siphon if power fails.

c

 

[jdeveaux]

If you can place it outside of the cabinet it is best. The chiller will heat up the cabinet which heats of the water that has to be cooled by the chiller... vicious cycle.

I run my intake through 2 reactor chambers that are empty right now then back to my sump for the return water. I have the return dumping into my main return section of my sump.

Regards,

 

[Scott]

a chiller doesn't cool water, it just takes heat out of the water and into the refrigerant. From there it is transferred to the air around the chiller. for the sake of your equipment you should have it somewhere the heat won't get trapped around the unit. if you put it under your cabinet it has to work extra hard and you still manage to put some of the heat right back into the tank because it heats up the inside of the cabinet.

also, it should go downstream of your filtration for the sake of efficiency. I would place it downstream of my return and have it pump into the tank with a clear one-way PVC valve to prevent backflow.

If you want to hide it the best way is to plumb it through an exterior wall (if you are lucky enough to have placed your tank on one) and place it outside just like your central A/C unit. Otherwise, try to make sure there is plenty of ventilation in whatever enclosure you place it in (i.e. vent fans on your cabinet).

 

[jdeveaux]

...

If you want to hide it the best way is to plumb it through an exterior wall (if you are lucky enough to have placed your tank on one) and place it outside just like your central A/C unit. Otherwise, try to make sure there is plenty of ventilation in whatever enclosure you place it in (i.e. vent fans on your cabinet).

The only thing I would be sure to check if you want to plumb it through a wall to the outside is what temperature the unit was tested at. Most units are rated for up to 90 degree ambient temperature. The warmer the air gets the less efficient the unit becomes so you loose some of you're pull down. A normal Houston summer can kill a chiller if its not rated to handle the heat.

my 2 cents....

 

[Andy]

Outside is best

 

[R-BallJunkie]

i personally don’t see and issue with it underneath, as it should only kick on a few times a day. My chiller runs maybe twice a day, 15-20 mins.
If it were an item that was constantly on, then would have different opinion. Sometimes "optimal" or "best" solutions take a back seat to practicality. I am sure your wife raising heck over more tank equipment growing outside of your aquarium can factor in.
c

 

[jdeveaux]

i personally don’t see and issue with it underneath, as it should only kick on a few times a day. My chiller runs maybe twice a day, 15-20 mins.
If it were an item that was constantly on, then would have different opinion. Sometimes "optimal" or "best" solutions take a back seat to practicality. I am sure your wife raising heck over more tank equipment growing outside of your aquarium can factor in.
c

You wont get any argument from me on that point. Mine is setup outside the stand but is still hidden. I hate looking at equipment, I just want to enjoy my tank.