AquaEuro Max Chill 1/13 HP

[kcoscia]

Does anyone know if I can run this chiller through my canister?
It says use a GPH of 50-260, and my ZooMed 501 runs at 79. It's over 50, so would this be fine?

Also, has anyone used this chiller? I've read good things. I'm looking to cool a 20g Long, since I'm sick of trying to manage with my room air conditioning.

Thanks!

 

[Xtophr]

Have you confirmed that the 501 pumps that much water through when full of media, esp. when dirty? I have an Eheim 2215 which is rated at 134 gph, but in reality only does 100 gph, and my understanding is that all of the vendors are rather "inaccurate" in their specifications.

I have that chiller, but haven't used it enough to give it a resounding endorsement. But no issues so far. You'll definitely need some clearance for the exhaust, it runs very hot. You'll probably need the AC on unless it's a large or well ventilated room. It's somewhat loud, not a jet engine, but much louder than a dorm fridge; you'll know when it's on.

 

[allied123]

Wow I really appreciate that review I was looking at that chiller for my 20 long because it was on sale but I really would hate if it were loud...does it run all the time or just periodically? I have a fan running that is nearly silent when I turn it on but does nearly sound like a jet engine within 30 minutes and it's awful it sounds like it heats your room up too which isn't cool...I might pm you in a couple weeks to see how you're liking it lol and if you do find the noise really annoying

 

[kcoscia]

Good point on the media and flow. May just get the pump to ensure the best cooling and performance.

On another note, most people really like this chiller. I can't tell if you think I should get it or not? It seems like the best on the market for smaller tanks.

What about methods to keep the chiller cool (hahaha) I could attach a small fan to direct air right?

 

[Xtophr]

Well, I don't have any other chillers to compare it to, so I can't say if it's the best one out there, but I haven't had any major issues. The reviews on Amazon and Petco seemed to indicate that it was better than the others, so that was the route I went.

What you'd need to use to chill would be based on the temperature differential; if your place doesn't get above 70F, then fans and a mesh lid should bring the temps of the water down to an OK level. If it gets up to 80F+, then I don't imagine anything short of a chiller would be advisable, but I could be wrong. I tested first; I wasn't able to keep my axolotl-less tanks at a stable temperature below 68F using fans, so I went the chiller route. I considered DIY options, but went the stable route as the chiller will maintain within a certain range set digitally. The temps should not fluctuate more than 2F in a 24 hour period, in order to prevent stress.

As far as a chiller choice goes, another thing to factor in would be how big of a tank you'd want in the forseeable future, in addition to the temperature differential. If you were planning on going to a 50 gallon tank, the 1/13hp one can only handle a 10F difference between the surrounding temps and the desired water temperature.

You should probably filter the water before it goes to the chiller (i.e. have a filter attached to the chiller intake), to avoid junk getting in the chiller. I'm not sure with the 501 where you'd place an additional pump in order to not damage the filter, or run the water too fast for the biological filter to work.

 

[kcoscia]

Thanks!

I have fans that keep it at 70, and right now air conditioning bringing down to 66, but it's so inconsistent and it's causing my babies stress. This is why I'm going chiller. Plus, I can't control room temp during the winter when the heat is running.

I won't be going over 40 in the foreseeable future I think, so this should work.

I could attach a sponge to the intake for prefiltration?

 

[Xtophr]

The chiller doesn't have a pump, so, you'll need a pump to circulate the water; I'm guessing you're asking about an alternative to your canister filter. It'd probably be OK with just a coarse sponge filter, but more junk will get in your chiller than using a canister, and I don't know what would happen to the canister pump if you augment it with additional flow by putting another pump in series with it.