Compact chiller for 55 gal tank advice

[sergiomcaro]

Room is usually 70 degrees and so is the lotl tank. need a chiller that is able to bring 55 gal tank down to 64 degrees. tricky part is the chillers width cannot exceed 9 inches. i have no previous no aquarium experience so hopefully you guys can help me out with even just basic chiller knowledge reputable brand names ect.

 

[birdsong]

Is there a price limit ? Are you looking to make one or buy one?

 

[sergiomcaro]

150 max i prefer used

 

[sergiomcaro]

maybe make

 

[birdsong]

Amazon.com : IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller - 4 in. x 4 3/4 in. x 7 1/2 in. : Aquarium Supplies : Pet Supplies


Have you tried fans yet? There much cheaper and it may fit your application as you only need a few degree drop .

 

[allied123]

That ice probe chiller would absolutely not work for anything larger than 10 gallons to cool more than a few degrees. It's chilling capabilities just aren't there for anything bigger. You might experiment with temperatures around your house, see if you could move the tank to the floor as it would be cooler closer to the ground or maybe a different room as some rooms might be cooler than others. There are some cool tutorials on making chillers from mini fridges that seem pretty easy and definitely could be within your price range, just search the forum. But it really depends on how much you need the tank cooled, if it only needs a couple degrees you might just try some fans as birdsong suggested and get a screen/mesh lid.

 

[birdsong]

Yes I'm assuming your trying to get it down to 68 degrees or so ?I'm a bigDIY person and plan on getting a used mini fridge and attaching a small pump to a copper tubing coil inside the fridge to the return side having it empty into a spray bar . The benefits of this is you can lengthen or shorten the coil to adjust temp and if it has a thermostat and a freezer section it makes it even more customizable. Plus the added benefit of being able to store foods close by . I have no experience with the actual use of chillers but have been doing some pretty extensive research of late. There are of course many pre made models and ebay would be a good option as well as aquabid.com perhaps let us know what you go with and how it works . If you go with a homemade one be sure to test on the tank without your pets in it to make sure you don't freeze them lol

 

[sergiomcaro]

yep.... diy is gona be my rout....