Chiller recommendations

[ruadh]

Hi guys! My name is Angela and I'm brand new to the saltwater hobby. I received a RSM 250 for Christmas. Such an awesome gift! :yay:Anyway, through my research I've found that these tanks are notorious for running hot. I've also noticed that this hobby has a tendency to become an addiction, so, I decided that a chiller would benefit me now and in the long-run. The problem remains that there's so many different brands to choose from and they're all relatively similar in pricing. So the question is....what brand do I go with?? Any thoughts?

 

[gnashty]

I thought RS had their own chiller for the 250 as an add on but couldnt find it on a lazy google search. You may need the Accessory Kit from RS though.

This link may be helpful though

 

[gthockey18]

I have a JBJ 1/10 HP chiller powered by a Mag 3 on my Max 250 and it works really well. Keeps the tank at a constant 78 degrees as opposed to 82-85 without it. I really, really recommend you have one for the all in one tanks.

Here's a link if you'd like to check them out: http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod-arctica-aquarium.html">http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod-arctica-aquarium.html</a>

Pure Reef and Marine Fish are the only two local shops I've seen them. Also, you shouldn't need the accessory kit, your Max should have come with the it. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[ruadh]

The tank did come with the accessory kit for the chiller connection. How often does your 1/10 hp chiller run? I was thinking of going bigger, up to a 1/4 hp to decrease the cooling time which will hopefully decrease energy consumption....hence, a lower power bill. My LFS, Bob's Fish, in Augusta will order them, but, honestly it would probably be less expensive to order off the internet

 

[lneesbye]

I also got an RSM 250 for X-mas (although Santa came a little early here - Nov) We keep our house at 78 during the summer, so I also think that I may need the chiller sometime in the spring so I'm tagging along.

gthockey18 how long have you had your RSM with this chiller? RSM recommends a 1/6 hp chiller, but I had considered getting a smaller one.

 

[gthockey18]

Going with a little larger chiller would probably be a good idea. Mine runs fairly often in the summer. I honestly couldn't say how much or how long I just notice it on at least 25% of the time when I'm looking at the tank.

The tank has been set up for about 6 months. I bought the chiller from another ARC member so I didn't really have a choice on size at the time but if I have to replace it I'll go with a 1/5 HP probably. With that said, it's been great so far very solid in my opinion.

 

[ruadh]

From what I've read JBJ sounds pretty solid. Hopefully I'll get some other feedback before I spend the chunk of money *sigh* on the chiller.

 

[mojo]

I've been running a JBJ 2hp chiller for years now - not a single issue. I can recommend them without hesitation. Granted, 2hp is a bit overkill for a 66g tank, so I can only recommend based on brand.

Note that your cooling requirements will largely depend on your specific setup. It looks like everything is included in this tank, so you're probably on target for needing a chiller. 1/5hp would probably be sufficient. If you can run the chiller outside (instead of in the house), it'll run much more efficiently.

Welcome to the ARC!

Edit- I just looked up the specs, and 1/10hp JBJ would be fine - it's rated for a 10 degree pull down in a 80g system. Unless you plan on adding other tanks or run your house hotter than 90 degrees, then I think it'd be fine. You just don't want to oversize because then it'll cut on for too short of a period (or drop the temp in the tank too quickly).

 

[ruadh]

Thanks for the advise Mojo!