I have to opportunity to pick up a lightly used 1HP aquarium chiller for $425. This retails online brand new for ~$1200, so I feel like it's a steal.
Specs:
-Coralife Aquarium Chiller 1 HP - 8.0-8.3 AMPS
-For Aquariums up to 400 gallons
-Recommended pump flow rate 1,000 - 2,000 gph
-Coralife Aquarium Chiller 1/2 HP - 5.6-6.0 AMPS
-For Aquariums up to 250 gallons
-Recommended pump flow rate 750 - 1.500 gph
-Keeps water within +/- 2 degrees F of set temperature
-Simple to install and maintain - includes reusable air filter
-Easy one-step programming via digital LED display
-Titanium heat exchanger won't corrode
-Adjustable inlet and outlet connections allow for hose attachment from any angle
Might seem a little overkill considering the success I've seen people have with smaller units, but I plan on making a huge reservoir to use as cooling for several conicals and my draft trunk line from my basement so this basically makes me futureproof.
I will keep this thread updated as I begin the build, but for now I want to start out with some of my plans and ask for a little insight from those who have some experience with these units.
The fermentor: We are buying a 27 gallon blichmann tri-clamp conical this week for our first conical. I plan to fashion a stainless coil that attaches to a corney keg lid to attach to the top of the conical in a way that is reversible and easy to remove for cleaning. I DO NOT intend to insulate the exterior of the conical. These conicals are expensive and functional as well as beautiful, so I don't mind losing efficiency in lieu of aesthetics. The majority of you will think this is stupid, but that's an entirely different conversation.
Cooling solution: The person that I am buying this from used a 70/30 water:glycol solution for the cooling loop for a medical marijuana setup. I plan to use the same solution.
Pump: This thing needs a big pump. 1,000-2,000 GPH! I've actually had good luck with HF pumps, so I might just get something like THIS and slap a warranty on it. I would place this right in the glycol reservoir bath.
Reservoir: I think I'm going to use a giant picnic cooler. Something that isn't hideous. At the pump rate of 1,000+ gallons per hour I am not sure that I need any sort of heat exchanger in the glycol bath. Any thoughts?
Questions:
1. Does anyone know if it is possible to "trick" these chillers to go even lower temperatures? This model says it will chill to 39F, but I'd like to be able to go lower.
I appreciate all the feedback!
Chad
Specs:
-Coralife Aquarium Chiller 1 HP - 8.0-8.3 AMPS
-For Aquariums up to 400 gallons
-Recommended pump flow rate 1,000 - 2,000 gph
-Coralife Aquarium Chiller 1/2 HP - 5.6-6.0 AMPS
-For Aquariums up to 250 gallons
-Recommended pump flow rate 750 - 1.500 gph
-Keeps water within +/- 2 degrees F of set temperature
-Simple to install and maintain - includes reusable air filter
-Easy one-step programming via digital LED display
-Titanium heat exchanger won't corrode
-Adjustable inlet and outlet connections allow for hose attachment from any angle
Might seem a little overkill considering the success I've seen people have with smaller units, but I plan on making a huge reservoir to use as cooling for several conicals and my draft trunk line from my basement so this basically makes me futureproof.
I will keep this thread updated as I begin the build, but for now I want to start out with some of my plans and ask for a little insight from those who have some experience with these units.
The fermentor: We are buying a 27 gallon blichmann tri-clamp conical this week for our first conical. I plan to fashion a stainless coil that attaches to a corney keg lid to attach to the top of the conical in a way that is reversible and easy to remove for cleaning. I DO NOT intend to insulate the exterior of the conical. These conicals are expensive and functional as well as beautiful, so I don't mind losing efficiency in lieu of aesthetics. The majority of you will think this is stupid, but that's an entirely different conversation.
Cooling solution: The person that I am buying this from used a 70/30 water:glycol solution for the cooling loop for a medical marijuana setup. I plan to use the same solution.
Pump: This thing needs a big pump. 1,000-2,000 GPH! I've actually had good luck with HF pumps, so I might just get something like THIS and slap a warranty on it. I would place this right in the glycol reservoir bath.
Reservoir: I think I'm going to use a giant picnic cooler. Something that isn't hideous. At the pump rate of 1,000+ gallons per hour I am not sure that I need any sort of heat exchanger in the glycol bath. Any thoughts?
Questions:
1. Does anyone know if it is possible to "trick" these chillers to go even lower temperatures? This model says it will chill to 39F, but I'd like to be able to go lower.
I appreciate all the feedback!
Chad