I need an aquarium chiller and know nothing about them!

[parker002]

The temps in my 20G axolotl tank are too high. I need a chiller and just don't know anything about them. Some things on my mind:

1. How to size?
2. How to circulate water (submersible pump)?
3. Reputable brands/where to buy?

[Carl]

The chillers I've used have come in two basic styles; hang of the back with a cooling element & inline (the inline being more reliable)

These are all very pricey with lifespans shorter than most window A/Cs or refrigerators.

Here are a couple I have access to as I noted in your email too:
The Coralife Aquarium Chiller 1/10HP 55gal is $799.99
The Coralife Aquarium Chiller 1/4HP 125gal is $1199.99

However there are alternatives as I outline in my Freshwater Basics; Heating/Cooling Section


Here is an excerpt from this section
"Cooling; Sometimes cooling a tank in the warm summer months can be an issue, and most freshwater aquarists cannot afford an expensive chiller (which can cost $500 +). In many applications, even a an air conditioner is not a viable option.

A few suggestions include floating frozen 2 liter plastic pop bottles in the aquarium and/or the use of a wet towel draped over the tank with a fan aimed at this towel along with an open lid if viable depending upon fish kept (not viable for Arowanas for instance since they will jump out), this works similar to human perspiration or an evaporative cooler (do not cover lights or anything that would still trap the heat trying to escape via evaporation).
The wet towel/fan method is more efficient for larger aquariums and tends to have less temperature swings, however sometime the frozen bottle method is needed for quicker lowering of temperature; as well both methods can be combined.
In fact the wet towel method was provided by an old timer in the hobby quite some time ago after I mentioned I was using fans with an open top and he stated that the use of a wet towel greatly increases the efficiency of the fan, especially if it is not viable to leave the top open. In fact, if it were an either or situation; wet towel or fan only, the wet towel is more effective.

I often had clients leave a wet towel & fan on their tank before leaving for work, then add a frozen bottle when they come home.

Other options can simply be to add a small room air conditioner and set it at a high setting of 78 F. This can often be cheaper than both the purchase and operating cost of an aquarium chiller in my experience.
Finally, another method that has worked for me is an air pump placed in a mini refrigerator (or any refrigerator nearby), then running a couple air stones or sponge filters with lines coming from the refrigerator."

Carl

[parker002]

Thanks Carl. Right now, we have our guys hanging it out in a dorm fridge. They're a lot less stressed even though the water is only about 50 degrees. I've never kept anything that wanted to be COLD before.