View Full Version : Need chiller, help me pick one.
I need a chiller for my native 10 gal tank. What kind do I need and where do I get one? Also, if anyone has one they don't need, contact me.
i dont know of a chiller that small do a search guppy had a diy one that im gonna try with a small refridgerator.
fisher12889
06-20-2006, 2:15 AM
i dont know of a chiller that small do a search guppy had a diy one that im gonna try with a small refridgerator.
First off you need a pump that can hook up to tubing that will work outside of the tank. Drill 2 holes, one on each side of the frig, that are the same size as the tubing for the pump. Run the tubing through the frig, but leave some coiled up inside of it. Silicone around the holes in the frig to seal it. Whent the water is pumped throught the frig it will be cooled. This isnt the complete instructions, they are somewhere else on this site, but that is the overview. Hope this helps!
That would take up a lot of space, I would like something smaller. I would consider getting a bigger tank if necessary.
fisher12889
06-20-2006, 11:25 PM
The only problem I have w/ comercial filters is that they are VERY expensive, but the diy one would only cost you $100-$200 i think.
The smallest tank dedicated tank chiller I know of is by Prime and for a 185g, it cost about $650.
Make your own for a lot less. for a 10g-20g get a 12V mini-fridge like this one
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009IM01/002-6565075-2918404?v=glance
it runs about $20-$30 (the spiderman ones are cheaper than the white ones), tubing a small pump, grommets, and an inverter will run about $20 more. When you don't need it as a chiller pull the tubing out, cork the two holes, and use it in you car or at your desk.
You could actually place a small pump in the tank and conceal it but it doesn't look as nice.
Oh, in size it is about 11" talland 8" wide. It just holds a six pack of soda cans.
sohfatfish
06-22-2006, 8:21 AM
You could also make one yourself using the peltier effect. Something like the iceprobe chillers. Refer to http://arofanatics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243154 and this http://arofanatics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=238549for more info. it wont work on big tanks tho and the effectiveness of it would also depend greatly on the ambient temperature.
grenade3
06-28-2006, 1:16 PM
go with the chiller made by Current. Your LFS will almost certainly be able to get it through a supplier names Lee-Mar. it is the best in my oppinion. I have used it as well as the most recent "budget" chillers on the market and it is by far supperior. spend the money once and never sepnd it again until you have to.