DIY Chiller?

[dprasan]

I have 29 gal saltwater in a one bedroom apt that gets pretty hot in the summer. All i have is 1 window ac unit that is not really efficient. I've thought about buying a minifrig ($50 at target) and plumbing it with copper coils to cool it down. I would some how use by powerhead for the water the waterflow. My powerhead pumps 106 gph. My concerns are:
1. How much will this cool down my tank/will a need another heater to balance the affect?
2. Will the powerhead be sufficient or will this burn it up?

Im thinking it'll just be a trial and error situation but i would like some imput before hand.

Please give me any thoughts, ideas, or alternatives.

 

[Oddball]

Welcome to MFK!!!

I've tried this before when chillers weren't readily available. You can't use copper lines with a marine setup since the copper will kill off your inverts/live rock. The power consumption of a minifrige, battling ambient heat and a balancing heater, will be more than a large kitchen frige.
Your best bet is to keep checking the ads in places like ebay and aquabid. You can get chillers at reasonable prices in those places nowadays.

 

[hmt321]

copper is very bad for inverts, i do not know if the copper tubing will pose a problem to corral, shrimp, etc.

I have heard that these homemade chillers are pretty inefficient, so i would not think you would need a heater to keep it from getting to cold.

the pump size will depend on several things, how much lower the chiller is than the tank, the plumbing to and from the tank/chiller, also how long the copper coil will be. Also keep in mind that most power heads are designed to work with a certain diameter hose or pipe. having slow water movement may work to your advantage (longer heat exchange)

 

[dprasan]

thanks, i had no idea that the copper would be bad for the inverts. it didnt even cross my mind. i just cant bring myself to spend a few hundred bucks on a chiller though