Maintaining a consistent temperature of the aquarium will help to prevent disease and an unwanted algae. However, maintaining the ideal temperature consistently in tropical countries is not easy. This is why the aquarium chiller is the best solution. The use of chiller for aquarium requires only minimal maintenance - provided that precise in choosing the chiller capacity and placement with adequate air circulation - and aquarium chiller is a device which is so purchased will be useful for many years.

How to choose an ideal water chiller capacity for your aquarium? It's a matter that is suggested to install the aquarium chiller with power (Hp) more than the recommended. For example, if the specification written the chiller able to cool 500 liters of waters, it should be used for 300 liters of water and so on.

Choosing an ideal chiller for your aquarium will also make your expenses to be efficient. For example, the magnitude chiller 1 / 3 Hp - if we see the price is a bit more expensive than a magnitude 1 / 10 Hp. However, the chiller with a power 1 / 3 Hp has greater strength, so that the unit requires less time to reach the optional temperature. This course will play a major role in maintaining the durability of aquarium chiller units and in general also will reduce noise pollution and the heat generated when the chiller's engine work.

How about the ideal temperature of aquarium chiller? For example, coral reefs which come from a variety of marine environments, the temperatures can vary between 18 °C to 32 °C, depending on how their habitat - More deep the habitat of the coral reefs then the temperature will more cold. Ideally we take a coral sea / marine plants from the same environment and maintain our aquarium chiller and aquarium plants at a temperature which is considered normal / ideal environment for coral / aquarium plants. But the fact is, people always mix the various elements of different environments in an aquarium.

So the best compromise is to keep the aquarium chiller temperature in the save range 23 °C - 26 °C. Although this temperature sometimes also lead the white spot disease for a certain type of fish. However, this is a general temperature range based on the experience of hobbiest and fairly well accepted by most plants and fish both marine and freshwater. No doubt there will be exceptions to some things, such as an aquarium with certain plants which require more stringent temperature tolerance. The best you can do is consults with the experts to know how the tolerance temperature for the aquarium plants.

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To size water chillers properly and in accordance with the size of the aquarium that we have, we should install chiller with capacity larger than recommended. The difference in price between the medium chillers with the powerful water chillers is not too expensive, when compared with the addition of energy obtained. For example, chiller ½ HP the price is not too expensive when compared with the price of 1 HP chillers. However, 1 HP chillers has greater strength and require less time to reach the temperature we want. So there will be savings of the electric power usage and the durability could be longer.

The following is a general calculation method to choose the aquarium chillers (heat factor of the lights and pump ignored before). Please note earlier, to cool water 1°C increments of 1 liter in 1 hour needed 4 Btu (British thermal units).

For example, 1000 liters aquarium - initially water temperature is 30 ° C, and the desired temperature is 25 ° C. So it takes 1000 liters x 4 Btu x (30 - 25 ° C) = 20,000 Btu.

If we use ½ HP chiller capacity (about 5000 Btu), the water chillers will run for 20.000/5.000 Btu = 4 hours. Furthermore, after the temperature reaches 25 ° C, the chiller will stop (not working) and start again at a temperature of 26 ° C (+1 ° C). After that, the time needed to lower the temperature into 25 ° C return is 1 hour.

If we use an aquarium chiller with a larger capacity, eg, 1 HP (about 9,000 Btu), then the time needed of the 1 HP chillers to work is a half of the working hours of ½ HP chillers

Conversely, if we use water chillers for aquarium with capacity less than ½ HP, then the time required for chiller to work become longer. This is what causes the chiller rapidly damaged due to lack of resources or working continuously without stopping.

Chillers capacity calculation is very important thing because a stable temperature is essential for the aquarium life community. It will make the inhabitants of the aquarium to avoid stress. Includes an aquarium plant, such as Visicularia dubyana which need temperatures about 20-25°C to grow well. The temperature can be obtained if the aquarium is equipped with the proper water chillers.

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Periodic maintenance for aquarium chillers equal with regular air conditioning maintenance. With the correct and precise installation, it is unlikely to be trouble in the future. The important thing is the flow of the air around the chiller should be good to remove the heat generated by the cooling process.

If Portable chillers cabinet placed in a closed aquarium, the hot air can not flow out. As a result, kompresornya machine will not work. If the chiller is felt less cold (which is marked with chiller machine continues to work but the water temperature does not fall), we are often too quick to conclude that the chiller freon has run out and need to be added.

In fact, never runs out unless freon is leaking (eg, refrigerators or air conditioning). The main cause aquarium chiller less cold is the substandard air circulation. For example, near the compressor was a pile of goods, or a compressor (which issued a hot air) is used to dry the wet cloth.

Special portable chiller, the most frequent cause of water is not cold, dusty air filter attached (as placed on the floor). If we always clean the air filter periodically chiller, the chiller will always work efficiently. To help you on aquarium chiller maintenance, you can see these documents below that have been prepared by John Nordstedt, who works with the NJ TIC program. Please carefully check your warranty before performing these tasks.


IMPORTANCE OF SIZING A CHILLER CORRECTLY

Aquarium chillers are primarily designed for tropical fish or aquarium plants applications where water temperatures are around 70 degrees F. Trout need water temperatures of 52 – 55 degrees F. Most applications – home and offices – have well controlled room temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees F.

In school applications, the room temperatures run much higher – many times as high as 80 – 85 degrees F. In most instances the room temperature is not within the control of the teacher.

Both of these conditions mean the chiller has to work a lot harder than it was designed to work. While a 1/6 HP chiller may be good for a 55 gallon tank of tropical fish in a home, it is not good for trout in a classroom. NJ uses a 1/3 HP chiller so that the chiller does not have to work as hard to cool the water.

Finally, the atmosphere in a classroom is dusty and dirty. As the dust gets into the chiller it quickly becomes less efficient. The less efficient it is, the harder it has to work. This is why you need to have your chiller at least 24 inches off the floor with a 10 inch clearance on all sides.


HOW THE CHILLER WORKS (Refer to Sketch)

An aquarium chiller operates on the same principles as a refrigerator or air conditioner. There is a temperature controller and temperature sensor on all chillers which allow you to set the optimum temperature for your water to be at – for TIC application 52 – 55 degrees F. (The controllers are designed to be accurate to plus or minus 2 degrees F.)

Chillers function using four main parts – a compressor, a heat exchanger, a radiator and a fan. The operation is based on the principles of gas expansion and contraction.

A refrigeration gas, in this case R-134, is compressed which results in a loss of temperature. This compressed gas (seriously cold at about minus 300 degrees F), flows through the heat exchanger where it picks up heat from the aquarium water being pumped through the heat exchanger.

The gas carries the heat back to the compressor but on the way encounters an expansion valve which allows the pressure to drop suddenly. As the temperature drops, the gas gives up heat to a radiator, which dispels the heat into the surrounding air with the aid of a fan. Hence the water returning to the aquarium will be at a lower temperature than when it entered the chiller.

The gas ultimately continues back to the compressor. The refrigeration system is sealed; the cycle is continuous.

Unfortunately the fan sucks air from the room in order to blow air on the radiator. Dust and dirt come in with the air and are blown at the radiator. The fins on the radiator get covered and clogged. Their ability to dissipate heat is reduced. The chiller’s efficiency gets severely compromised as a result of the dust and dirt.


AVOIDING EARLY FAILURES/ANNUAL MAINTENANCE

The chiller must be positioned well off the floor – like on a milk crate – and have at least ten inches of free air space all around it. Every day someone should compare the temperature shown on the controller with the temperature of a good thermometer placed in the tank.

The Aqua Chill, Oceanic, and Prime chillers have easily removable front panels behind which are mesh filters. During the school year, these filters should be vacuumed or brushed weekly. (Also, see foam filter instructions below.)

Every chiller should be thoroughly cleaned at the end of the year. A compressor with a blow off nozzle is required. Most schools are equipped with a small compressor. The annual maintenance does not require a HVAC person. Anyone who can handle a screwdriver can do it.

On the Prime, Aqua Chill and Oceanic units:

• Remove the front panel.
• Carefully disconnect the connector(s)going to the temperature controller.
• Remove the screws holding the housing to the baseplate,
• Carefully lift the housing off the chiller. (Sometimes the handles get hung up on the heat exchanger)
• Blow 90 – 100 PSI air into the radiator from all sides – front, back and top – dislodging dust, dirt and other debris. Do it from all directions, several times, until you are sure the fins are clean.
• Re-install the housing and front panel. Make sure the mesh filter is completely clean before re-installation.
• Finally, tape a piece of 1/4 inch foam air conditioner filter material, cut to fit, over the air intake openings. 1/4 inch polyeurethane foam, Frost King part number F1524 is available at most hardware stores. This additional filter will minimize the dust intake without seriously compromising the chiller’s efficiency.

On the Polar Bear:

• Remove the (8) screws holding the housing to the base plate.
• Carefully lift the housing off, being mindful of the wires connecting the chiller and temperature controller.
• Blow 90 – 100 PSI air into the radiator from all sides – front, back and top – dislodging dust, dirt and other debris. Do it from several times from all directions until you are sure the fins are clean.
• Re-install the housing on the baseplate.
• Finally tape a piece of 1/4 inch foam air conditioner filter material, cut to fit, over the air intake openings.

You can download complete information and instruction for Aquarium Chiller Maintenance on www.troutintheclassroom.org. Again, please check the conditions of your warranty before performing any of these tasks.

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The main function of aquarium chiller is to stabilize the water temperature to match the natural water temperature conditions. Each types of aquarium chiller are not the same! Just like air conditioners, there are several different of this aquarium equipment such as chiller designs and available types which appropriate with your needs. All that things should be carefully considered before a purchase is made. Based on the work systems of "refrigeration equipment", in general there are 2 basic types of chillers for aquariums:


Thermoelectric Chillers

Thermoelectric chiller working with thermoelectric chip called as the "Peltier Effect". This technique is commonly used for cooling water cooler, or cooling computer processors. When there is DC power flow, then one side of the Peltier plates will generate heat. The hot side of the peltier plate is mounted with heatsink and the heat removed using a fan, consequently the other side of the Peltier plate will produce cold. The cold side is attached to a stainless metal container to cool the aquarium water.

In this way, Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller not use Freon gas and compressor. Electricity consumption is also small, only 50 Watt only. With such a small electric power, the thermoelectric chiller can only be used for aquariums with a small capacity, which is about 50-60 liters of water (aquarium mini). If the volume of aquarium water more than 60 liters, the use of thermoelectric chiller is not recommended.


Compressor Chillers

Compressor chiller uses refrigerant compressor as usual we meet at Almari Ice and AC house. There are 2 types of chillers with a cooling compressor, ie Portable Chiller and Split Chiller.

- Portable Chillers
The portable chillers are widely produced in general is a portable chiller that has the size and physical form of well-designed. However, it produces a small output power. This is because the chiller is manufactured for use in Western countries where the temperature is lower than tropical countries. In Western countries, the tap water temperatures average in 15C °, so they require more heater rather than chiller.

In tropical countries that use the european water chillers, for the effective and durable use they must use a more powerful engine coolant and tolerant to voltage. The Portable chillers though compact shape, ie, compressors and refrigeration units into a single unit, has several shortcomings as well, among others:
- Compressors have a noise that disturb.
- Compressors remove hot air. So, although the water tank is to be cold, but the temperature in surrounding environment increased and people who are maintaining an aquarium will feel hot.


- Split Chiller
Split chiller, the compressor was located outside the home. Thus there was no noise. The air circulation to smoothly, so that the portable chiller is not easily damaged.

Split Chiller consists of two parts: Unit Engine Cooling and Water Cooling Units following control equipment. Both units above connected through Freon pipes and control cables. Cooling Machine Unit is usually installed outside the room while the unit is installed inside the water cooler or in the cabinet room.

Split Chiller usually uses the compressor with a capacity of 1 HP and above. Split Chiller 1 HP suitable for a large aquarium with a total volume of water between 700 liters - 1000 liters.

For aquarium with capacity over than 1000 liters should consult beforehand with the seller to know the appropriate compressor capacity we need and avoid buying aquarium chiller type that are not appropriate.

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Aquarium water chillers is the equipment to make the aquarium water temperature is ideal and similar to the natural conditions. In natural environments such as rivers or lakes have a large volume of water so that the change in temperature between day and night happen slowly. But for the aquarium, which was much smaller volume of water, temperature changes will be more vulnerable and can occur rapidly. For any size aquarium that we make, will not have the ability to maintain temperature stability similar to natural conditions.

The aquarium lighting is one of the cause the aquarium water temperature increases. When the lights turned on, the water temperature will rise. Similarly, on the contrary, when the lights extinguished, the water temperature will fall. These temperature fluctuations that can result in fish that are kept to be stressed, weak, or sick.

In tropical countries with hot weather all year long, its difficult to maintained the aquarium water temperature at 25 ° C. Especially in the room with high temperature and humid. If we added the lamp into aquarium, the aquarium water temperature usually above 30 ° C. in such circumstances, we are almost impossible to maintain an aquarium optimaly. The only way to make an ideal aquarium water temperature (24-26 ° C) is to use a cooler or chiller equipment. This aquarium equipment is able to maintain the aquarium water temperatures stable in the range that we want.


How does Aquarium Chiller Work?

Aquarium water chillers work basically can be regarded as a miniature of a refrigerator or air conditioner (AC). Chiller has a thermostat as a regulator of the water temperature to suit your needs. In addition, the chiller has the same working principle is a reaction change in shape. When the liquid was changed into gas, then the gas will absorb a large amount of heat energy around him. For example, drops a little alcohol in our hands. At the time of alcohol evaporate (change form), then our hands will feel cold. The working principle is also applicable for chiller, fridge or air conditioner that uses Freon.

Freon (refrigerant gas) is compressed (by compressor) will produce a decrease in temperature which then will flow through the heat exchange unit (heat exchanger). The flow of this gas will absorb heat from the aquarium water being pumped into the heat exchange unit. Gas will flow while bringing new heat energy absorbed back into the compressor.

However, before reaching the compressor, the gas will pass through the lower valve of a sudden gas pressure. That's when gas releases the heat energy which brought to the water chillers radiator, in charge of waste heat energy into the open air with fan assistance. After this process, water will flow into the aquarium plants with a temperature lower than the previous.

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