JBJ Arctica 1/20 Nano Chiller vs. Current Prime 1/15 Nano Chiller

The Saltwater Kid · #1 10/24/2007, 11:22 AM

Who wins and why? I'm debating between these two for my BC29 and need help deciding which one is better suited for my tank. Major issues for me are as follows: reliability, temp accuracy, noise and ease of use/setup. I would love to get some good responsesn quickly as I would like to order one within a day or so. Thanks to those who reply!!!

MikePowell · #2 10/24/2007, 12:01 PM

go with a current prime. i have a 1/10 current prime and am super happy with it. it is reliable, low noise, and i don't know if the 1/15 has it but the 1/10 has a dual thermo stat to control a heater.

Jimbo327 · #3 10/24/2007, 12:08 PM

why are you comparing 2 different hp chillers?

I have the 1/15 chiller JBJ and happy with it. It's a little more expensive, but it's super quiet and requires low flow.

The Saltwater Kid · #4 10/24/2007, 12:36 PM

I comparing these two particular models based on price which is an issue!

Savas · #5 10/24/2007, 01:08 PM

I researched this issue this summer and remember that a 1/15 hp is the lowest recommended size for a 24 gallon tank. I would think the 1/20 is too small and would run longer (longer noise period/more use). I actually called Current and they sent me to a dealer who spent 20 minutes on the phone determining my needs. The 1/15 was what was recommended given my temps.

My tank would hit 88 in the summer and I wanted to maintain a temp of 82.

The Saltwater Kid · #6 10/24/2007, 01:32 PM

Thanks for all who replied. I made a decision and decided to go with the Current Prime 1/15 HP Nano Chiller. In the end they both seemed about equal in all aspects and what swayed me was that the Current was a dual stage unit that will handle my heating equipment as well as cooling. I hope I made the right decision. Thanks again!!!

aarazorfish · #7 10/24/2007, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikePowell
go with a current prime. i have a 1/10 current prime and am super happy with it. it is reliable, low noise, and i don't know if the 1/15 has it but the 1/10 has a dual thermo stat to control a heater.

Mike,

I have the same set up you have and I'm having bubble storm issues since I set it up. Did you have any problems at all? You're running it on a Maxi 1200 right?

thanks,
aarf

Jimbo327 · #8 10/24/2007, 05:56 PM

Good luck. Make sure you match the right pump with it. For a nano, I wanted the smallest pump to feed my chiller so I don't add too much heat into my nano. So make sure you figure everything out, sometimes you save a penny up front and cost a dollar more later.

The Saltwater Kid · #9 10/24/2007, 08:43 PM

I'm thinking of getting a Rio 6HF pump for this...just 8w and 365gph flow rate.

Rosseau · #10 10/24/2007, 10:02 PM

I have the 1/15 HP Current Prime. Quite happy all around with it.

The Saltwater Kid · #11 10/25/2007, 08:04 AM

Rosseau what pump do you have for it?

Stormtrker · #12 10/25/2007, 08:39 AM

I have the Current 1/15 chiller for my 28g Nanocube. Got the Rio 6HF pump last evening to feed it. The pump is 15w 350gph. It is a lot louder pump than the Maxijet 1200 I was using. I may have to switch back as the constant loud buzzing it makes is driving me crazy! I have the chiller sitting in the stand and really needed the extra gph to feed it. Will pull out the pump today and try to quiten it down. It does come with a suction cup bracket to sit on but that is way too big to sit in the pump compartment of my tank.

The Saltwater Kid · #13 10/25/2007, 08:50 AM

Hmmm...maybe a maxijet 1200 is the way to go then? My chiller will be sitting on the floor beside my tank though...it'll have about 3 1/2 ft. to 4 ft. for water to travel up and down...do you think a MJ1200 will be enough?

Rosseau · #14 10/25/2007, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Saltwater Kid
Rosseau what pump do you have for it?

I have it right beside my tank with a MJ400.

This probably isn't enough flow. The chiller comes on far too frequently and I think it is probably due to the low flow of the maxijet.

I need to get a bigger pump and hopefully that will make it come on less frequently. It may run for the same total time, yet won't be coming on and off as much.

Even with the MJ400 my tank temp stays very stable. Closed canopy, 50W T5 and 70W HQI on 15G, plus about 50W of CF screw in bulbs in the sump.

The Saltwater Kid · #15 10/25/2007, 09:51 AM

hmmm...maybe I'll just set mine on top of my fish cabinet right next to my tank...they would be just about even in height.

Rosseau · #16 10/25/2007, 10:16 AM

double post.

Rosseau · #17 10/25/2007, 10:16 AM

Mine is only even with my tank because I needed to go buy new hoses for it - I only had a few short pieces laying around.

Which I have now done. Once midterms are overwith I'll move the chiller under my desk - this will likely require a new pump. the MJ400 can't push water very high.

Jimbo327 · #18 10/25/2007, 01:25 PM

Use a pump curve.

The Saltwater Kid · #19 10/25/2007, 03:31 PM

A pump curve, whats that? I ordered a Rio 6HF pump for it. It only puts out 15w and has a 350gph flow rate. This should be adequate for my chiller right? I plan on setting the chiller on top of my fish cabinet next to the tank so it'll just be a few inches lower then the tank so the water won't have much head to travel up.

bboy aqua · #20 10/25/2007, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Saltwater Kid
I'm thinking of getting a Rio 6HF pump for this...just 8w and 365gph flow rate.

i have the current prime 1/15 hp chiller and that exact pump too
all i can say is im very happy with it on my 10g and i would mos def recommend it