Question about Chiller HP ?? do i need a 350 Chev or what?

[mailoo]

I live in Thailand so my average water temprature year round with or without aircon is 82.5

I have been told if want to do a nice big (100-150G) Coral and mixed fish community i will need a chiller.

Doing some research i have found a supplier in China who can provide me with a 1/4 HP for $138 or a 1/2 for $188.

Obviously i have to get it transported here... but its a neat price from what i have heard about US pricing... They also have 1hp, 2hp or 3hp

Is there a guide... like 100 Gallons per 1/4 hp
whats best for the 100G ?


Mailoo

[Entropy]

The 1/4 HP unit should suffice, but for the extra $50, I would go for the 1/2HP since you have a pretty hot environment.

A good 1/4 hp chiller is usually good for 100-150g IMO, while the 1/2 HP can go up to 400g (maybe more). I don't think most people have to deal with 82.5F conditions though, so I am not sure how much effect that will have on it.

That is an insanely low price by the way. I would be a bit leary of product quality, even if that was a used condition price.

[mailoo]

price is direct from manafacturer in China.


Loo

[Entropy]

Oh I believe you, I am just concerned about product quality at that price. I guess it is not that much to risk, but I would do some research on the model number and see if you can find some feedback from current users.

[gotfrogs]

I would not even think about the 1/4 unit. Go for the 1/2 hp. I have a 1/3 hp on my 120 and wish it was bigger.

[mailoo]

if i went a whole 1HP (sounds like it will be cheap) will it use less power as its more efficient?


Mailoo

[Entropy]

It is going to depend on the rest of your equipment and on what temp you want to run your tank. The bigger unit should be more efficient IMO, but you want a chiller that runs for a while, and then takes a break for a while, as opposed to one that just cycles on and off continuously IMO. I get the feeling yours will be on almost constantly. :(