17 Steps to an Exotic Saltwater Aquarium

Aquarium Chiller Information for Salt Water Aquariums / Reef Aquariums / Marine Aquariums

How and Why to Choose an Aquarium Chiller

Do you own an aquarium, but aren't sure if you need a chiller or not? Are you concerned that your fish are sick and unhealthy due to the climate of your aquarium? If so, then your aquarium might be a prime candidate for a chiller. Fish need an adequate climate to survive. Sometimes the environment around an aquarium is simply not sufficient to provide that climate.

How to Determine if Your Aquarium Needs a Chiller

There are several factors that should be considered when determining the climate needs of your tank.

1. Where is the location of your aquarium?

If your aquarium is located in a room or environment where there's very limited air circulation, no sufficient air conditioning or excessive exposure to sunlight, then an aquarium chiller might be used to keep your aquarium water at cooler temperatures.

2. What type of equipment operates your aquarium?

Most of the equipment used to operate or illuminate an aquarium puts heat back into the water, causing higher than normal temperatures. When you factor this in with warm air surrounding the tank, the water may be too warm for your fish to survive. In this case, a chiller will do the trick.

3. What type of fish or other life forms inhabit your aquarium?

Another thing to consider is what type of life inhabits your aquarium. Different types of fish require different climates. You'll need to do a little research to find out the best possible climate for your fish.

4. Are you away often from your home or office where the aquarium is located?

If you have an aquarium at home, but yet, you're away most of the day at work or travel frequently, you'll probably find that having an aquarium chiller is more convenient and less expensive than operating your air conditioner at all times. This will certainly justify the expense of purchasing a chiller.

How to determine the proper aquarium chiller for your needs

Once you've determined that you'll need an aquarium chiller, you'll also need to know what type of chiller will work best with your aquarium. The size of your aquarium together with the room temperatures are two main factors in determining what type of chiller you'll need.

Listed below are the different types of chillers and how they work:

Drop-In Aquarium Chillers

These chillers are normally used in saltwater reef aquariums and operate by placing cooling coils into a filter sump. If you have a limited amount of space, a drop-in chiller will work well. They come in a variety of sizes. These types of chillers do not require plumbing of any sort.

In-Line Chillers

In-line chillers are used on larger aquariums (usually saltwater reef systems) and do require plumbing. They have cooling coils internally, and cool water that has already been filtered. The cooler water is then returned to the tank. You can place the chiller in a different location if necessary. These chillers can put off quite a bit of heat when in operation, so be sure to have plenty of ventilation where it's located.

Thermoelectric Chillers

These are normally used with smaller freshwater and saltwater tanks which are 55 gallons or less in size. Thermoelectric chillers are quiet and easy to install. They cool using a probe that's placed in the water, and a fan to dispose of excess heat. Proper ventilation should be provided when using these chillers also.

How Aquarium Chillers Work

Chillers work similar to a refrigerator or an air conditioner, where gas is compressed and the temperatures are dropped as a result. The heat is then separated from the water by gas and a heat exchanger, carried to a radiator and then released from the chiller unit using a fan.

Choosing an aquarium chiller is simple once you understand how they work and what types are available. Learn all you can about your tank and the life within so you'll be equipped to provide a healthy climate for your fish.