DIY Chiller

[KarlK]

One thing I did notice with the chiller mounted away from the tank is how quiet your tank is now. Your overflow actually seems loud now!!

Remember when we first set up this tank? You were more concerned with heating the tank than keeping it cool! That changed pretty quick, eh?

I'm sure glad it is working for you. I spent all that time working out the calculations of evap size, TXV to use, water flow avaliable, etc... It's sure nice to see it working exactly as I planned. Right down to the proper temperature of suction gas!

One thing that I would like to mention is that if anyone is thinking of doing this (which I suspect everyone is), please do not just vent off the refrigerant from your donor system into the atmosphere. Get it reclaimed properly so you don't contribute to the global warming killing the reefs.

I'll continue to post updates on this thread as I'm sure Hightower will as well.

I am still open to questions from all the people tagging along.

Now I guess I need something else to build

I'm thinking a 1/2 horsepower packaged chiller. Who wants to see that?
Maybe there is some special system that someone wants to see built. I like challenges. Anyone got one for me?

[Flusher]

Originally Posted by KarlK

Maybe there is some special system that someone wants to see built. I like challenges. Anyone got one for me?

Can you make a nano tank chiller?
________
Brunette Cams

[KarlK]

Originally Posted by Flusher

Can you make a nano tank chiller?

Sure. I can scrounge the compressor easily enough and just build the condensor and evaporator. I've got a line on titanium tubing that would work good for that size of system. It is actually ordered and on it's way. It's about 2 weeks away.

What size tank is this for?

[KarlK]

I don't know whether or not I mentioned the flow rate here. It is close to 90gph.

[aussiefishy]

Great thread! I have really learnt alot!

one question i have is that is there a reason why the titanium coil/exchange coil is situated in the barrel instead of the sump itself?

Thanks
Eric

[KarlK]

Originally Posted by aussiefishy

Great thread! I have really learnt alot!

one question i have is that is there a reason why the titanium coil/exchange coil is situated in the barrel instead of the sump itself?

Thanks
Eric

A few reasons:

1: The coil would take up a lot of space in the sump that Hightower did not have.

2: If the coil was in the sump, there would be no way to control the flow rate. I wanted to be able to adjust as many variables as possible with this system as it was my first one and I wanted to be able to tweak it if need be.

3: Stainless steel will corrode if alternately exposed to saltwater and air. By putting the coil in a barrel, we ensure that it will be submerged at all times.

4: It's cooler

Karl

[aussiefishy]

WOW! well thought out!

Another question i have for you is that, does it matter how long the actual cooling coil is? will it affect performance if it is longer? i would think the longer the coil, the more powerful the unit have to be...