Chiller Q.

doch · #1 06-21-2006, 04:23 AM

Has anybody done the mini fridge and piping idea? I've been thinking about it, but haven't heard of anyone actually doing it. That would be my best choice... keep the fish cool and not have to walk as far for a beer!!!

demon666 · #2 06-21-2006, 04:26 AM

sound like a plan to me!!!!!!!! cold beer and cool fish all with in arms reach

Canadbis · #3 06-21-2006, 02:15 PM

I just thought if you could drill a couple holes in the fridge and run the piping through it, be sure to seal the holes and fiddle with the temp till you have it where you want it.

atcguy · #4 06-21-2006, 02:29 PM

sounds like a newfie joke. Put that with the Newfie Green Golf balls!!!!!

Ya it wouldnt work and there have been posts about that in the past.

DanG · #5 06-21-2006, 02:44 PM

I've seen articles on why you shouldn't use a fridge as a chiller, but can't find the article now.

TheReefGeek · #6 06-21-2006, 02:55 PM

Have you tried other methods of cooling your tank? I have had a 100g tank with metal halide lighting, and no sump, in a second story apartment without air conditioning and never had heat problems in Edmonton.

Before investing in a chiller, you should install some fans across the surface of your sump to increase evaporation.

Also try to keep the heat from your lights out of your tank with fans as well.

What kind of hood are you using? Is your tank open top? If not open top should solve the heat issue. If you can't do open top, install some fans in your hood.

muck · #7 06-21-2006, 03:04 PM

The mini-fridge chiller mod has been done many times and pretty much all have found out it doesn't work. The compressors on a fridge are not designed to run continually. (which would happen if you keep pumping warm water into it) The compressor would not be able to keep up and would burn out in no time. Save yourself the hassle and the money and buy a proper chiller. They are specifically designed for that purpose.