What do you guys think about this small chiller?

[PoppinFresh]

I was thinking about getting this small chiller to help bring my rez temps down. I am only running about 4 gallons thru the system total but my temps are going up to around 80. It says it can chill 10 gallons down about 6-8 degrees if run continuously. I figure I should get more than that to reach optimal temps! It costs a lil over 100. It has a controller for around 50 but I don't see the point of getting that part.

Here's the site:
http://www.coolworksinc.com/coolworks_products.htm

What do you guys think?

The Ideal Cooling Solution For Small Aquariums

CoolWorks’ IceProbe Small Aquarium Chiller (IPAC-50W) is the perfect cooling solution for small aquariums and insulated fish egg hatching, bait, and specimen tanks.

The Aquarium Chiller is a complete water cooling system. It includes the IceProbe, the nut and silicone washer for bulkhead installation, and a power converter with six foot cords on each side. The Aquarium Chiller can be easily installed in any orientation through a 1.25 inch hole into siphon overflows, pre-filters, sumps, or aquarium walls, or suspended with a bracket or lid over the top of the aquarium.

The chiller cools continuously when powered. In most aquarium implementations, the CoolWorks Proportional Temperature Controller is added to regulate the IceProbe’s cooling power. CoolWorks offers two Proportional Temperature Controllers for aquarium applications. Our TEC-65 controller is designed for tropical water aquarium environments, with an adjustable temperature range of 65ºF to 85ºF. Our TEC-45 is designed for cold water aquarium environments, with an adjustable temperature range of 45ºF to 65ºF.

* 50 Watts of cooling power
* Compact size
* Easy bulkhead installation
* Quiet, efficient & reliable
* Optional temperature controller
* 120V or 240v power options

 

[Guest]

It has a controller for around 50 but I don't see the point of getting that part.

Sure...why not but if you don't get the controller just invest in a good $10 15 minute increment mechanical timer and figure out a simple program that will work. Too cold is just as bad as too hot...in some ways. You'll shock your plants and stop growth.

 

[PoppinFresh]

Sure...why not but if you don't get the controller just invest in a good $10 15 minute increment mechanical timer and figure out a simple program that will work. Too cold is just as bad as too hot...in some ways. You'll shock your plants and stop growth.

well the plan is to just run a continuous temp meter in the rez anyway. if at any point it's too strong, i can just shut it off. then again, you'd be absolutely right because i can't exactly keep my eyes on it forever. my thinkin is that it's weak enough to do exactly what i need without turning it off.

i'll wait for a few more responses but most likely i'll get it and just run it to see how well it does! if i do need a controller, then i'll suck up the delivery charge and work with it!

 

[Guest]

because i can't exactly keep my eyes on it forever. my thinkin is that it's weak enough to do exactly what i need without turning it off.

Automated control is a wonderful thing, usually doesn't cost much and you get 'piece of mind'. Once automated you just manage the system instead of running it. Everything looks good on paper but hoped it's sized perfectly for what you need. You could also buy a used water cooler for cheap and follow The Dopest's thread on creating your own drop in chiller then you could easily justify the $ for a thermostat to control it...just a thought.

 

[PoppinFresh]

Automated control is a wonderful thing, usually doesn't cost much and you get 'piece of mind'. Once automated you just manage the system instead of running it. Everything looks good on paper but hoped it's sized perfectly for what you need. You could also buy a used water cooler for cheap and follow The Dopest's thread on creating your own drop in chiller then you could easily justify the $ for a thermostat to control it...just a thought.

yeah i agree but i do like managing it. it is my first grow and im just giddy every time i see the light green of new growth... tee hee hee lol. and i saw some of those threads with the diy chiller in search before i found the iceprobe. im still on the fence. it's a decision for the future because I am quite broke anyway and my tds meter got jacked so im gonna pick up a continuous combo thingy and a separate ph meter (i read about those too) lol! so for now, i plan to handle it with bottles of nutrient solution in the freezer. i siphon out into a 32oz bottle, refrigerate, and replace every few days so i don't overflow the system. i'll just make up new solution when necessary. it's also good so i can ph with my little papers lol.

maybe in the future i won't be so happy over every little thing and i'll develop a more "set it and forget it" ethos. but not this run