Chiller: Drop-in vs Inline

[alrha]

Ok, I am finally considering getting a chiller.

I don't exactly NEED one, but would prefer the extra security and stability I can get from one.

My display is 187 gal and the sump is in a basement fishroom and brings my total water volume to 300 gal.

While I do have central A/C, there is nothing in the fishroom which is also shared with my boiler room. As such the fishroom does get warm both winter and summer despite an exhaust fan to the outside I leave running 24/7. Using fans over the sump and display I am able to keep my water temp between 79-81, but the high humidity in the fishroom and noise pollution in the display room limit my ability to really just add more fans. The chiller would protect my from worrying about the water getting any warmer and would also allow me to bring my temps down to 76.

I am considering the TradeWind Compact 1/2HP to do the trick and have the option of choosing an inline or drop-in.

I understand the inline is more efficient, but would really rather not have to add another pump and more plumbing etc. The drop-in would be a much easier/cleaner set-up.

My question is does it really make THAT BIG a difference if I choose a drop-in compared to an inline, or are the benefits of the inline minimal (after accounting for the pump) and I really would not be missing out on much if I go the drop-in route?

 

[albano]

I am presently running 1 of each on separate systems , My only complaint, is that the drop in, requires alot more room... the unit must be placed in a certain position, which will allow the (fairly inflexible) coil/ line to 'drop in'. Make sure that you have enough space for the unit! My inline is inches from the sump,and takes less than 2 sq.ft. of space... my drop in wastes about 4 sq. ft.

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Inline Chillers are usually more effective because the actual heat exchanger is insulated and is not competing with other variables in your sump, like lights, pumps, etc. I recommend an inline and insulate the pipe leading away from the chiller so you use every bit of electricity you put into the chiller.

Also, if you are running a strong enough return pump, there is no reason to add another pump, simply plumb the chiller into one of your return lines by creating a manifold.

 

[juiceguy]

being the owner of both i can say inline is better just for the amount of time it runs. drop-ins take a little while longer to cool down a tank as compared to an in-line model.

 

[alrha]

I am presently running 1 of each on separate systems , My only complaint, is that the drop in, requires alot more room... the unit must be placed in a certain position, which will allow the (fairly inflexible) coil/ line to 'drop in'. Make sure that you have enough space for the unit! My inline is inches from the sump,and takes less than 2 sq.ft. of space... my drop in wastes about 4 sq. ft.

I have a huge sump with plenty of room, so space is not an issue for me. I plan to place it in the last section before the return (the only other equipment there is the heater)

 

[alrha]

Inline Chillers are usually more effective because the actual heat exchanger is insulated and is not competing with other variables in your sump, like lights, pumps, etc. I recommend an inline and insulate the pipe leading away from the chiller so you use every bit of electricity you put into the chiller.

Also, if you are running a strong enough return pump, there is no reason to add another pump, simply plumb the chiller into one of your return lines by creating a manifold.

my return pump has to push water all the way back up to my display tank (one floor up) and through a fuge. dont want to take away from that or play with that plumbing.

 

[alrha]

being the owner of both i can say inline is better just for the amount of time it runs. drop-ins take a little while longer to cool down a tank as compared to an in-line model.

i spoke with Hal @ TradeWinds. He says the drop-in is just as efficient as the inline so long as there is adequate water flow.

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Are you going to be using a controller for this application? If not, I would not put the coil in with your heater as it will trigger the thermostat on your heater and the two will be fighting each other.

If so, where do you intend on putting the temp probe?

Also, you have remember when you call a company about their product, they are going to try and "sell" you the product. From past experience, I can tell you straight up that an inline is more efficient. Especially if we are talking about a 1/2 HP

 

[albano]

I have a huge sump with plenty of room, so space is not an issue for me.

I was referring to the amount of space OUTSIDE the sump...my sump is 8Ft X 33in.(check out 'dream come true setup' in tank threads)...you'll need room OUTSIDE the sump to place the chiller the 'right' distance from the sump, to allow the coil to drop in, where you want it!

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

Tradewinds is the way to go.....either way will work...Just listen to Hal....he has forgoton more about chillers than we have read in posts...:splitspin...with that said I would go inline...ranco controller...

 

[alrha]

Are you going to be using a controller for this application? If not, I would not put the coil in with your heater as it will trigger the thermostat on your heater and the two will be fighting each other.

If so, where do you intend on putting the temp probe?

Also, you have remember when you call a company about their product, they are going to try and "sell" you the product. From past experience, I can tell you straight up that an inline is more efficient. Especially if we are talking about a 1/2 HP

i will be using a dual stage controller to keep them from fighting.

Tradewinds sells both inline and drop in, so there would be no reason for him to really 'push' one over the other, i dont think.

 

[alrha]

I was referring to the amount of space OUTSIDE the sump...my sump is 8Ft X 33in.(check out 'dream come true setup' in tank threads)...you'll need room OUTSIDE the sump to place the chiller the 'right' distance from the sump, to allow the coil to drop in, where you want it!

outside the sump i have plenty of room as well as this is in a dedicated fish room. that said, i thought the drop-in is actually a bit smaller than the inline model. you also dont need to waste the extra space on the plumbing.

 

[qy7400]

deciding factor for me was with an in-line I can place the chiller anywhere I want, drop in has to be right next to the sump. With a chiller putting off a lot of heat why place it next to the sump where it will warm the water causing longer run times.

 

[alrha]

deciding factor for me was with an in-line I can place the chiller anywhere I want, drop in has to be right next to the sump. With a chiller putting off a lot of heat why place it next to the sump where it will warm the water causing longer run times.

in my situation i have a shelf above my sump which may be able to hold the chiller it would also place it right near my exhaust. either way i would be going too far from my sump.
i dont know, even if it is a bit more efficient to that the inline, i dont know if its enough of a difference to convince me. what pump would i need for the inline? is there also a risk of the chiller burning out if the pump fails?

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

in my situation i have a shelf above my sump which may be able to hold the chiller it would also place it right near my exhaust. either way i would be going too far from my sump.
i dont know, even if it is a bit more efficient to that the inline, i dont know if its enough of a difference to convince me. what pump would i need for the inline? is there also a risk of the chiller burning out if the pump fails?

I believe (double check me), Tradewinds has a pressue switch in them. It should cut off if it is not receiving enough water flow. I am sure it is listed in the product specs somewhere.

It looks like you are going to need a pump with 12 - 35 GPM. Hence why I said it would be easy to run one of your returns through it.

 

[cali_reef]

Yes, both the inline and drop in will cool your tank just about the same, but with one running more than the other.

Chillers are design to remove heat from your tank water, the heat needs to be transfer to somewhere else via the condenser. The condenser puts out a lot of heat, having it in the vicinity of any part of your system or in the same room will put some of the heat removed right back in. Try running a window AC unit in a closed room and see how well it works compare to it being in a window.

Drop in chiller will work well, provided you have a large air space to keep the condenser in reasonable temperature. In-line model's cooling is a lot easier to deal with, just move the unit to another space.

I had my chillers outside of the house, one floor up and about 18 feet laterally. The separate feed pump comes on .3 deg F before the chiller is set to come on, and it shut off with the chiller. I also added a safety by having the pump and chiller shut off if the actual water temperature is 2 deg higher than the chiller on temp, just incase the pump failed or the line is clogged. The wonderful AC3..

 

[alrha]

Thanks Cali.
Upon measuring at home, it wont fit on the shelf above my sump, I will have to put it under the stand of my sump (which is open - no doors).
While the inline may offer the ability to place the chiller in another room, I am not going to be breaking walls for this, I have a fishroom in my basement and anything fish related must remain in that room (the rest of my basement is a playroom for my kids). While some heat may make its way back into the tank, I don't think it's a going to be such a significant amount, especially considering my 24/7 exhaust fan.
The compact 1/2hp is probably more chiller than i may need and is also a very efficient model (according to Hal) - their chillers he said are rated for a 10F pull down and i am only going to be pulling down about 3-4F. I think the drop-in will do the trick for me as even if i go with an inline i wont be taking advantage of the ability to move it to a different room, and I prefer the simplicity of a drop-in over the slight efficiency benefit of the inline. i can put the drop-in coil in my sumps baffle to benefit from the most flow.

 

[Salty Dog]

well just for haha's Im selling my Sea Line Platnum Series 1/2 HP 500a, it retails for $850 the controller is built in, just plumb it in and your done. $600 takes it. Like new maybe 9 months old used for 3 months.
No scratches,dents.

 

[albano]

I see this online from BlueZooAquatics.com for $868 and He offers it with a Lifetime Warranty.
then again, he gives me 2 dual stage controllers (which BlueZoo sells for $150 each )

do you need 2 controllers ? and it doesn't make sense for him to only charge $50 more for $300 worth of equipment!, my guess is a 'misunderstanding', not to mention Blue Zoo is not the 'least expensive', so you're basically paying for 2 chillers, up-front

Upon measuring at home, it wont fit on the shelf above my sump, I will have to put it under the stand of my sump (which is open - no doors).
i can put the drop-in coil in my sumps baffle to benefit from the most flow.

This will be the last time (I promise) that I bother you with this, but I don't think that I've made it clear...The hose from the chiller unit to the coil, is NOT as flexible (read..INFLEXIBLE) as you may think...you can NOT just bend it to come up from under your sump, go over the top of the sump walls and then drop down 10"-12" +/- into your baffle area. Is it possible, yes,(small possibility) there may be a small chance, just be prepared to return/exchange the unit! Unfortunately, I speak from experience... bending the line to fit into my 8'X 30" sump (I also have a fish/sump room...13'X20') I put a little too much pressure, and heard the freon leak out!...that repair will be excluded from the warranty! Sorry, just trying to save you some headaches.

 

[alrha]

This will be the last time (I promise) that I bother you with this, but I don't think that I've made it clear...The hose from the chiller unit to the coil, is NOT as flexible (read..INFLEXIBLE) as you may think...you can NOT just bend it to come up from under your sump, go over the top of the sump walls and then drop down 10"-12" +/- into your baffle area. Is it possible, yes,(small possibility) there may be a small chance, just be prepared to return/exchange the unit! Unfortunately, I speak from experience... bending the line to fit into my 8'X 30" sump (I also have a fish/sump room...13'X20') I put a little too much pressure, and heard the freon leak out!...that repair will be excluded from the warranty! Sorry, just trying to save you some headaches.

will have to double check with Hal on the flexibility and get some assurance from him that it wont be an issue getting it into my sump (24" high) and that he would be willing to swap it if it becomes an issue. otherwise i guess i would need 3x90degree elbows on an inline unit.