IceProbe Thermoelectric Aq. Chiller (Coolworks)

[debritto]

I need your help has anyone ever used IceProbe Thermoelectric Aq. Chiller. (Coolworks)? I need to get my temp down...

Thank You!

[Cyclonite]

Yea I have one....works good. Make sure to insulate your rez to get the most bang for your buck.

[debritto]

Thanks Cyclonite, Its good to hear. I have an 8 plant aeroponic system. I need to get my res temp down its 77F now trying to keep at 70F during the day?

Thanks again!!

[Cyclonite]

I have a 15 gal rez...I run it about 1/2 the time on a cycle timer and it keeps it at 65-70, when the outside temp starts getting colder I adjust it. They have a temp controll thats around $80, less than a cycle timer if you dont already have one.

[Buddahbear]

Zandor has a pretty good and very cheap method for cooling the resevoir, Get a two liter bottle and fill it up 3/4 the way with water and then freeze it and pop in your rez. Instant rez chiller.

[debritto]

Thanks, sounds coool....

[Cyclonite]

That gets old real fast though and this is adjustable for the perfect temp.

[plastik]

looks like a very good and inexpensive approach compared to other chillers...but, it only allows you to go between 68-85F. there is also a controller needed, so both together... around $160. my res can stay at 68 with no chilling, and a little lower with a bit of ice added. 58F is the perfect hydro res temp..if it went that low, then it would be something to think about.

[Cyclonite]

Iv had my res drop to 60 from that little device, I insulated my res...58 geez isnt that a little cold. That will stunt growth, yes more dissolved O2 but a little cold for roots.

[weatherman06]

where can i get one and how many gallons will it do my res is 55 gal

[Cyclonite]

You will need 3 more than likely, insulate really good and it makes a huge difference.

[debritto]

This is the cheepest I've found out there its for 55 gallon or less.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F54A%40/Class/Fish+Supplies+Temperature+Control+Chillers/T1/F54AB+0130+0001/EDP/30523/Itemdy00.aspx

[Cyclonite]

I don't think the drop will be more than say 4 or 5 degrees from ambient temps with 55gal

[GluteusMaximus]

I think there are a couple things you should consider before you decide on how much cooling you really need.

If you have a 55 gal reservoir, then you obviously have a significant volume to cool. The real question is....how long does the water remain inside the reservoir between cycles? If you're using a flood and drain and you're feeding 48 containers from that 55 gal reservoir on a very frequent basis, then the volume of water will heat quickly when the water cycles into the containers and won't have much time to cool while in the reservoir. The longer the water remains in the containers will greatly influence how much heat is absorbed into the water before returning to the reservoir.

You should insulate your reservoir (Water Heater Blanket) as well as your containers (if possible). If you're using bucket containers, then place plastic over the rocks preventing light and heat exposure to the grow medium (plastic picnic plates work well). Another trick is to put a (small) fan blowing across the top of the water inside the reservoir. This will remove heat through evaporation. You will find yourself topping off the reservoir more frequently, however, the evaporation trick will lower the temps significantly. You should attempt as many of these tricks before you invest in cooling devices. This way you'll save as much as possible by purchasing only what you need.

Lastly, 58F is way too cold. Idealy, you want your reservoir temperature to be at 68F.

[Cyclonite]

Yea I keep mine at 65 (DWC)....Its sooo much easier than putting in frozen bottles and shit. The deal with the fan is yes it will cool it down fine but then it makes more work and who likes that....make sure light doesn't travel down the fan air path, gotta top off res more often, it may introduce some nasties into you nute mix and with the evaporation if you don't keep a close eye on it your PPM could go way up and burn plants possibly. I don't even really open my res besides changing it....I ozonate the new water going into the container to kill of the crap wait 30-40min dump in my nutes and bam I'm done. I had some problems since the ice bottles float the roots could lay on them and could cause damage.

[debritto]

I took one of the vent covers off the light hood to install ducting to an inline fan, but the fan was too loud for me so, I disconnected it. I left the vent cover off and wow it really cooled down the room a lot! So, I took the cover off the other side too!

I have a 9 gallon aeroponic system. The 55 gallon tank is in reference to the iceprobe's max compacity. Thanks again.