How to Pick an Aquarium Chiller

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Consider the number of fish in the tank. More fish will generate more heat so if you have a lot of fish you might need a bigger aquarium chiller.
Step 2:
Think about the size of the fish tank. A fish tank holding more water will take a bigger and more powerful aquarium chiller. For a smaller tank, use a smaller chiller.
Step 3:
Choose the cooling method. Drop-in chillers are ones you put directly into the water and let the coil cool the water temperature. With in-line chillers, aquarium water is run through the chiller and is pumped back into your tank or sump. An in-line chiller can be placed in a separate location from your fish tank.
Step 4:
Look at the temperature controls. A single stage temperature controller will run your chiller at the right temperatures. A dual stage controller, though, will regulate the temperatures of your chiller and heater.
Step 5:
Ask about a warranty. An aquarium chiller can be a significant expense so find one with a decent warranty. This is important for your wallet as well as the health of your fish.

Tips & Warnings

An aquarium chiller can cost up to $800 so try other methods of cooling the fish tank water before you buy one. Add bottles of ice, move the tank out of a window, let a fan blow on the tank or remove the lid to get more air to the water.

Resources

Let the Aquarium Guys help you find the perfect chiller for your tank.

More Puppy Pages

How to Control the Temperature of a Fish Tank

To survive and live comfortably in a home aquarium, fish need their water to not only be cleaned on a regular basis, but also kept at the appropriate temperature to suit their living habits. Freshwater pond fish do not require a high temperature, while...

Establishing a home aquarium requires some expense and effort, but will add peace and beauty to the home. When purchasing freshwater aquarium supplies, base each decision on the type of fish that will inhabit the tank because different fish have...

How to Build an Artificial Reef Aquarium

Marine life on a reef is very colorful and diverse. Building an artificial reef in your aquarium will take some time. An artificial reef is more than just a collection of colorful marine life. Conditions have to mimic a natural reef in order for your...

If you have an aquarium or are contemplating setting up an aquarium in your home, the zebra fish is an excellent choice for a community tank of gentle fish. Zebra fish are hardy, fun to watch and easy to keep. A native of Eastern India and Bangladesh...

Freshwater fish don't like change. You need to make sure the temperature and chemical composition of their water stays as steady as possible. If their water gets too hot, your fish will die. More often, the lack of oxygen in the water will kill them...