2014-05-17 Gear Spotlight- Chiller

So what's the deal with Chillers? Until I began keeping salt-water aquariums, I've never even heard of it! Why chillers? Well, there is an excellent article here on Marine Depot taking about it: http://www.marinedepot.com
I also want to credit Marine Depot for this illustration below:

Tank Chiller Set up according to Marine Depot

So why do you need Chiller, if you already have to use a heater to "heat" up your tank?

Well, While terrestrial day time and night time temperature swings can be quite big- here in Wisconsin we have 80 degree days with nights in the 30's, it's ridiculous!

Also, while fluorescent lights and LEDs do not emit as much heat, reef tanks with metal halide can boil eggs and more! So it is vital to ensure your tanks does not over head by the end of your photoperiod (light-on hours). 

A couple ways you can get by without a chiller- have well ventilated tank/sump area with central air/AC on for the house, not just for the tank but for your own comfort. But let's face it, it's cheaper to cool down the tank than the entire house.

Or, you can choose a low-heat emission lighting system such as LED light, which can emit almost as much, if not more energy than that of metal halide.

But if the above are not in your option, a chiller might be the better choice.

Natural tropical sea water's temperature range from low 70's to mid 80's, depends on the current, time of day, and the depth. Many people say the sea water is very constant, that's not true. 

I used to spend years living in Belize and swim in the barrier reef on weekends. The real ocean water comes in waves of warm pockets followed by cool pockets, and the surface (top 3 feet) is significantly warmer than the deeper region (5-30 feet). So don't worry too much if your temperature swings a little between day and night. It's OK and it's natural.