Aquarium Chiller

An aquarium chiller is a thermoelectric or compressor-based cooling unit that actively reduces water temperature. In warm climates or during summer heatwaves, tank temperatures can easily exceed the safe range for sensitive species like Caridina shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp, and certain demanding plants. A chiller provides precise, reliable cooling to maintain stable conditions year-round.

Why You Might Need a Chiller

• Temperature-Sensitive Species: Caridina shrimp (CRS, CBS, Taiwan Bee) require stable temperatures below 24°C.
• Summer Heatwaves: Ambient temperatures above 30°C can push tank water into the danger zone (28°C+).
• High-Powered Lighting: Intense LED or metal halide fixtures generate heat that warms the water.
• Algae Prevention: Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen and promotes algae growth.
• Axolotl/Cold Water Species: Some species require consistently cool water (16–20°C).

Types of Chillers

Compressor Chiller

Works like a mini refrigerator. Water passes through a heat exchanger cooled by a refrigerant compressor.

• Pros: Powerful, can cool large volumes, precise temperature control.
• Cons: Expensive, noisy, generates heat from the compressor (needs ventilated room).

Thermoelectric (Peltier) Chiller

Uses Peltier modules (solid-state cooling) to reduce temperature. No compressor.

• Pros: Silent, compact, affordable.
• Cons: Weak cooling capacity, only suitable for nano tanks (up to ~40L).

Cooling Fans

Clip-on fans that blow air across the water surface, promoting evaporative cooling.

• Pros: Very cheap, easy to use, quiet.
• Cons: Drops temperature only 2–4°C, increases evaporation significantly, inconsistent.

Choosing the Right Size

Select a chiller rated for 1.5–2x your tank volume to ensure it doesn't run continuously.

| Tank Volume | Recommended Chiller Rating | |---|---| | Up to 40L | Thermoelectric or fan | | 40–100L | 1/10 HP compressor | | 100–300L | 1/4 HP compressor | | 300L+ | 1/3–1/2 HP compressor |

Installation

• Inline: Plumb the chiller into the canister filter's return line (after the filter, before it returns to the tank).
• Ventilation: Place the chiller in a well-ventilated area. The compressor exhausts heat that can warm the room and indirectly warm the tank.
• Controller: Many chillers have a built-in thermostat. Set it 1°C below your target for optimal cycling.

Trusted Brands

• Teco: Italian-made, premium quality, very quiet for a compressor chiller.
• Hailea: Affordable and reliable, the workhorse of the hobby.
• JBJ Arctica: Excellent performance and build quality.
• Boyu: Budget-friendly option for smaller setups.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

• Precision: Maintains exact target temperatures.
• Essential: Critical for temperature-sensitive species.
• Year-Round Stability: Eliminates seasonal temperature swings.

Considerations

• Cost: Compressor chillers are expensive.
• Noise: Compressor units produce audible hum and vibration.
• Heat Output: The chiller itself generates significant room heat.
• Power Consumption: High electricity draw during operation.