Chiller
By Victor Nuss
I recently had a problem on my 200 gallon reef tank. I have many power heads and a wavemaker to keep up a continuous water current throughout the tank. This and the Metal Halide lights caused an increase in temperature from 78 degrees to 85 degrees, YIKES.
I looked into buying a chiller but they are very expensive and bulky. Well it turns out I had an old colledge style mini frigerator, I checked it and it still worked. I cut holes into the side of the fridge and installed my UV sterilizer in the fridge. Now my return line from the sump feeds to the UV and then returns to the tank.
I am happy to say this dropped my water temperature to 71 degrees, Its the first time I have had to use a heater in a while. Best of all, the top portion of the fridge had room left so all of my refrigerated chemicals and frozen food keep perfect, and are now convinient to the tank. Not to mention the fridge fits under the stand. It was a win-win situation, and my tank has never been better. Its now been running like this for about 1 1/2 years and 98% touble free!!!