How to Pick an Aquarium Chiller

The water temperature in a fish tank is vitally important. If it gets too hot or too cold, the fish in the tank can die. Regulating the temperature can be difficult especially if you live in a hot climate. That's where an aquarium chiller comes in handy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.