Chiller System

Chiller System — helps with overheating, coral stress.

Solves: Overheating, coral stress
Best for: Reef tanks, aquaculture
Price range: $200–$1500

Recommended for these conditions

A handful of the most dangerous fish diseases live or die by a few degrees. Chiller System lets you put temperature to work for you.

Where it really pays for itself is overheating, coral stress. That is the exact failure point behind several of the conditions in our library, so addressing it directly shortens treatment time and cuts re-infection.

How to use it well

KHV lethal at 22–28°C; chilling below 18°C can help survivors. Treat it as part of a protocol rather than a magic bullet — it works best alongside good husbandry and the medications matched to your specific diagnosis.

Conditions it helps with

On our disease pages you’ll see this equipment recommended for conditions such as:

KHV (cool water management)
Marine Velvet
ISA

Who it’s for

Best suited to reef tanks, aquaculture. Typical units run in the $200–$1500 range, depending on capacity and features. Use the inquiry form below to ask about a specific model, request a recommendation for your system size, or get notified when stock and pricing are confirmed.

Care & Usage Tips

Sizing & Installation

Size the chiller to remove 2–3× your expected worst-case heat load
Chiller capacity is rated in BTU/hr at a specific ambient temperature. In summer or in hot rooms, ambient temperature can be 10–15°F above the chiller’s rating conditions, dramatically reducing actual capacity. Size generously — an undersized chiller runs continuously and fails early.
Ensure 12 inches of clearance on all sides for ventilation
A refrigeration chiller expels heat from the condenser into the surrounding air. If that hot air immediately recirculates back to the condenser intake, the chiller loses efficiency rapidly. Maintain at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides and 18 inches above a top-venting unit.
Match flow rate to chiller specifications — too fast or too slow reduces efficiency
The water flowing through the chiller’s titanium heat exchanger needs adequate contact time to transfer heat effectively. Pump flow rate should match the chiller manufacturer’s recommended range — outside this range, efficiency drops 20–40%.
Use titanium or plastic plumbing — never copper with marine or brackish systems
Copper plumbing in contact with marine or brackish water leaches toxic copper ions into the system. Most quality chillers use titanium heat exchangers specifically to avoid this; ensure all connecting plumbing is also copper-free.
Insulate the tank and all plumbing runs in warm environments
A chiller working against an uninsulated glass tank in a 90°F (32°C) room is fighting a losing battle. Closed-cell foam insulation on the back and sides of the tank, and foam pipe insulation on all water lines, can reduce the chiller’s required heat removal by 30–40%.

Efficiency & Maintenance

Clean the condenser coils with compressed air every 90 days
Dust accumulates on condenser fins and acts as an insulating blanket, forcing the compressor to work harder. Blow out condenser fins with compressed air quarterly — or monthly in dusty environments. This is the single most impactful maintenance task for chiller longevity.
Check refrigerant lines for frost or ice — both indicate problems
Light frost on the suction line near the compressor is normal. Heavy ice buildup or frost on the liquid line indicates either a refrigerant leak or a blocked expansion valve. Both conditions damage the compressor over time and require professional refrigeration service.
Inspect the titanium heat exchanger for scaling quarterly
Calcium carbonate scale from hard water forms inside the heat exchanger and reduces thermal transfer efficiency. A descaling treatment with 2% citric acid solution (circulate for 30 minutes) annually maintains heat exchange performance in hard water areas.
Give the chiller rest cycles — run a heater in-line to balance
A chiller that runs nearly 24 hours a day wears the compressor rapidly. A heater thermostat set 2°F below the chiller’s setpoint creates a temperature deadband — the chiller and heater alternate, each running less frequently and lasting longer.
Store the chiller upright if removed for winter — never on its side
Laying a refrigeration chiller on its side allows compressor oil to migrate into the refrigerant circuit. When the chiller is started again, the oil slug can damage the compressor valves on the first compression stroke. Always transport and store the chiller in an upright position.

Frequently asked questions

What does Chiller System do?

The Chiller System helps control overheating, coral stress — common triggers behind fish disease.

What conditions does Chiller System help with?

Chiller System is recommended for conditions such as Epizootic Hematopoietic Necrosis (EHN), Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis (IHN), Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA), Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) Disease, and Oncorhynchus Masou Virus (OMV) Disease. Each linked disease page lists the full set of gear that helps.

Who is Chiller System for?

Chiller System is a good fit for reef tanks, aquaculture. It works for both prevention and active treatment.

How much does Chiller System cost?

Chiller System typically costs in the $200–$1500 range, depending on capacity, build quality, and features. Use the inquiry form on this page for a recommendation and current pricing.

How do you use Chiller System?

What should you know about Sizing & Installation?

Size the chiller to remove 2–3× your expected worst-case heat loadChiller capacity is rated in BTU/hr at a specific ambient temperature. In summer or in hot rooms, ambient temperature can be 10–15°F above the chiller’s rating conditions, dramatically reducing actual capacity. Size generously — an undersized chiller runs continuously and fails early.

Request info on this equipment

Ask about a specific model, request a recommendation for your system size, or get notified on pricing and availability.

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