If your aquarium does not maintain the proper temperature even with a chiller, you can test several aspects of the chiller system to help you troubleshoot. For example, the temperature differential between the water and the thermostat setting is a clue to whether the chiller is not working at all or is just not working optimally.
Things You'll Need
- Thermometer
- Flashlight
- Paper towel
- Freon leak detection kit
Instructions
Determine what type of chiller you have, because the type of chiller will help you determine which aspects of the pump you need to test. Thermoelectric chillers, which are typically used for aquariums less than 50 gallons with a slow water flow, use a semiconductor mechanism to create a cooling action, generating heat on the opposite side. Thermoelectrics may be plumbed in-line to the sump/filter mechanism or attached via a bulkhead. The other type of chiller is refrigerant-based, using a traditional air conditioner mechanism. Refrigerant-based chillers are either plumbed in-line or are drop-in chillers that have a probe placed in the filter or sump. Some equipment dealers advertise nano-chillers, but these are typically smaller versions of thermoelectric or refrigerant-based chillers.
Take a reading of the tank̵7;s water temperature. Use a thermometer separate from the chiller thermometer to check the water temperature. If you have a sump, test the water in the sump rather than in the display tank because the lighting system can cause an artificially high temperature reading at the surface level of the water. If you don̵7;t have a sump, take the temperature reading several inches below the water surface.
Compare the water temperature with the thermostat setting on the chiller. This check provides information on the differential between the actual water temperature and the temperature setting. The temperatures will likely not be exactly the same, but if they vary more than a few degrees your chiller may need additional testing in the remaining steps to troubleshoot the problem.
If you have an in-line chiller (thermoelectric or refrigerant) inspect the plumbing for leaks. There is an outflow tube and an inflow tube, so check the fittings for water droplets on both tubes where the tubing attaches to the chiller. In addition, check where the tubing attaches to your pump assembly, such as to the UV sterilizer. You can feel for water around the fittings, use a paper towel to see if there is moisture, or use a flashlight to see reflection from any water.
For in-line or drop-in refrigerant chillers, check for Freon leaks. If your chiller uses R134a you can check it yourself with an inexpensive Freon leak detection kit commonly found in automotive stores. If your chiller uses R22, you will need to have a chiller or air conditioner repairperson check it. If you have a Freon leak, a repairperson may be able to repair the leak and then recharge the Freon.
For thermoelectric chillers, check that the fan is running. The fan is critical to producing the chiller effect. You can hear the fan running and feel the output of the warm air. Because the fan cycles on and off, you may need to observe the chiller over a period of time.
If you have an in-line chiller, inspect the tubing for blockages. Calcium and other deposits can clog up the tubing, creating a slower-than-desired flow of warm water in and cool water out, which can in turn slow cooling processes.