Purpose: A rather quick and inexpensive method for maintaining a steady system temperature, especially during those long hot summer months.
Materials
- Dorm-sized refrigerator (1 to 1-1/2 cubic feet).
- 50 to 100 feet of 3/8 inch hard plastic tubing (depending, vinyl isn't as good a choice here).
- PVC fittings (90 degree elbows or straight connects, threaded or slip).
- Aquarium safe Silicone sealant.
- 1/2 inch thin-wall PVC pipe (about 1 foot for the "thru-the-box" connections).
- Hand drill and 1/2 inch drill bit (or 5/16 inch if you prefer).
- Screwdrivers to fit the various hardware of the particular fridge you own.
- Rio 2500 or similar pump/powerhead to push the water through the chiller.
Materials Cost Considerations
- The fridge should set you back $89 to $199 depending on the size you choose.
- The Rio 2500 runs anywhere from $39.95 (mail order) to $69.95 at your LFS (Local Fish Store).
- The fittings, tubing and pipe shouldn't run more than $10 to $15 bucks, depending on how much and what style you choose.
- Hopefully you already have a drill and the bit(s).
Do you just need a temporary Emergency Chiller to help keep your tank temps down for a few days? Substitute an ice chest (even one of those inexpensive styrofoam ones will do) for the Dorm-sized refrigerator and fill it with ice. Drop the tubing coil in it and you are ready to start chilling!
