[doctor T]

After a trip to the LFS I was informed that there is a big issue regarding the safety of chillers. I have a Pacific Coast model for my 75G reef to insure the temps stay where they should be. Is it really common that they are a fire hazard? Has anyone else heard this accusation? I have dissabled mine for the time being. They are fun people at the LFS and maybe just "pulling my crank".
DT

[blind1993]

well i have never heard about that. u can also keep them in a firesafe safe.

[doctor T]

Well that was a big help

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I dont think they are any more dangerous than a window a/c unit. And in fact they are far less complicated.Maybe you just didnt buy it a the lfs lol.

[doctor T]

I considered that amigo but they do not even sell them. Was told it was a liability issue. Not from the owner but from a guy that works there who I have found to be quite sharp and a straight shooter. He has talked me out of buying several items and was right about them.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Now I am curious.Ask him to be more specific and let us know what he says?

[jvharding]

Originally Posted by doctor T

After a trip to the LFS I was informed that there is a big issue regarding the safety of chillers. I have a Pacific Coast model for my 75G reef to insure the temps stay where they should be. Is it really common that they are a fire hazard? Has anyone else heard this accusation? I have dissabled mine for the time being. They are fun people at the LFS and maybe just "pulling my crank".
DT

There is a fire hazard with any electrical Item! The only Liability is that if a controller unit fails you could have either hot or cold tank. I had a controller fail and came home to 60 degree tank. This is the only liability I see. Refrigerant units are not a new technology when did you hear of a AC or Re fridge Start a fire. Usually Dryers are source or Cigarettes! One thing about Fish tank fires most put themselves out. Most fires are User Error! Poor wiring or circuit breaker. Hope this Helps!!!

[blind1993]

yep that is the only thing that can go wrong.

[doctor T]

I do not think you all understand the issue, From what I have been told (right or wrong) there has been a historty on chillers made in the far east , of sub standard parts that are prone to catching fire. Am I paranoid or what????

[jvharding]

Originally Posted by doctor T

I do not think you all understand the issue, From what I have been told (right or wrong) there has been a historty on chillers made in the far east , of sub standard parts that are prone to catching fire. Am I paranoid or what????

I am sorry but do you know a brand name? I have not heard of any chiller fires. I think if you pay for the premium system you would be ok, it is these fly by night systems, I would stay clear of. I would search for a UL on a particular model.

[e_baer]

also, im sure that if there is a particular brand that is known to cause fires or w/e, there would be a recall on the product.

[SweeTang22]

Originally Posted by doctor T

I do not think you all understand the issue, From what I have been told (right or wrong) there has been a historty on chillers made in the far east , of sub standard parts that are prone to catching fire. Am I paranoid or what????

i go with paranoid. i like to see that you think of the less comon though. chillers are safe but as stated earlier anything electrical around water can cause a short. if you use a GFI then you should be safe from a fire.

[blind1993]

and u can also just google it

[lynnvangsnes]

I believe the Pacific Coast chillers are some of the best. I didn't need one that big. I simply love mine. It took a lot of stress off of me worrying about my tank temp swinging from 78-85 degrees daily. Bad business. I have my chiller in the cabinet under the tank and I leave the front doors open and I have a fan blowing into the cabinet as well. A chiller is a good thing.

[jvharding]

After Discussing this issue with a reputable supplier. I was told that chiller manufactured in china have a history of the PVC Tank Blowing out. So if you buy a lower end chiller you may have an issue in 3 to 4 years. Most Premium chillers include a Titanium Tank. You get what you pay for!

[doctor T]

I have the Pacific Coast Importers model with the titanium exchange so maybe I am safe. From what the guys at the LFS told me, the problem is the controllers falult out and cause a fire. The tank breaks and puts out the fire but the tank then becomes a total loss. I estimate I have about $3000-3500 in my set up (I don't keep track as it might be depressing). To lose this would be a shame but they tell me one one guy who this happened to had $80,000 in smoke damage to his house.

[Mattfish]

So then a related question: we get a 2-3 degree Fahrenheit swing in our temps from day to night, etc. I'm told that anything less than 4 is OK. Is this safe? We swing from about 80.2 to 83.0 typically, some days more, some less.

I don't want a chiller unless I really have to have one....

[doctor T]

From all of my research a 2-3 degree F swing is no problem with most marine reef species. Having said that "most" is the key word. Research your specimins individually to asess their specific need.

On a follw up to te temperature issue, I removed the glass cover on my tank and now the chiller is not needed. My heater actually comes on now. The evaporation has increased from one gallon every 3 days to one gallon per day. I have to filter more water but I save electricty on not having to run the chiller.

Now I have a $500 chiller that is not needed. Anyone want to buy it?

[Mattfish]

Inspiration - now I gotta check my heater settings to see if I can get them more even and save some power, and avoid the chiller.

[Abaco24]

JBJ brand -set and forget it !

[Br14n55reef]

My chiller is from Aqua Logic INC 8 years old 1/5 hp NO fires here....paranoid he is lol...