In-line chiller set up

125tank · Jul 12, 2017

This might be a dumb question but I'm a rookie so hope you all can understand...

I just bought a JBJ Chiller and can't wrap my head around how I should be setting it up with my apex unit. In order for the chiller to operate it'll need 2 power sources (1 for the chiller unit, and 1 for the pump unit). Which unit will the apex temp probe control?

Would the chiller unit always on and the apex temp probe will control the pump only when the temp is too high? OR would both units be controlled by apex so both will be off if temp is ok and only be turned on when temp is too high?

I have a feeling i might be overthinking it but i just wanted to make sure so i won't screw things up. Any inputs would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Dr. Reef · Jul 12, 2017

you would want the pump to keep turning water around through the chiller. reason: you dont want water just sitting in the chiller due to few reasons. it can rust the internal components, it can freeze and break stuff, sitting water can grow bacteria that can cause hydrogen sulphide gas etc. so keep the pump running. set the chiller to come on say if tank water temp is higher than 80F and to chill it down to 78F. control the chiller power through apex and set apex to power the chiller when temp goes above 80F.
This way when tank water hits 80F apex will open power to chiller which will also register 80F (give and take) and turn on and try to chill water to 78F. Once at desired temp apex will kill power to chiller.

125tank · Jul 12, 2017

Thank you! does that mean i can just plug the pump to any outlet (non-apex) and just have it run all the time similar to a return pump?

I think that makes sense now

Heliarc19 · Jul 12, 2017

wmo168 · Jul 13, 2017

I plug the Pump for chiller and the Chiller to Apex and have it fallback to on. The only useful way is to turn those off manually remotely incase you have issue. Or have the Apex turn off the chiller when your chiller pump is off. I didn't use apex to set the temperature because the chiller will do it automatically, you don't want to power on and off the chiller by the outlet.