Oversize Chiller concerns

speedstar · Sep 26, 2018

Currently I run a little 40g tank, the build and planning has begun for larger system. I will need a chiller on this small tank for next summer, thenew build will be well into 2019/2020. I am waiting for someone to move out as well as needing to put a header in, in place of a wall. I really don't want to invest in a small chiller and then need to replace it with a larger unit. Can I run a larger chiller on a smaller tank, will it short cycle or should it be ok as long as flow is to spec?

Thoughts

MSB123 · Sep 26, 2018

speedstar said:
Currently I run a little 40g tank, the build and planning has begun for larger system. I will need a chiller on this small tank for next summer, thenew build will be well into 2019/2020. I am waiting for someone to move out as well as needing to put a header in, in place of a wall. I really don't want to invest in a small chiller and then need to replace it with a larger unit. Can I run a larger chiller on a smaller tank, will it short cycle or should it be ok as long as flow is to spec?

Thoughts

I run an oversized on my tank. The biggest issue is that, even with an apex, it still chills enough water down so that it drops the tank temp down about 1/2 of a degree past my shutoff point. If you are getting one, make sure you have a good heater to back it up.

Dr. Dendrostein · Sep 26, 2018

Running up to 3-4 chiller at a time. If me 1/2hp good up to 600-800 gallon tank. Tip, if you can get info on weight of chiller to buy, I'd get the lightest 1/2hp chiller too. IMO

LobsterOfJustice · Sep 26, 2018

It will short cycle and possibly drop your tank by a large amount very quickly when it activates. The exact amount will vary depending on the size of chiller, flow rate, tank volume and temp, etc. You are likely to be okay a little oversized but if you go very oversized it will be a problem.