Reefkeeper & Chiller w/ Built In Controller Question

[Bandomo]

What would be the better choice, allowing the chiller to run utilizing its built-in t-stat, or powering on/off the chiller via my Reefkeeper?

The problem I'm having with my Teco chiller is that the fan continuously stays on even thou the compressor is off. The compressor turns on 4-5 times for roughly 20 minutes throughout the day. The fan on the other hand continuously stays on for 8 hours plus. Is this normal?

Also, the fan is extremely loud so I would like to avoid running it as much as possible. Another issue is dialing the t-stat from the chiller and the t-stat from my reefkeeper to work in unison. Even thou I've calibrate both to read the same temp, one always seems to fall off track. I would love for the Reefkeeper to controller the chiller but I'm worried that constantly switching the chiller on/off can cause some damage. After all, this is not a cheap $35 heater we're talking about. What should I do?

 

[Bandomo]

???

 

[jaytizzle]

Over-cycling the compressor is more likely to be a problem. Easy to prevent that, though. Use the chiller t-stat to control the tank temp and use the controller temp sensor as the failsafe points. Set the chiller to come on at 78 and off at 76 then have the controller turn the chiller on at 78.5 or 79 and off at 75. That way you don't have to worry about much and if the chiller t-stat ever fails you have a safety built in.

 

[mikezalewski]

Jay good point on having the failsafe because that is about what i was going to say. i would use the reefkeeper as the main temp sensor because that is controling most of your setup and leaving something else to work within the system could lead to small issues. Nothing major but if you want the fan to stay off then use the reef keeper to control the chiller!

 

[Bandomo]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the ReefKeeper controlling the chiller and switching it on and off as needed. I was just concerned about continuously being switched on and off, I guess we'll see what happens. Thanks guys!